I started my first day at my new job over 2 weeks ago. If you read my last blog you know I was hired for my current job and internship in my first meeting with my boss. Within the next work week, I started working, with one catch—I work remotely.
As many of you know, the rise of remote jobs, including internships, has been significant since the onset of COVID-19. While many roles have returned to being fully in-person, the trend towards remote and hybrid positions continues, with many preferring this flexibility.
One aspect seldom discussed, even during the height of the pandemic, is how to effectively navigate the initial weeks or months at a remote job. From discovering the job to interviewing, hiring, and onboarding—everything changes in a remote setting.
If you are a new hire for a remote job and are about to start the orientation process or are currently in the process of onboarding here are some tips to get you started.
One, ask questions actively. In a remote work environment, obtaining quick answers can be challenging. Unlike in an office, where you could simply visit a colleague's desk, remote work may involve waiting hours—or even days—for a response to a simple query. During your onboarding, remember that no question is trivial or unworthy of asking. It’s always better to seek clarity than to struggle alone.
Two, utilize available resources. For instance, during my first week, I encountered, what I believed were significant technical issues that were swiftly resolved by our IT department in just five minutes. Whether you have access to mental health support, technical assistance, or other resources, make use of them as needed. Familiarizing yourself with these services early on, even if you don't immediately need them, helps build recognition and rapport with key support staff. So, even if you don't need these resources at the start of your job, introduce yourself to workers within those resources to help build employee morale
Three, say 'Yes' to opportunities. My father always advised me, when going into an interview, to say yes to everything—without bending the truth. As someone who has benefited from saying 'yes' during my interview process—without compromising the truth—I've seen first-hand how this openness can expedite your career progress. This approach not only showcases the skills that might not be evident from your resume but also signals to your managers your eagerness to acquire new skills and adapt to company needs. If a direct 'yes' isn't possible, a proactive 'no, but I am willing to learn' can be equally beneficial.
Four, reach out to your co-workers. As a remote worker, who is pretty extraverted, the app ‘Slack’ is my most used app for work (outside of Excel). Communication tools like Slack are vital for remote and hybrid setups, allowing you to introduce yourself and interact with your team beyond work tasks. On my first day, reaching out to managers and colleagues helped me understand team dynamics and gather support. By actively using your organization's preferred communication platform, you can display your personality, learn about your colleagues, and, as mentioned earlier, ask more questions to deepen your understanding of the workplace culture.
I hope these tips boost your confidence and reduce any doubts during your first week. Embrace questions, utilize resources, be honest about your abilities while showing eagerness to learn, and connect with your colleagues.
