INTRODUCTION:

Welcome. You're reading a transcript on Links at Bain and Gray, a catalogue of podcasts centred on all things business support in the workplace. Our aim is to bring you interesting and relevant content that will keep you up to date and thriving in your role.

Tray: Welcome to Links Bitesize. I’m your host today, Tray Durrant, and I’m joined by...

Emily: Emily Bain.

Tray: Today, we're sharing our top tips for starting a new role. Emily, let’s kick off with your overview, what are the key considerations?

Emily: There are a few obvious but essential tips we can offer. Starting a new job is a real rollercoaster, you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. You've been hired because people believe in you, but from day one, you're adapting to a new environment and learning the ropes.

The most crucial thing? Maintain a positive attitude and show enthusiasm. Arrive early, but not too early, and focus on building rapport with your colleagues. Step out of your comfort zone, introduce yourself, and be proactive. People will notice and remember your effort.

One of the biggest keys to success in your first month is listening.

The Power of Listening and Observation

Tray: Absolutely! 100%.

Emily: Observing and listening during those first weeks is so important. Soak it all up. Pay attention to the company's norms, values, and communication styles, it may be completely different from anywhere you’ve worked before. Understanding expectations, deadlines, and even break patterns will help you fit in faster.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions. I love it when new joiners are curious, it shows interest and a willingness to learn. Even basic questions like where the coffee machine is, it’s better to ask than stay unsure.

Preparing Before Day One

Tray: Once you're in and building rapport, you can still give yourself a head start even before day one. What prep do you recommend?

Emily: One of the most valuable things you can do is take time off between jobs—if you can. Even a week can give you headspace to decompress, reset, and be ready to start fresh.

Tray: It’s like a reboot.

Emily: Exactly. And don’t stop with the research you did for the interview. Revisit it. Dive a little deeper into areas relevant to your new role.

Tray: That’s a great point. Often the research you did for the interview may have been weeks or even months ago by the time you start. Re-engaging with it helps reset your perspective.

Emily: Also, find out what to expect on day one. Any good business will have a proper induction plan. Look up the people you’ll be working with on LinkedIn. Learn about their background, career paths, and see where you might have things in common.

Tray: That definitely helps remove some of the fear of the unknown.

Emily: Exactly! It makes everything feel a bit more familiar.

Blending In and Standing Out

Tray: And don’t forget the practical stuff, like what people wear to work! You want to feel comfortable on your first day, ideally leaning towards the smarter side of casual. It’s fine to ask about the dress code, it shows you're thinking ahead.

Emily: Definitely. It’s important to dress appropriately so you feel confident and at ease. You don’t want to show up in a suit if it’s a relaxed, creative environment, or the reverse.

Final Encouragement

Emily: My final and possibly most important piece of advice is this: the people who hired you want you to succeed. Everyone has been the "new person" at some point. Your team will have empathy and will want to help you settle in and thrive.

So have fun! Enjoy your new role. Make the most of those early weeks to get to know the company and your team. Throw yourself in and go for it.

Tray: Enjoy! Thanks, Emily.