The first couple of weeks at a new job

The first couple weeks of a job are pretty boring.  That’s not a bad thing!  If you’re nervous about a new job or internship, it’s okay, it probably won’t be too much too soon.  Your managers and coworkers know that you aren’t going to jump on board and know everything.  They don’t expect you to be an expert on your first day.  These first couple of weeks give you the time to complete all of the learning and adjustments that you need before you get busy with project work.  Don’t take this time for granted, no matter how much you want to get started.

 Chances are, you’ll have an orientation and a ton of trainings.  The trainings may be in person or online, independent learning.  You might be eager to get going with real work, but this training is actually pretty important.  Take as much as you can, because it will help you understand the company and product before you get really involved with it.  Besides, the day will go by faster if you have things to do!

During your first week, meet other people.  If you’re invited to join the group for lunch, do it!  These first impressions can establish good relationships…and you might even get friendships out of it.  If your company has an org chart, get to know this.  If you get an email from someone or hear others talking about someone who you have not met or do not remember meeting, check the org chart. 

You should also get to know your company’s website and intranet.  The more you learn on your own, the smoother the process of locating information when you’re working on actual projects.   While you have the time, decorate your cube or office and adjust your monitors, keyboard, mouse, and chair to best fit you. 

Communication skills are vital

Outlook is open from the moment I sign into my computer until the moment I sign out. It is always on the right, smaller monitor. Gmail is always minimized. The majority of my communication with coworkers, family, and friends is done via email. As for coworkers, yes, it is possible and easy to simply walk to the other cube or talk across the cubes, but email gives the ever-important paper trail. Instead of saying to your boss "well I talked to so and so and they said this..." you have the actual email thread with all of the links and time stamps. This is especially important when you are waiting for feedback from a review and your reviewers haven't responded. Usually, you CC your boss so that he or she is aware of the time and content you sent your review. He or she can get the ball rolling if reviewers aren't responding.

Sometimes email is the only way to contact people. Sure, everyone has a phone, but the timing can be very off. On two products, I work with a team in India. Their night is our morning. When I come in on Thursday, their Thursday is just ending. It's vital to send emails that need responses on your tomorrow before you leave at night, otherwise, while you're sleeping, they will not be able to work on whatever it is you need.

Another major communication skill is one-on-one meetings. If you're lucky, you'll have regular check-ins with your boss about your progress, assignments, and updates. Even if you don't, you'll likely have in-person interactions. Unlike emails, you can't go and delete something you've said. You need to prepare for these interactions by listing out your assignments and progress, preparing questions, and having metrics ready.

Being a technical communicator, you shouldn't have any problems with this!