How to start a new role remotely

How to Get a New Job Online

The first-day jitters are normal. What do I wear? What time should I get up? Will my coworkers give me odd stares? Will my team like me? Depending on one’s personality, the thought of spending this first day out of office either calms these or makes it worse. The new concerns are a bit different. How can I reach out to my group? What if the new technology crushes for some reason? Can I be offered any aid when no one is here?

Many businesses put their hiring on hold during the initial national lockdown and the outbreak of the pandemic so as to wait until things went back to “normal.” For many of us who had been thinking about moving jobs, we decided against changing roles; it would be best to wait for the storm and see what comes out in the sun.

However, as time wore on with no obvious resolution in sight, it became clear that we had entered into an era of ‘new normal’ and job market recovery was now more vigorous albeit slightly different with online interviewing processes and virtual on-boarding becoming a norm.

For most business support staff, this remote on-boarding process is uncharted territory. To help you through your first few weeks, we’ve compiled six invaluable tips.

Expect something different in your orientation

It is understandable that starting a new job at this period will be very different from starting just about any other role you have held before for most people. Moreover, each organisation has its own procedures because government regulations change rapidly. For example, while some companies may run all their operations online or by use of video conferencing machines other might organise physical distanced meetings with newly recruited employees. Sending an email either asking line manager or HR contact person what should be expected can assist prepare yourself adequately.

Ensure you are utilising relevant technology

Even if you have been a remote worker for quite sometime, each employer has its own way of ensuring the process is easy and comfortable. Does your new employer provide certain technology tools for you? Are all the internet connections functioning well? Do you have the latest downloads for various platforms? It is important to establish whether there is a particular portal through which you can access any materials that might be necessary for your work. Also try to sort these out as soon as possible. Joining IT, even at this point in time, does not hurt.

Stay connected with colleagues

What do you know about your new team? During and after the interview process, you may have had several calls with your line manager. They might know just a little bit about who they are dealing with. However as it appears that occasion like having meals together, going for drinks or bonding days are far from reality since we would be forced to embrace online alternatives instead. To get things started in this direction, one could send an email to the team on their first day introducing themselves and stating what they will be doing at the company. Moreover feel free to share some extra private information such as hobbies so that people will see more of a person behind just a name on a screen. Ask every member of the team to respond similarly; this shall help you learn more about them and understand who does exactly what and whom to contact should anything go wrong.

Check if virtual team social has been organised by your boss yet or request him/her well in advance if no such plan has been made yet: asking whether he/she can organise something like Zoom quiz or similar event is another way of keeping everything under control but in an entertaining and relaxed atmosphere.

Know how your group communicates

This applies to both individual employees and groups as a whole. What software does everyone use most often? Is it an email chain, Teams chat or group WhatsApp chat that one needs participate in? It is important to note that at the beginning, one might also find out that a different level of formality may exist in each of these.

Each member of your team might have a preferred method of communication. For instance, it might be advisable to contact Lucy through a quick Teams note while Sam would require you calling him and Tom only responds to emails. If you are aware about these insignificant things your new position will be much simpler for you.

Ask many questions

This is a brand-new role whereby initially nothing will really make sense regardless how well planned it was. You should feel free to ask as many questions as necessary with no such thing as silly inquiry.

It is also another way to keep in touch with your group. Identifying the right individuals to approach regarding certain issues can enable one solve them as quickly as possible. Alternatively, try calling instead of emailing so that more personal interaction and any other additional queries could be addressed easily.

Everything should be listed

All the questions you ask of your self cannot be mentally noted. On the other hand, you can choose to prepare a document in your computer which holds all the details you may need or have a notebook where you jot down reminders. One of the best things about home-based activities is having complete control over one’s work area. Such notes can be placed anywhere desired without any fear of being commented upon! You could write down key information and place it somewhere near you out of sight from webcam so that even if it is just a list of name, etc., then during important call/meeting you will not forget what requires doing.

Embarking on a new job remains one of the most dramatic moments in life. We hope these six tips will help you with that new role while working remotely nowadays.

Are you still hunting for your dream job? Check this page for fresh vacancies at Diversejobsmatter!