​Starting something new can be unsettling, and a new job is no different. A new role often means new procedures, a new team, and an inevitable learning curve. So, if you've recently started with a company or are considering a move within the Construction & Engineering industry, here are our top tips to settling into a new job.

Make Use of the Handover Period

While most people are unlikely to receive a handover with the outgoing employee, if you do, make the most of it. They’ll explain the job, the company processes and cultural aspects as well as introducing you to key contacts. However, it is important to make your own judgements too as they are leaving the business after all.

During the handover period take lots of notes. With so much information coming from all angles in those first few weeks, it is easy to feel overloaded. Whether it’s the name of a key stakeholder, specific software, or other bits of company information, keeping notes allows you to look back on important things and make the transition easier. Our advice here is to review and type up the notes, as going back over them is the best way to ensure the information sinks in.

Stay Positive and Set Goals

To increase the chances of success, it’s important to establish clear goals within the first few weeks on the job. A lot of the time, these would be outlined by a manager, but if not, look at what needs to be accomplished in the first three months, what you want to accomplish in the future and how you plan to continually improve. These three questions will set you off in the right direction, but it is important to remember that goal-setting is crucial at every point in your career.

Build Relationships

It can be tempting to take the back seat and be quiet when settling into a new role, however, the first few weeks are vital to forming and nurturing workplace relationships. This means making the effort to put yourself out there and proactively build connections – not only will it help with the transition, but it will also lead to a great first impression. Engage with people all around the business, even if they won’t be directly involved with your role. Also, map out company stakeholders and make the effort to meet them, too.

Build Rapport with Your New Manager

A new manager often means different priorities and a different style of doing things, especially when compared to previous employers. Find out as much as possible early on. For example, look at their communication style. Do they prefer email, memos or face-to-face communication? Do they take a hands-off approach to management or do they need more regular updates? Whatever the answer is, it’s important to find out, work to these new expectations and start building rapport. Regular meetings with a new manager are a great way to make sure that everything is on the right track and expectations are being met.

Ask Questions

While there may be a steep learning curve when settling in, the good news is that lots of questions are expected. You’re not expected to get things 100% right from the get-go, so take advantage of this period. Whether it’s questions about the job, team members, processes or the industry keep those questions coming. Not only will they help you learn and contribute faster, but they can also help build relationships with colleagues.

Closing Thoughts

Whilst starting a new role might be a challenge, being new to the job is only temporary. After you've taken some time to settle in and get to grips with everything you need to know (and everyone you need to know), it will all feel like second nature. Until then, if you're looking for more advice, or would like support in your Construction & Engineering job search, get in touch with us today.