Making the leap from one job to another can be both an exciting and daunting experience. It has to be up there with one of the most challenging processes in a person’s life, alongside getting married or moving house. Having done the latter in recent weeks and having helped 100’s of candidates successfully transition into their new job over the course of my recruitment career, I’ve picked up a few tips along the way that should be useful to share with our readers.
Whether you’re seeking new challenges, better pay, or a better work/ life balance, making a smooth transition is crucial to hit the ground running.
However, it’s important to think about the bigger picture before committing to a new job move in 2024.
Here are my 9 top tips to help you navigate this change effectively.
1. Understand Your Notice Period
Before anything else, check your current employment contract to determine how much notice you are required to give. Planning a smooth exit and handover will help maintain a good relationship with your current employer, which can be beneficial for future references.
Also, your new employer may need you to be in post within 6 weeks. So, if you have told them, you only have a 4 week notice period, but your current contract actually states 8 weeks and you’re held to that, this can cause problems before you even start.
A good relationship with your current boss could mean you can negotiate this period down. However, the bottom line is it’s important to do your homework and know your contracted notice period.
2. Plan Your Finances
We all like to have our ducks in a row when it comes to paying bills and being on top of our finances.
Does this sound familiar ‘The day I get paid it’s in one hand and out the other’?
Familiarise yourself with the pay dates in your new company to manage any gaps. Ensure you understand what your new salary/ package will include, such as accrued leave, bonuses, or allowances, so you can plan your finances accordingly.
In a commercial role such as Sales or Marketing, it is likely you have performance related bonuses or commissions tied to your income. Be smart about when you leave your current position. Wait for quarterly/ annual bonuses to land before forfeiting a pay out because you jumped the gun and resigned too early.
3. Know Your Benefits
Sometimes when I push a candidate to tell me what benefits they currently receive they name one or two headline benefits. But if your current package includes health/ dental schemes, tax saver commuter schemes, enhanced parental leave or additional leave for long tenure, it is important to weigh up what you’re giving up and what you are gaining.
Verify the start date of your new health insurance to avoid any gaps in coverage. If you have a pension plan, check if it will be transferred automatically or if you need to roll it over. This will help maintain continuity.
If personal development is a key motivator in your career move, does your new employer have a training and development fund you can avail of?
Ensure that if you have had this benefit in your current job, you don’t owe back any course/ educational fees. You don’t want to be hit with a nasty bill you weren’t expecting.
4. Understand Your New Working Hours & Commute
If you’re an early bird and have been used to working 8am-4.30pm, but your new job is stuck on a rigid 9am-5.30pm schedule this could have a huge knock on to your day-to-day life.
Clarify in advance if flexible working hours are available, or even if the customer base you’re working with are live during the hours you plan to punch the clock.
Test out your new office commute and consider factors like time, traffic, parking, or public transport options. Understanding the time and logistics involved will help you adjust your daily schedule and reduce first-day stress.
Most companies operate a hybrid working model. However, for the days you’re required to be in the office, make sure you’re not committing to extra hours in your car/ public transport every day/ week/ month etc.
If you have childcare or other personal commitments, this can be a huge factor. Making sure your job fits with your lifestyle and vice versa is important for long term health and happiness.
5. Annual Leave
On the subject of working hours, check your annual leave hasn’t been exceeded to date, so that you don’t owe time back. On the flip side, ensure any planned holidays coming up are honoured by your new employer before you sign a contract. This avoids any potential for holiday approval to be denied a few months into your new role.
Remember, your salary isn’t necessarily your bottom line. Extra days holiday per year means more ‘you’ time, and less ‘company’ time.
6. Prepare to Leave Your Current Job Professionally
Prepare detailed handover notes for your replacement or colleagues to ensure a smooth transition.
Always expect an exit interview and provide constructive feedback to help improve the company you’re leaving. Sometimes it can be hard to be transparent, but if you have a strong relationship with your boss, they will be more grateful for the honest truth, as this can help improve employee engagement for your successor.
If having a send-off get together/ party/ dinner always remember that people tend to cross paths now and again. Maintaining professional credibility may not seem important now, but down the line you could find yourself working for or with old colleagues – never burn your bridges.
7. Look Good, Feel Good, Play Work Good
Depending on your profession and how much customer facing time you have, it’s important to know if you need to get kitted out in suits, or (my favourite) shorts. For some, this can be a game changer.
Confirm the dress code at your new company and prepare your wardrobe accordingly. Ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment for your new role to avoid any last-minute scrambles.
8. Build Relationships Early
If possible, reach out to your new team before starting to introduce yourself. Familiarising yourself with the onboarding process and initial training schedules can help you hit the ground running.
Check out LinkedIn – you may find new colleagues who have recently joined the business will understand hacks and pitfalls of joining the business, as they too have had a fresh journey through this process.
9. Update Your Professional Information
Once you’ve settled into your new role, update your LinkedIn. Change your email signature to reflect your new position to maintain a professional online presence.
In a commercial profession this is vital. You never know who may want to work with you in your new company, just by updating your social channels and providing your up to date contact information.
Conclusion – Failing to Prepare Is Preparing to Fail
The key to a successful new job leap is ultimately being prepared. If you have the luxury of taking some personal time between ending and starting jobs, it’s always advised to take time to decompress and prepare mentally for a new start.
Transitioning from one job to another can be a complex process, but with careful planning and consideration, it can also be a rewarding experience.
Know what time to arrive, who to report to, and what to bring on your first day at your new job – this will take the first day anxiety away and leave you feeling ready to go.
By following these tips, you should be able to ensure a smooth transition, and be able to start your new job with confidence and enthusiasm. Embrace the change and look forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead.
Lastly, the difference between working with an experienced Recruiter and going it alone is night and day.
If you would welcome professional support on your new job journey, reach out to Abrivia Recruitment and our Specialist Consultants who will be able to assist you along the way.
