You’ve just started a new job, but you feel the business’ onboarding process hasn’t intergrated you properly into the role or the company. Follow these points for a smoother transition, and show the bosses how proactive you are in the process.

• Check that you have the equipment and tools you need. It may sound obvious, but you can’t work without the basics. Do you have stationery? Is your access card working? Does your computer have all the software you’ll need and do you have a company email address?

If not, find out whom to speak to in order to get the help you need and use the first few days to sort out these matters. You’ll meet many of your new colleagues in the process.

• Introduce yourself to the people around you, and use the time to ask them about their roles and experience within the organisation, and how you might work together.

• Find out who the company’s senior management is. You don’t want to bump into the managing director in the lift and not know who they are.

• List the things you need clarity on regarding your role and team. Ask which systems and processes are most important to master. You can often learn the most from your colleagues, so start with them.

• If your colleagues can’t help you, find out whom you should ask – and find out how that person likes to work. Do you have to make an appointment, or can you simply knock on their door if they aren’t in a meeting? Either way, be sure to make a list covering the questions and/or topics you would like to discuss during the session.

• Read the notices that have been put up in shared spaces to see if there is anything you should know, for example, the kitchen or coffee station rules.

• If work is coming in too slowly, offer to assist your team members with their tasks. Ask your boss if there is anything you can take off their plate.

• Pay attention to how things get done. This will help you identify the roadblocks in the system, and position you to develop solutions early on.

• Don’t worry if you are not fully up to speed on the very first day, or even the second day. You’re new and everyone knows that.

• But remember that you will learn more by doing, so ask what you can do to help and start making a contribution. Don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do.

• If you are still struggling to find your feet after a week or so, speak to the right people to get the help or tools you need to pull your weight.

Opportunities at Old Mutual

See all the current openings at Old Mutual here.