The In-Between

You’ve successfully navigated the job search process, aced the interviews, and received a job offer, congratulations! We’re assuming you’ve reviewed the contract, accepted the offer, and are currently thinking “what now?” Don’t worry, a lot of people find navigating the time between accepting an offer and starting a new position a bit confusing. We’re here to offer some advice to make this transition period easier for you.

Here’s a helpful step by step guide to help you through “The In-Between” time:

• Notify Your Current Employer: It’s important to approach this situation with professionalism, courtesy and transparency.

• • Schedule a meeting with your immediate supervisor and a convenient time to deliver the news.
  • Prepare a resignation letter expressing your decision to leave the business and include your intended last day of employment. Always aim to provide adequate notice. Offer gratitude for the opportunities you’ve had and express your appreciation for the support and guidance you received.
  • Practice your message before the meeting to ensure you feel prepared to have that conversation. We suggest this as it can in some cases be a difficult talk to have.
     
• Complete Necessary Paperwork: Your new employer is going to request that you send across a few documents before you start your new role. These usually have to do with following compliance and company policies, which will include things like HMRC forms, employment contracts, confidentiality agreements, etc. Make sure you complete these in a timely manner, this avoids delays when it comes to your start date. There should always be a point of contact at the company that you will be able to go to should you require any support with this.
  
  

• Notify Your References: This will ensure they are aware of your situation and employment status so they can accurately speak about your background and suitability for the new position. It prevents miscommunication during reference checks, allowing them to prepare and provide accurate feedback. It also fosters positive relationships, showing appreciation for their support and maintaining open communication. Ultimately, it reinforces your credibility as a candidate and strengthens your professional network.
  
  
• Complete Background Checks: Do this as soon as possible to expedite the onboarding process, allowing you to start your new position without any unnecessary delays. Importantly, it ensures compliance with company polices and legal requirements. Doing this in a timely manner minimises any potential uncertainties, fostering a positive impression and smooth transition into your new role.
  
  
• Prepare for Your First Week: Let’s focus on setting the right impression. To effectively prepare, review any onboarding materials provided by the company, such as employee handbooks or training modules. Further research the company, their values, mission, and any recent news to gain a deeper understanding of their culture and industry. Really familiarise yourself with company culture, policies, and expectations to help integrate seamlessly into your new role. Plan your commute in advance to ensure you arrive early on your first day or if it’s remote make sure you have a workspace set up and the Wi-Fi is working properly. Lastly, mentally prepare yourself for a busy week of asking questions, active listening, and absorbing information during orientation and meet & greet sessions with colleagues. Proactively preparing can ease any nerves, set a positive tone, and lay the foundation for a successful start at your new job.

By taking proactive steps and staying organised, you can make the most of this transition period and set yourself up for success in your new position. Congratulations once again on your achievement, and best of luck on your new journey!

If you still feel a sense of uncertainty during this period, feel free to reach out!