Your first week in a new IT job is an exciting time. You’ve aced the interview, accepted the job offer and probably even celebrated already and now your first day is looming. In this article, we’ve put some top tips together to help you ease the transition into your new work setting and help you make an excellent first impression.
Make sure you have time to prepare for your position. You’ll have tech systems and projects to learn about in a new IT job. You’ll also meet new teams and learn to adapt to another company’s culture. Research the company in advance and find out as much as possible before you begin.
Where do I begin researching the company where I start my new IT job?
You will have a lot of information to absorb during your first week, so it’s helpful to find out as much information as possible in advance to avoid feeling overwhelmed. The following sources of information are valuable:
The company handbook. If you have a copy, read through all the basic information and highlight the relevant points. The company handbook contains practical information and often gives you insight into the company’s mission and values. Take notes on information that you want to clarify and prepare a few questions to ask your supervisor.
The website. You should find comprehensive information on the company website. Most company websites have an “About Us” page with information about the management team and key professionals. Knowing co-workers’ names is a real bonus and an awareness of their roles can be helpful if you need to ask questions during the first week.
Social media pages. Most companies will have an active social media presence where you can gain invaluable information and good insight into the company culture. You can even engage with the company and look up the profiles of key team members.
Supervisor. A quick email or phone call to your supervisor a couple of days before you start your new job is a good idea. Check out the times of meetings that you need to attend and ask what the new company expects from you during your first week. It shows initiative and helps establish a connection before starting work.
Professionals who already work there. Having a contact who works in the company can be a real bonus and means you will get the valuable information you need, like whether there’s a canteen or vending machine available or who to consult if you have questions.
Top tips for your first day in a new IT job
While new job jitters are very normal a little bit of advanced preparation will help you stay calm and avoid getting in a flap on your first day. Follow the tips below to get off to a flying start in your new IT job.
Check out the dress code.
You will want to look professional and blend in with coworkers, so find out the dress code in advance. Dress smartly for your first week and then maybe adopt a more casual look if your coworkers are wearing more casual clothes.
Find out what documents you need to complete the paperwork and have them all ready. Carry your documents in a smart bag or briefcase. Have a pen and notepad handy to take down notes.
Make an effort to remember peoples’ names. There will be lots of new names and learning them makes all the difference. It helps you win people over and establish credibility faster. Listen to coworkers and ask relevant questions.
If you’re assigned a specific project, find out as many details about it as you can. Identify the challenges your colleagues have encountered with the project. Find out who is project managing it and familiarise yourself with the completion deadlines. Start tracking the project early. Although it may be tempting, don’t take on too many projects at once. Identify an area that you’re familiar with and set small achievable goals while you’re settling in.
Be organised and punctual. Practice the commute to the office to figure out when you have to leave home in the morning. Even if you’re tired, stay at work until you’ve completed all your work in the early days and if there are after-work events, make an effort to attend.
Attend orientation sessions. These are important and your attendance will be noted so remember to go to them. Put your phone away and stay alert and engaged in the sessions.
Engage with your coworkers. Focus on building relationships. Find out where they have lunch and coffee breaks and ask if you can join them. If you want to make changes or try new initiatives take your time. It’s important to build trust before making too many changes in the new workplace.
Listen to your supervisor and strike a balance between asking questions and showing how much you know. In the early days update your supervisor on your progress to show the value you’re bringing to the company. Find out when performance reviews take place. Get feedback on your performance and learn as much as possible.
Things to avoid in your first week in a new IT job
Avoid engaging with negativity and office gossip. Although it might be intriguing and tempting to join in, stay neutral. You’ll be under observation and will need to gain the trust of your new employers. In the early days identify the top performers and make an effort to introduce yourself to them to learn faster.
Avoid talking about your previous job too much. Even if it gives you something to talk about, don’t talk too much about your last job. If you criticise it you may be perceived as negative. On the other hand, if you talk about how great it was coworkers will switch off quickly and wonder why you left.
To conclude
Starting a new job is a demanding process. Take time to relax in the evenings after work and treat yourself to nutritious meals that are easy to prepare. Do something you enjoy after work and get plenty of fresh air. Feeling nervous at a new job is normal and adrenalin can help you stay more mentally alert and motivated. Be kind to yourself. If things don’t run as smoothly as you hoped, it will get better. Pace yourself and you’ll start to feel more relaxed at work within a few weeks.
It usually takes about 90 days to learn the ropes of a new job and IT jobs involve continuous research and upskilling. If you’re considering looking for a new IT job, check out the latest IT jobs at Archer IT Recruitment.
Once you’ve settled into the job, set aside some time after work to keep abreast of developments in the IT sector. Read blogs and papers and find out trends in app developments and hard and software progression. Look out for professional development opportunities in the sector that will progress your career. Allocate time to do this but set boundaries and don’t overdo it. Take time to unwind and have fun outside working hours. You deserve it.