WORKING FROM HOME IN A LONELY WINTER (3): STARTING A NEW JOB IN LOCKDOWN (WITH SOME HINTS FOR THE REST OF US AS WELL)

Some people are starting new jobs during lockdown.  Many trainees and pupils are also embarking upon their careers.  This post was actually suggested by someone doing just that – starting their (deferred) training contract early next year.  There are now additional things to worry about beyond the normal concerns of new employment. The links here are aimed at people in that situation, however many of the points made apply just as much to those who are long established in the workplace.  We also need to give some thought to the extra work that needs to be done by those who are working with the new arrivals, particularly trainees and pupils.  These links give some general help and include a discussion  the difficulties of starting  a training contract during a pandemic.

Tech Republic – Tips for starting a new job during the coronavirus pandemic

“Unfortunately, even with a premium suite of remote collaborative tools cannot fully replicate the face-to-face experience of in-person communication. That said, new hires in particular are faced with a vast spectrum of challenges when onboarding to a new company amid a modern plague.”

Vox – How to make the most of starting a new job remotely

“At the end of the day, it’s about showing up with your true self and really talking to people as you would in person,”

The Muse – Starting a New Job Remotely During Coronavirus? Here’s What You Need to Know to Succeed

“If a coworker reaches out by email or chat with an assignment or task, see if you can schedule a phone call or video meeting to discuss the project, Parsont says. Ask them questions to better understand their role, what they need you to accomplish, and what their priorities are, she says. This will help you understand how your work relates to larger projects and goals within the organization, allow you to fulfill their request as best you can, enable you to get up to speed more quickly, and ultimately make it easier for you to succeed at your job.”

Inside Higher Ed – Five Strategies for Navigating a New Job in a Crisis

“Starting a new position, whether mid-year or during the traditional hiring period, often requires patience with processes. Anything from human resources checklists to having the IT department establish your computer system to even getting an identification card to enter your office building often takes time.”

BBC – Coronavirus: What’s it like to start a new job when working remotely?

““In some ways video calls are even better than face-to-face encounters in the office,” says Nicole. It can be easier getting to know people in their natural, home environment, she reckons.”

CNBC – What it’s like to apply for — and start — a job during the coronavirus pandemic

“I would say, not to kind of worry too much about the business side of it in your first week. Try and set up calls and talk to everyone more on a personal level.”

Today – Starting a new job during the coronavirus pandemic? Here’s what I’ve learned

“At a new job, you usually want to go above and beyond to prove that your new company made a good choice. When I was going through this phase, I was inside all day because there was a pandemic outside my front door. I took basically every assignment I was given because, hey, what else was there to do? With the coronavirus keeping us home more than usual for several more months at least, I’d advise making the most of your work hours and putting in a little extra, if you want. But know that no one is expecting you to work yourself into exhaustion just because you’re new.”

Nature – How I navigated a new job during the coronavirus pandemic

“During leadership meetings, I learnt not to worry about regularly asking awkward or dumb questions”

US Chamber of Commerce – 6 Tips for Starting a Job During COVID-19

“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.”

Legal Cheek – Future City trainee goes public with concerns about doing training contract remotely

“Indeed, it can be a daunting prospect for incoming trainees: most law firms encourage ‘facetime’ among their junior ranks since they’re learning the ropes, after all. They might face a longer lead time from September given that they’re adjusting to a new firm under new conditions and will have to get to grips with new systems that they would normally pick up in-person during the induction.”