You've handed in your notice. You've accepted the offer. The excitement is real.
And then... silence.
That stretch between leaving your old role and starting your new one can feel strange. A bit anticlimactic. Sometimes even lonely. It doesn't mean something is wrong. It means you're in transition - and how you handle this window says a lot about the kind of professional you are.
Here's what to do with it.
While You're Still Waiting to Start
Check in if things go quiet
New employers are busy. Onboarding co-ordinators have competing priorities. If a week passes and you haven't heard much, reach out. It's not needy - it's professional.
Ask for your direct manager's contact details so you have them. A quick message introducing yourself before day one builds goodwill and shows initiative. Most managers will appreciate it.
Connect on LinkedIn
Look up the team you'll be joining. Connect with your manager, your peers, and anyone you'll be working alongside. Scroll through their profiles. Understand who does what. Learn their names before you walk through the door.
This isn't homework. It's just being prepared. And it makes those first-day introductions a lot less overwhelming.
Sort your logistics
Before day one, know the answers to these questions:
- What time do I need to arrive?
- Where exactly am I going - and how long will it take to get there?
- Do I need to bring anything (ID, bank details, signed contracts)?
- Are there any onboarding tasks I was meant to complete before starting?
Read every email they've sent you. Chase anything outstanding. Do not leave this until the night before.
If it feels quiet and lonely - say something
This period can feel odd. You're no longer part of your old team. You're not yet part of your new one. That in-between feeling is completely normal.
If you're feeling it, reach out to your recruiter. That's what we're here for. We're not done once the offer is signed. We're still on your side during this bit too.
Day One
Arrive early. Like, properly early.
A calm morning beats a stressed one every time.
Build in extra time. Grab a coffee somewhere nearby. Sit with it. Breathe. Walk in through the door feeling settled, not flustered. First impressions are made in the first few minutes and the version of you that walked in relaxed is the one you want people to meet.
Expect the boring stuff
Inductions. Paperwork. Online modules. The health and safety video about how to lift a box.
We've all been through it. It is what it is. Get through it with a good attitude because it does need to happen, and soon enough you'll be doing the work you were actually hired for. The people around you will notice how you carry yourself even in the dull moments.
Get the lay of the land
Someone should take you around and introduce you to the team in your first week. If that doesn't happen, ask for it. Don't sit quietly hoping someone will get to it.
And don't be afraid to ask the small stuff either:
- What are the kitchen rules?
- Where's the fire exit?
- What's the wifi password?
- Who handles what?
- Where's the best spot to grab lunch around here?
These questions aren't trivial. Asking them is how you start conversations. Conversations are how you build relationships. Relationships are how you settle in.
Write down names
You will not remember everyone on day one. That is completely fine. Nobody expects you to.
Carry something to write in. Jot down names and roles as you meet people. Refer back to it. It saves you the awkwardness of forgetting the name of someone you've now spoken to three times.
Ask everything
There is no such thing as a stupid question in your first week. Ask freely. Ask often.
The fastest way to get up to speed is to ask the people around you. They know the answers. They were new once too. Most people genuinely enjoy helping a new team member find their footing.
One Last Thing
They chose you.
Out of everyone who applied, every CV reviewed, every interview held - they picked you for this role. That wasn't luck. That was a deliberate decision by people who genuinely believe you are the right person for the job.
You are valued before you've even started.
Walk in with that knowledge. It belongs to you.
Starting something new? If you're mid-process and need support during the notice period or beyond, reach out to the Talent Aligned team. We stay in your corner past placement - that's just how we work.