Starting a new job remotely - 5 things I've learnt along the way!

Well its been a very quick three months since I started with Fulkrum!

Starting a new job is exciting but even more challenging when you are in the middle of a national lockdown for you and your new employer. You have to meet your new team remotely over video and hope that the delivery driver gets your laptop etc delivered to you in time for your first day!

So what have I learnt about starting a new job in these strange times we find ourselves in and what tips would I share?

1 - TIME! - Rome wasn't built in a day....

Starting a new job is challenging but trying to understand new processes and meet new colleagues remotely is hard. You will also receive a lot of information to take on board from processes, client lists, company contacts, corporate info etc - it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed and unsure where to begin!

Don't put pressure on yourself (I'm bad at this!) – take your time to read through onboarding documents and give yourself some space to gather your thoughts. In roles like mine, you really need to understand your service before you go pitching to prospective clients and contacts. I always strive to make that initial impact and make a good first impression, but you need to remain focussed, organised and above all realistic!

I’m 3 months into my new role and it still feels like I’m experiencing information overload! Its easy to beat yourself up over this, feeling that you aren't taking everything in or don't know where to start..... Accept that it will take a little longer to understand all elements of your new role. I still plan out my day as to what prospects I'm going to speak to and give my team a shout for any information I foresee a potential client may ask.

2 - Reach out for help!

How much do we miss the quick chat with colleagues when making a coffee or being able to walk over to someone's desk with a question? doing this via one of the video platforms somehow feels a bit more "formal", similar to sending a meeting request. However, employers will recognise that starting a new job in a the current pandemic will pose its own host of challenges. In my experience, everyone has been really supportive and helpful - so do ask questions, everyone is living through the lockdown and going through their own challenges as well. Don't be afraid to reach out for help, its not a weakness and don't allow issues or concerns to stack up as it can lead to self doubt.

I've also reached out to my network to help me in my new role - to assist me with areas I feel that I need to further develop and enhance. I've been grateful that many have got back to me and offered wise words and an ear for my queries! Which leads nicely on to....

3 - Build your network

Prior to my new role I had been in the drilling sector for ten years. So I actively researched current and potential contacts of mine that would be interested in my new companies services for QA/QC Inspection services. A warm introduction to a new contact is always best and I've often asked for existing contacts on LinkedIn for example to make an introduction before sending an invite to connect. Don't be disheartened if a connection request is ignored, just keep fine tuning your target audience and your approach.

I've also attended a number of free online webinars with companies/organisations to connect with speakers who I can start a conversation with. Interacting with the speakers before, during and after the event is a great way to make an introduction before sending that connection request and building rapport. I've also found it has increased my knowledge of prospective clients, what their issues are and how I could potentially offer them a solution.

4 - Structure your day..... and get some air!

It can be difficult to retain focus when you start at a company from being overwhelmed with information to everyone wanting a piece of your time. When working from home, ensure you have a quiet place to work and its free from distractions (harder with the school holidays now in full flow!). Get in to a routine of setting yourself up for the day ahead - I often plan what I'm doing the night before and then review what my inbox is looking like in the morning so I know what I'm tackling and when. Take short breaks away from your screen - grab a coffee, get out at your lunch break for some fresh air as it is hard work looking at a screen for 8+ hours a day. Keep hydrated too - plenty of water!

5 - Remember to switch off....

When you are working from home and your work computer is also at home it can be difficult to switch off. I have two young girls who also want to spend some time with their dad when he finishes work and its good to also catch up with my wife to see how her day went too. You need to ensure you are separating your home and business life as there is demands on your time with both. Try and get finished on time, go for a walk and get some fresh air - this will help you unwind and also make you more productive!

In conclusion.....        

I'm sure most of us that have started a new job during the last year or so have ended most of their video calls with their new teams by saying "once this is all over we can grab a bite to eat or a drink and finally meet each other!" - getting back to some form of normality – whatever that may be!

We have started returning to the office a few days a week since last month and weirdly it was like joining the company all over again! It was great to finally meet my new colleagues face to face for the first time and finally grab that bite to eat and a beer!