My Experience (And Tips) Starting a New Job From Home

In what can only be described as a typical 2020 plot twist, I got a job offer that I definitely didn’t see coming at the end of last year. I officially quit my job around the end of November and started my new job about a week later.

Given the pandemic, the state of the job market and honestly, the fact that I’d really given up looking due to the aforementioned factors, I really did not see this offer coming. But I’m so, so glad it did.

First, I’ll start off by sharing what the new job is, before diving into my experience and tips for onboarding while working from home (during a global pandemic). I’m currently working at a multi-media communications agency as a Digital Content Strategist. That basically means that I work across our clients coming up with plans, strategies and creative ideas to enhance their digital presence and meet goals. It looks like everything from contributing to larger communications plans to focusing on content for social media.

Towards the beginning of 2020, I wrote down a list of what I wanted to be doing at work. The job I was in was great, and I loved all of my coworkers and our workplace culture, but I never felt like I was using all of the skills I had or learning the new skills I needed to move forward. When I got the opportunity to take this job, it literally checked off most of the boxes on that list, and I knew that was a good sign to move forward.

Now, I’m a little over 2 months into the role, and really enjoying the work that I’m doing. I’ve already learned a ton in just a short time, and I’m really excited for what’s to come. Still, onboarding into a new role without interviewing or meeting the team in person has definitely been a different experience. Everyone was incredibly warm and welcoming, even via Zoom. I was especially grateful for how kind and supportive everyone was when, just about a week and a half into my job, I tested positive for COVID. That time really solidified what an incredible work environment I was coming into.

Working from home hasn’t been too difficult from me, but once I started this new job, I did miss just being able to observe the workplace culture and have quick conversations in passing. I think those are the moments that make coming onto a new job easier. You figure out how you fit in the larger team by having those quick, personal interactions.

Still, two months in I feel like I’m in a really good flow. I’m definitely still learning, but here are a few things that helped to make the transition a bit easier for me.

Tips for starting a new job virtually

Have as many 1:1 calls as possible, especially with direct reports and team members.

I’m lucky that I’d interned at this agency when I was in college and already had a relationship with some team member. I set up a few 1:1 calls just to meet people, understand their role and get a better understanding of how we could best work together. It’s hard enough to learn names and roles when in person, let alone virtually, but these meet ups and having notes to go back to after was super helpful.

Keep an onboarding checklist.

Your company will likely have an onboarding process that you walk through, but it was helpful to have my own list where I could make sure all of my questions and concerns were addressed. Things that come up naturally in person aren’t always considered when starting a role remotely. Things as simple as the process for getting passwords and logins to email signatures and preferences.

Actively participate in meetings, even when just listening in.

I know we are all getting a little Zoomed out, but try to and be active on all of your Zooms and meetings. For the first few days, you’ll probably doing more listening that everything but it’s always helpful to ask questions, and just remind people who you are and what resources you bring.

Get familiar with your calendar and ongoing meetings.

For my first few weeks, I was using a paper weekly planner in addition to my Google Cal to help me really get a sense of where my time would be spent during the weeks. It’s helpful to know which meetings are monthly, what the purpose of the meeting is and who’s leading so you know how to best prepare.

Make sure your professional goals and expectations are outlined.

Obviously you know your job description, but I think it’s helpful to spend those first 2-3 weeks figuring out what that really means, and how you’re expected to execute it. Set up a meeting with your manager to make sure you have sound understanding of what’s expected of your role.

Have you started a new job remotely in the past year? I’d love to hear more about your experience, and any tips or wisdom you’ve collected along the way!