I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about starting a new role and being unable to meet my colleagues in person. But having lost my previous job to redundancy at the end of 2020, it was pretty inevitable that I’d have to get my head around such situations. I definitely made the right choice using Love Success as my London recruitment agency because they found me a new role quickly, and that helped to ensure the nerves didn’t have time to take root.
The job I’m in now was advertised as a temporary position — many are now being advertised as such — but it looks like this one might become permanent. I’m working as a marketing executive, and I’ve been here for nearly three weeks.
It is possible
I guess the first thing I’d say is that it is possible to start a new job remotely, and that it will be okay. I’ve only been here a short time, but I feel completely integrated into the team, and I don’t feel like I’m on the outside because I haven’t met my co-workers in person.
I was impressed because within three days of accepting the job, I took delivery of a laptop and mobile. I then received a package of stationery supplies. I also had a video call with the facilities department, and they assessed for anything else I needed.
Before my first day, I was also set up on the company LMS, and induction training was supplied on there.
I was given a schedule of video calls for my first day. This looked a little overwhelming, but it meant that I got to meet everyone very quickly. My line manager took the time to dip in and out of each different call, giving me the continuity I needed and helping me get a very clear picture of what I could do to hit the ground running.
Beyond the first day, other meetings are regularly scheduled into my diary. These are check-in style meetings so that we can actively review how I’m doing.
My advice for others
If you’re looking to move jobs now, or have to because of redundancy, I’d say don’t panic. It’s not as scary as you think. My entire hiring process was done over video calls, and it all worked out.
With hindsight, however, I think it would have been better to ask more questions during the hiring process. Things have worked out for me, but that’s because my new company have put a lot of thought into remote on-boarding. I would ask:
- Has anyone else started with you remotely? How’s that gone?
- Do you have a structured remote on-boarding process?
- Can you tell me what my first day and week will involve?
- How will I get to know my colleagues, team, and workplace culture?
Getting this information before you accept the job will give you really good insight. I’ve got to say I’m surprised at how easy it’s been to do, and I don’t feel like I’ve missed out on not meeting my colleagues in person.
If you’re looking to change jobs whilst many are working remotely, you can give us a call on 020 7870 7177.
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