How to Prepare for a New Job Orientation
Hurray! You got the job! That’s one step closer to your dreams. Even if it’s not the dream job yet, it is still a step forward and closer to it. You will want to give it your best shot now and strike while the iron is hot. Your experiences and recommendation from this job can be the stone that will help you get to a better one later.
The job orientation process is designed as an introductory class for new employees to help them get accustomed to the job. Most employees go through a type of it even if it may not look like it. Even big-shot employees need it even if a specialized type may be made for them.
Most companies make the orientation process compulsory and depending on the nature of the jobs it can be a day or a span of days. It usually contains different sections and basic skills tutorials to help the new employee settle in more quickly than if left to their research or initiatives.
You should not feel disturbed or anxious. You already went through the hard part, applying for the job, researching, and attending interviews, this next step is easy and simple so you should relax and enjoy it before the weight of the job fully rest on your shoulders. The orientation is a time for questions so write all of them down.
Some jobs orientation process includes tests at the end of the whole process. These tests are to help find the best fit for a particular individual especially when there was an open or increased hire.
These days, there are more online orientations. These persons are not required to be physically present and can all tune in together or individually to take their orientation course. Remote or work-from-home jobs are examples of jobs that may not require a physical presence for their orientation.
Also, note that you will receive an employment letter usually inviting you to the job orientation containing details of what is expected of you and when to come. Read the letter carefully and follow the instructions. In case your company does not follow this process, there are still some common experiences that can be expected in a job orientation.
What Happens in a Job Orientation
- You’ll meet new people: You will be introduced to the people you will be working with during your stay in the company. You’ll meet the staff of different levels, the managers, supervisors, junior colleagues, you name it. Get ready to smile, nod, and say hello.
Be careful to note faces and cram names. Of course, you cannot get everybody’s at once but the ones you’ll be working closely with are especially important. With time, you can commit the rest names to memory.
You will be introduced to your direct supervisor, manager, department head, and also teammates.
- You’ll be given a Physical Tour of the Company: The physical tour of the company is a principal part of the orientation process. How else can you get accustomed to the environment and meet new people? You’ll be taken round to different departments, not just yours as you will need to know how the whole body of the company works together to produce results. It will help you recognize yourself as part of the chain process and contributor.
You’ll be shown the HR department where you can lodge complaints or enquire about your grievances and act as the middle man between the employees and the company head. Your company account will be activated, you’ll learn how to file suggestions or make reports too. You’ll be shown the break room, staff rooms, or places out of bounds for yourself or customers.
- You’ll be given a Personal Work Space: This depends on the position you have been accepted to. Don’t go in expecting the best of the best. It’s okay to have a moderate expectation and be surprised than to have a high expectation only to be disappointed.
You’ll have time to get a feel of your work area later. You can make mental notes of the arrangements and decide on any form of accessories to personalize your workspace if you wish and as permitted by the company.
If need be, you’ll be given your peculiar password or login details and added to the company database to help you access in-house information. You may also be given your ID card during the orientation and other things deemed fit.
- You’ll Get to Know Your Schedule: You will be told in explicit terms what is expected of you either in behaviour or productivity. You’ll get to know about the company’s performance reviews, their grade sheets, their routine, your routine, your break time, work hours, etc. If anything is not clear, you should ask about them to avoid getting off on the wrong footing or stepping on toes.
- Training: The orientation can span different days consecutively or not depending on the company’s choice. You’ll be given types of equipment to use. They could be personal or to be shared with others, they could be on-site facilities, and some you can take back with you. Make sure to ask about them. Listen to the company’s rules and regulations, the safety or security rules, and note them down. Don’t start your job looking for loopholes in rules and how to boycott your duties, it can only end badly.
You could also be taught how to use some types of equipment or software.
- Finalize Personal Details: Some companies want their employees to finalize the last steps of the employment verification in person. Things like financial details could be asked and submitted in person. Your company may run a background check on you or take your fingerprint for documentation. Do not worry, it is all part of the employment process.
- Organization Values: You’ll be taught about the company, its goals, its mission and the process of achieving it, the core values, work culture, safety escape, code of conduct, etc. As a new employee, you’ll be indoctrinated or shall we say initiated into the company. You may have been privy to an amount of information about the company may be as a customer, client, or prospective employer but the orientation process will reveal deeper things than before.
You will learn about the company’s organizational structure and how authority is passed from one head to another. You’ll learn about other branches of the company, its stakeholders, and what you stand to benefit from as a staff. You may notice differences in operation between your new and old jobs though, of the same industry, you must take note of this and be careful to know that worked before may not work here.
How To Prepare For a New Job Orientation
- Do not be late: Seriously, you do not want to be late on your first day of work. It doesn’t speak well of you or your value for your new job. It will also make you unsettled for the orientation and set a bad record for you. Put steps in place to ensure you are early for the orientation. Set your alarm, pick out your clothes, arrange your bag, leave on time, etc.
- Plan Ahead: Yes, it’s an orientation and you’re supposed to be learning about the job but it doesn’t mean you should go in totally blank, unaware of what you’re expected to do. If you were given a company magazine, brochure, regulations, or directed to the website, you should do these things carefully. It will help you settle in faster and the orientation will smoothen in better. Personal preparation can also help you prepare questions before you have to meet your orientation guide.
- Dress Appropriately: Dress in corporate attire except you have been asked to wear something else. Different jobs don’t require the same attire so find what is appropriate for you. Yet, make sure not to underdress or overdress for the occasion. If you’re too confused, try asking the Human Resources department which has probably been taking you through the employment processes, or any other contact you have in the job.
Also, note to wear comfortable shoes. It’s orientation day so you may be doing lots of walking or standing or the like. You don’t want to get tired too quickly or distract the process.
- Polish your Character and Attitude: Give yourself the talk before you get to the orientation. Decide to smile and put on an amicable character, happy and comfortable. It will help everyone around you relax better, other new colleagues like yourself or old staff will be able to relate better with you and approach you. This will set the table for future interactions. Be careful not the kiss anybody. Be calm and collected.
- Take a Writing Pad: whatever works for you is okay. As long as it helps you take down notes quickly. It could be a pen and jotter or your electronic tablet. If it’s an electronic device, make sure to turn off notification signals. You do not want to be embarrassed by the sound of your alarm or ring tune. Do not use your smartphone. You could be doing the right thing with it but it’s been so abused these days, that it won’t help you look professional.
- Jot Your Questions: This is where your writing pad comes in. Instead of disrupting the tour or sessions, write down questions till the end of the teachings. Also, pre-planned questions from home come in here.
- Be Mentally Prepared: Take time to be mentally prepared for this new job role, and tackle your fears and insecurities. Do not be anxious. There really is no need to worry. Anxiety or fear presents you as a less than confident person to your employer and colleagues. Without knowing who is who, it may draw unnecessary attention to yourself like bullying or harassment which could have otherwise been avoided.