6 Tips for Starting a Job During COVID-19

Starting a new job can be stressful on its own, and starting one during a global panic pandemic only heightens those anxieties. There’s a whole new set of challenges that may seem insurmountable when you’re acclimating to a new role during the coronavirus.

However, with the right mindset and a willingness to adapt to a rapidly evolving work environment, you can act on your career goals and successfully thrive in your new position.

To help ease your transition, we’ve outlined some tips to keep in mind that will help you stay grounded and make a great first impression.

Reconnect with and expand your network

If your new job has you working from home, it can be hard to expand your network and meet everyone on the team and in your company. Take this time to go out of your way to introduce yourself to your new co-workers, even if you don’t work directly with them. Send them an email or set up a quick coffee video chat before you log on for the day and pick their brain about what they do and their experiences. Make an impression right from the beginning.

[Read: Business Ideas That Will Emerge Out of the Pandemic]

Learn the company culture

When starting a new position, not only are you learning your new routine and responsibilities, but you also have to learn something less tangible: your company’s culture. What are everyone’s overall goals? What do they value? How formal or casual is the work environment? Be extra attuned to the way people talk about your company in meetings and emails. For direct answers, ask your mangers and co-workers about their perception of the company’s culture as you’re introducing yourself.

Offer to help

No matter the situation, people love to be helped. Everyone takes kindly to someone who is interested in what they do and wants to assist them. In your onboarding and introductory calls, take an extra moment to ask your peers about their daily responsibilities and ask them how you can help them through your role. You’ll get some positive responses and instantly start building work bonds that will help the workflow of both you and your co-workers.

Find a mentor or a coach

The best way to learn about a company is to learn from someone you directly aspire to be like. They could have a position you wish to hold in the future or have a work style that you admire. New experiences are easier when you go through them with someone else. Having a go-to person to ask questions, get advice from and build a personal relationship with will make all the difference in the beginning. They’re also invested in your professional growth and can help you navigate the company and industry.

Ask thoughtful questions

When you’re starting a new job, you’re bound to have an endless amount of questions. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask them. Prioritize what you need to know now, such as how people like to be communicated with and company procedures. Keep a running list of nonessential questions that you’re curious about to ask at once or when the time is appropriate.

Develop a daily routine

Under normal circumstances, when you start a job in an office, your stress dissipates as you build a routine and understand your day to day. Even though you’re more flexible at home, create a daily routine in your home office. Wake up, eat lunch and take breaks at the same time every day. You’ll feel more in control and feel assimilated to your new job.

Starting a new job is incredibly intimating but don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions and make an impression, especially during a time when you may not see co-workers and managers in person for months.

[Read: Job Hunting in a Pandemic? How to Improve Your Chances of Landing a Job]

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