With COVID-19 is still looming over us, a lot of graduates are finding themselves sitting interviews and starting jobs from home. Whether you've got your start date or are putting those employment vibes out into the universe, there are a number of things you need to do to prepare for your first day: 1. Order stationaryStarting a new job from home means you'll be on a lot of video calls for your induction and training, so you'll need to make lots of notes if you want to get through that 'I'm new so please bear with me' phase. I found some notebooks and a planner from Typo. There are frequent discounts at Typo, and even better the pages in its notebooks are 100% recyclable! 2. Find a work space or invest in a deskBecause you'll be on a lot of video calls, you need a quiet space where you won't be interrupted by family...or if you're like me, you're cat that likes to jump in front of the camera. As well as that, you won't have the usual display support available like you would in the office, so it may be worth investing in a desk. With a lot of talk around offices adopting flexible working in the future, it's likely that working from home will go on for more than a couple of months (just like lockdown has...). A decent desk and chair will support your body, prevent aches and pains that will make you feel even more stressed, and help you to appear professional on your calls. 3. Figure out a morning routineAs you'll be at home, you won't have that normal break between leaving the house and preparing for work on your commute. Instead of rolling out of bed to your desk, which will make it feel like you're living the same day over and over again, try to schedule in a walk beforehand to get some fresh air ,keep your body moving and mentally prepare you for your day. 4. Sort out some comfy, smart clothesThis tip comes straight from one of my favourite self help books 'How to make it happen: turning failure into success' by Maria Hatzistefanis (founder & CEO of Rodial). When you get up in the morning, try to dress as though you were getting ready for a 'dress down Friday' in the office. It will set your mind up for the day and make you feel like you can handle whatever it throws at you (when you're new, anything can catch you off guard). The odd day in joggers is still totally acceptable, but make sure you don't get into a slump. Wear bright colours or those new trousers you bought 4 months ago if that's what it takes to boost your mood. 5. Go easy on yourself and don't burn outIt can be easy to get carried away and want to pick everything up quickly so that you can support your team, but it's important to remember that you need time away from the screen and to work through things at your own pace to avoid burnout. If you feel overwhelmed, speak to your manager who has been advised on how to support their team whilst everyone is working from home. Try to connect with colleagues by sending them good morning messages, or request short catch-ups throughout the week to reduce the time you spend alone. If you are preparing for an interview from home, why not check out my blog post all about preparing for a job interview, where I share the two techniques that helped me to secure my new job during lockdown.
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AuthorThe Blue Graduate is a career and wellbeing advice and guidance blog for students and graduates experiencing post-uni 'blues'. Archives
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