Description
Starting a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You’ve gone through the application process, nailed the interviews, and secured the offer. But now comes the transition, which often involves stepping into a new environment with unfamiliar faces, expectations, and workflows. The good news? You can make this transition smoother by connecting with your new colleagues, managers, and team before your official first day.
Building relationships and gathering information ahead of time can reduce your first-day anxiety, help you hit the ground running, and lay the foundation for success. Here’s how you can make your transition into a new role smoother by connecting beforehand.
1. Reach Out to Your Manager Early
Your manager will be one of the most critical figures in your success at your new job. They’ll set expectations, guide your initial tasks, and help you acclimate to the company culture. By establishing communication before your start date, you can gain clarity on what to expect and how to prepare.
Clarify expectations: A quick chat or email with your manager to ask about priorities, early tasks, or what you can prepare for will help you feel more confident going into your first day.
Align on onboarding schedule: Understanding what your first week or month will look like—whether it involves training, team meetings, or independent work—will give you peace of mind.
Build rapport: Take the time to get to know your manager on a personal level, even if it’s just exchanging pleasantries or sharing what excites you about the role. Building a positive working relationship from the start sets the tone for open communication later on.
2. Get to Know Your Team Before Day One
Your colleagues will be the people you interact with the most, and starting those relationships early can make the workplace feel less intimidating. Connecting with your team beforehand can help break the ice and give you a head start on building trust and camaraderie.
Send a friendly introduction: Once you’ve accepted the offer, ask for an introduction to the team. Whether it's a group email or a quick video call, this simple gesture will help make your first day feel less like meeting strangers and more like reuniting with familiar faces.
Join company social channels: Many companies have Slack channels, WhatsApp groups, or other informal ways to communicate. Being part of these conversations before you officially join can help you feel integrated early and learn about the team's dynamics.
Ask for a buddy: Some companies assign new hires a buddy or mentor to help them settle in. If this isn’t a formal part of the onboarding process, consider asking your manager if there’s someone on the team who can act as your informal guide during your first few weeks.
3. Leverage LinkedIn to Build Connections
One of the easiest and most professional ways to connect before starting your new job is through LinkedIn. Most people are already active on the platform, making it a great tool for building relationships with your future colleagues.
Connect with your team: After you’ve received your official offer, send connection requests to your new manager, teammates, and other relevant colleagues. Include a short message mentioning that you’re excited to join the team and looking forward to working with them.
Follow company updates: Stay up to date on what’s happening at your new company by following their LinkedIn page. This will give you insights into any major announcements, product launches, or team achievements, so you can start your new job with some relevant talking points.
Research your new coworkers: While you don’t want to come across as a stalker, learning more about your colleagues' roles and backgrounds can help you identify areas of commonality and ways to connect more personally when you meet.
4. Clarify Tech Setup and Tools
Starting a new job often means navigating unfamiliar systems and tools. Whether it's software, communication platforms, or access to certain files, getting ahead of these technical details will help you feel less overwhelmed on day one.
Ask about tech onboarding: Will you need a specific laptop, software, or tools to start? Check in with HR or your manager to confirm whether your company will be providing you with equipment and when it will arrive.
Learn about key tools: If your new workplace uses tools like Slack, Asana, Trello, or Salesforce, and you’re unfamiliar with them, ask if there are any tutorials or resources you can review in advance. Familiarizing yourself with the systems early will give you more confidence during onboarding.
Access email and intranet early: If possible, get your company email address or login details for any internal platforms before your start date. This allows you to set up your profile, familiarize yourself with internal resources, and check any pre-boarding materials.
5. Set Up Informal Coffee Chats
If you have time before your start date, consider scheduling informal coffee chats—virtually or in person—with a few key people in the organization. This can be a great way to get to know colleagues in a low-pressure setting and establish early connections.
Identify key stakeholders: These might be team leaders, cross-functional partners, or people in departments that you'll be working closely with. A 15-minute introduction or chat over coffee (or video) can help you build relationships and understand their roles within the organization.
Be curious: During these informal chats, ask about the company culture, team dynamics, and any advice they have for you as a new hire. This can provide valuable insights that you might not get from formal onboarding materials.
6. Get a Head Start on Company Culture
Company culture can often feel abstract until you’re living and breathing it. However, by engaging early and asking questions, you can get a sense of what to expect and how to navigate the cultural nuances of your new workplace.
Ask about company values: Take time to understand the core values of the organization and how they play out in day-to-day interactions.
Are meetings highly collaborative or more structured? Is there an emphasis on flexibility and autonomy, or is communication more formal and frequent?
Observe communication styles: If you’ve already joined a team Slack channel or email thread, pay attention to how people communicate. Are they more casual or formal? Do they share personal updates, or is the conversation strictly work-related?
Learn about traditions: Some companies have specific traditions, whether it’s a weekly happy hour, monthly team lunches, or regular team-building activities. Familiarize yourself with these so you’re not caught off guard when these events occur.
7. Prepare Questions for Your First Week
Once you've done your pre-job connecting, you’ll likely have a clearer picture of the role, team, and expectations. However, this process may also generate new questions. Make a list of things you want to ask when you officially start, ensuring you're as prepared as possible for your first week.
Clarify your role and goals: While your manager may have shared some initial information, the first week is a great time to confirm key goals, priorities, and success metrics.
Ask about team processes: Whether it’s how the team runs meetings, what the preferred communication channels are, or how they handle feedback, make sure you understand the day-to-day operations of your team.
Discuss long-term career development: While this conversation is typically more suited for your first month, keep it in mind to align your expectations and growth opportunities with your manager early on.
Starting a new job can feel overwhelming, but by proactively connecting with your manager, team, and colleagues before day one, you can ease the transition and walk into your new role with confidence. Building relationships early, familiarizing yourself with company tools, and preparing questions will not only make you feel more prepared but will also position you as an engaged, proactive, and thoughtful new team member from the start.
So, before your first day, take the initiative to reach out, connect, and engage. You'll be glad you did when you step into your new workplace already feeling like part of the team!