Taking a job in 2010? Now is the time to prepare during PreStart

Maybe you are one of the lucky ones who is starting a new job in January?

Congratulations!

Now, it's time to work! The preparation for starting a new role is as important as finding your way to the office on the first day. During the onboarding process, this period between the time you accepted the job and your actual first day, is called "PreStart".

As onboarding consultants, we see this PreStart time becoming more and more important for a smooth transition. This is the time when you are becoming less engaged at your old job and more excited about the new one.

How can you take advantage of this energy and focus? Here are a few tips:

1. Read everything you can about your new organization. This may seem painfully obvious, but you would be surprised how few people actually do it. Use not only the organization's website, but other sources to get a more balanced perspective.

2. Talk to your recruiter or HR partner. Ask what has changed since you last met with someone in the organization. Continue to probe for any information that will help you better understand why they hired you, and what your focus should be.

3. Talk with your hiring manager. It's important to stay connected and start to build your relationship very early. You will begin to learn how she communicates, where her strengths lie, and how you can support her.

4. Identify and meet with key stakeholders. Who are the people that are absolutely essential to your success? Was there an internal candidate who didn't get the job? Are there important board members, clients, or team members who could "make or break" your success? Find them and meet with them, preferably in a casual, conversational setting.

5. Start a plan. What did you hear during the recruiting process? Does the organization want change or stability? What specifically were you hired to do? How can you strategically build relationships to support your goals? You can start to lay out a 90 Day Onboarding Plan with what you already know, but realize that it will need to be adapted as you learn more.

Searching for a job and finally landing one is hard work, but don't think it's over once the offer letter is signed! But your time and effort during the PreStart period will pay off exponentially with a smooth transition.

Follow these 5 simple steps during PreStart, and you will blow them away in your first 90 days!