Changing jobs? 6 Top tips for a smooth transition

Moving from one contract to another can be challenging. Implement our top tips to make your transition as stress-free as possible. 

Starting a new role throws up various challenges, from navigating a new workplace culture to getting to grips with different tools and software. 

Here are some ways you can make the transition less stressful. 

End your latest job on a high

In the world of contracting, you never know when contacts in the industry can come in handy. As a result, try to leave your current job amicably, and keep the details of a few key contacts. You might need them for a future reference or even another collaboration. 

Tie up any loose ends and make sure all stakeholders are pleased with your results to ensure you maintain a reputation for excellence. 

It’s also worth diarising reminders to check back in with previous colleagues from time to time to stay in the loop regarding available opportunities in your field. 

Learn lessons

One of the most significant advantages of working as a contractor is the experience you gain from working on a diverse set of projects. 

Before starting your next role, reflect on the lessons you learned from your previous role that you can take into your next one. 

Whether it relates to your communication skills or technical knowledge, almost every project teaches you something that improves your way of working. 

Get organised

Preparing as much as you can in advance of your first day will ease some of the inevitable new job anxiety. If there’s paperwork you can fill in or aspects of your new job or workplace you can research, do it before you start. That way, you’ll be able to hit the ground running from day one. 

Refreshing your knowledge of your new workplace before your first day is also a must. Scan the company’s social media and website to stay up to date with recent updates, and familiarise yourself with your new co-workers on the company page. Doing so will make it easier to remember names when you meet them in person. 

Ask questions

When you start a new role, you’ll spend part of your first few days navigating the team structure, workplace culture, and any new tools or resources. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to establish exactly what your new workplace expects of you. 

Clarifying expectations and working styles at the start will save you further challenges down the line. 

Don’t forget to actually write down the answers you get, either. You’ll receive a huge influx of new information across the first few days, so it’s worth making a note of key points. 

Get in some face time

Starting a new role requires you to quickly become acquainted not only with other staff members, but also with the wider office dynamic and the structure of the company. Even if you’re working remotely, consider making regular visits to the site and grabbing a coffee with colleagues. 

This will help you not only stay in the loop with other stakeholders in your projects, but also build personal relationships more quickly. 

Allow yourself downtime

There are no two ways about it - starting a new job can be hard work. There’s a lot of information to take in and new social dynamics to navigate. 

To set yourself up for success, make sure you’re winding down sufficiently when you’re not working. By getting enough sleep, eating well, and looking after your mental health, you’ll go into new assignments with the energy you need to hit the ground running.

 

For more advice and useful resources on starting a new job click here.

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