INTRODUCTION:
A job seeker asked, “What will I do during my first week at my new job?”
FIRST-WEEK ACTIVITIES:
There are some standard first-week activities that employers are required by law to complete each time they onboard a new employee. Then, there are some others that many complete to make their new team member feel welcomed. This is called the employee experience. Regardless of where you work in the US, your first week on the new job will likely involve many of these ten activities.
ACTIVITIES DETAILED:
- MEET WITH HUMAN RESOURCES – You will likely spend a good portion of your day with HR. They will verify your employment eligibility which is required by law. So, on your first day, you will let them see documents from the list on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services site. This will complete your I9 process.
- NEW EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION – Human Resources usually runs this show as well. It can last from a couple hours to a few days. During “NEO” as I like to call it, you learn about your new employer and the benefits and perks they offer. You also get to meet other new employees and learn how each of your positions contribute to the company’s success. You will likely also sign for your employee handbook and learn about key policies and company culture.
- TRAINING – Most employers require new hire training on cybersecurity, ethics, and anti-harassment. So, expect to spend a at least a couple of hours on these topics during your first week.
- EMPLOYEE ID, PARKING AND EQUIPMENT – Make sure that your appearance is on-point because you will likely take a picture for your employee ID badge. You also sign up for parking, get your work laptop, visit your office, and get your building access.
- WELCOME – Your human resources department or your assigned work unit may hold a welcome breakfast, lunch or meet & greet to introduce you to key colleagues who you’ll work closely with.
- TOUR – Either your NEO facilitator, your manager, or a work buddy, will take you on a tour of the workplace and/or nearby surroundings. They might show you where the restrooms are, where to park, eat lunch, attend in-person meetings, send out-going mail, and other important information.
- ONE-ON-ONE MEETING – You will likely meet periodically with your manager. During your first meeting, you’ll get a copy of your job description; ask questions; and schedule future meetings.
- STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOPs)- You will review the SOPs that provide step-by-step instructions on how to complete your assignments. These instructions are based on compliance with the laws and regulations that relate directly to your field of expertise.
- SHADOWING – You will observe more-experience colleagues or your manager performing duties of their job. Since every employer performs jobs differently, this will give you a chance to become familiar with your new employer’s processes.
- WARM-UP ASSIGNMENTS – Your manager will likely let you collaborate with a colleague on a project. That way, you can get your feet wet on doing your work.
IN CONCLUSION:
Most of us are terribly independent. So, you may fear that you will be bored during your first week on your new job. But, never fear, as you can see, you will be busy. Yes, you will experience information overload. You will meet lots of new people. You’ll also soak up the workplace culture. These first-week activities will build your foundation for success.
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My goal is to help you live your best career life. So, Career Success to You! Go Get Your New Job!
