New job starters share tips on navigating first days at work

Starting a new job can be challenging, but fresh employees say clear communication and building relationships help ease the transition. They advise newcomers to be open-minded and ask for help when needed to manage workload and unfamiliar tasks, according to a recent discussion.

New employees described their first days as filled with virtual meetings and introductions. One said, "I got to meet everyone virtually in the morning meeting, we went around and did mini introductions." Coming from university, they were used to a more independent style of work but found the new environment involved "loads of meetings throughout the day and regular call check-ups."

They stressed the importance of letting managers and teams know if tasks become difficult or the workload is too much. "They don’t expect you to know everything so make sure to communicate with them if things become unfamiliar or if you feel like you have too much on your plate and need a hand," one shared.

Adjusting from university’s intense pace, another noted, "Having my line manager encourage me to slow down was an adjustment." They advised others to ask for help early, saying, "My tip for others is to ask for help when you need it, the sooner the better."

Building relationships beyond immediate teams was highlighted as key to accessing opportunities. "Building relationships and understanding how an organisation operates is equally important," one said, adding, "My tip for others is to build relationships beyond just your immediate team as this is the best way to expose yourself to multiple opportunities."

Being curious and open-minded rather than feeling the need to know everything from day one was also recommended. One employee reflected, "For me, being a valuable member of my company is important," and credited attending company events and saying yes to opportunities for helpful interactions.

Some admitted initial hesitation to ask for help, feeling they lacked the skills to be there, but encouraged others to overcome this. The shared experiences underline that communication, patience, and relationship-building are vital for new starters to settle in and succeed.