Top 10 tips for starting a new job

Starting a new job can bring with it a lot of mixed feelings. Especially if you’ve been out of work for a long period of time, or if you’re starting from an entry level position in a new industry. You may feel excited, anxious, nervous, lacking in confidence, or a mix of everything.

Our Pre-Employment Support team have provided some top tips of how best to prepare yourself for re-entering employment before your first day in your new role begins.

1. Plan how to get there

You should spend some time researching the travel time and location of your workplace. If travelling by public transport, find out how frequent the local buses/trains run for your commute and plan ahead.

How long is the commute?
Is it typically busier when you need to set off?
Is the nearest bus stop or train station within walking distance to your workplace?

If you’re driving, find out what the parking arrangements are. Does your company have its own car park? Or will you need to find a nearby pay and display or multi-storey car park? It might be worth speaking to the HR manager before you start to help answer these questions for you.

It’s also a good idea to check the local weather report, as well as the traffic and travel news before you set off, so you’re aware of any potential delays on your commute.

2. Go over the job role you've been given

It’s important to be clear of your role and responsibilities before starting a new job, just so there’s no surprises when you start.

Ask yourself;

What did your new employer tell you about the business?
Are you clear about your working hours and what’s expected of you?
Are you expected to work weekends and/or bank holidays?
What systems or technology will you be asked to use?
Will you be working as part of a team?
Will you be asked to manage anyone as part of your role?
Will you come into contact with the general public? Is it a customer/client facing role?

3. Research your new company

It sounds obvious, but you should have a clear idea about the company you’re going to work for before you start working for them.

Where do they sit in their particular sector?
Are they market leaders?
Is it a large, medium or small sized business?
What are they like to work for?

These are all questions you should have answers to before starting, so you have a clear idea in your mind of the type of business you’ll be working for.

Top Tip: Have a look at the company's 'About Us' page on their website. This may help you familiarise yourself with their current staff members and the people/team you're likely to be working with.

4. Get your outfit prepared

It’s always a good idea to prepare your outfit or uniform the night before your first day in a new job. Make sure it’s freshly cleaned and ready the night before so you have one less thing to worry about in the morning.

5. Pack anything you might need in a folder or a bag

This could include any important paperwork you’ve been asked to bring with you, such as your ID, your right to work documents, or a proof of address.

It could also be something as simple as a notepad and pen. Getting a bag prepared to take with you is always a good idea.

6. Learn the company rules

Take some time to familiarise yourself with what is expected of you and the general rules to follow within your new workplace.

Have a read through your contract in detail so you’re aware of the company policies when it comes to things like annual leave, lunch breaks and dress codes.

7. Take some lunch

You might find that your first day is a busy one, with new people to meet, inductions to complete and documents to sign. You may not have chance to grab something to eat from the canteen, local café or nearby supermarkets.

Preparing and packing some lunch to take with you might be best for the first few days until you get comfortable with the local area and your surroundings.

8. Get ready to talk!

It’s fairly typical for your new employer to introduce you to lots of new faces within your first few days, so you could prepare a few things you might want to say to help introduce yourself when meeting your new colleagues for the first time.

9. Be proactive, not reactive

Make yourself available to your manager and ask if there’s anything they need you to take a look at while you’re getting used to your new role. They should appreciate how forthcoming you are by showing a willingness to “get stuck in” to your new job.

Top Tip: If you finish a task that's been asked of you - ask if there's anything else you can help with. Showing this type of willingness will stand you in good stead with your superiors and help make a great first impression in your first few days.

10. Remember, they hired YOU!

Finally, it’s worth reminding yourself that you got the job! Be confident in yourself and your capabilities. There’s a reason you were hired in the first place!

Pre-Employment Training

As a training provider, we want to help unemployed individuals in the UK get back into work. All of our fully funded pre-employment training courses play an important role in preparing you for the world of work.

Our pre-employment courses deliver qualifications which are specific to the employer who will be interviewing you upon course completion. We run these online and in various locations throughout the UK on a weekly basis. We can help prepare you for employment in sectors such as:

You can find out more about our Pre-Employment training services by emailing: [email protected] – or give us a call: 0161 474 7603

Back2Work Complete Training provide Pre-Employment Training throughout the UK.

Pre-Employment Training works great as both a recruitment service for employers and an employment service for those who are unemployed.

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