January 22, 2018
Beyond the Job Offer: What Happens After You Accept the Job?
by Kris Gibson
If you’re a task-oriented person you enter a job search to get yourself into a new job. For most of us the psychology of that is accepting the job offer and knowing where we’ll work. The acceptance feels like the culminating conclusion to an often unnerving and exhaustive process. You’ve accepted the role; the process is over. Or is it?
Warning: Spoilers to follow…
It’s not over. Here is what you can expect…
1. Resignation:
The next step of the process is resignation. You see, what we tend to forget is that we cannot work in two places at once and in order to make good on our acceptance of the new opportunity we must first resign from our current one. Many believe this is a real challenge but here we answer, Resignation: Is the Struggle Real?
2. Testing and/or Documentation:
Many employers will drug test and this may require you to make yourself available in-home or perhaps even go to an office location to provide a sample. Delays can alter the starting date so you want to make sure you get everything done that the new employer needs. You may also need to provide documentation for your HR file or paperwork at the new employer.
3. Prepare to Be New:
Once you’ve gotten through the resignation you still have to prepare yourself for starting a new role with a new organization. Depending on how long you have been in a role this can be a real change. Many of us forget what it is like to be the new guy or gal in the office, and not being prepared for that can make the transition even harder. You will likely have to prove yourself and earn respect from new colleagues, bosses, or clients. Start mentally preparing yourself for all phases of what lies ahead.
4. Maintain Contact:
You also want to keep in touch with your new employer. It is not uncommon for there to be a lag between your last day at your current/past employer and the start date of the new job. This can be a lonely time for both sides so finding a way to stay in contact helps keep the feel and excitement alive. This can also be a productive endeavor. Ideas for connecting: fill out paperwork, configure offices, or things of that nature that ease the shock of the first day.
5. Professional Transition/Rebranding:
If you’re in a business where you have client, vendor, or other relationships there is a period of rebranding yourself professionally. You used to be Joe Smith with ABC Company and now you’re Joe Smith with XYZ Company. Don’t take for granted that relationships will always follow and be sure you inform your network.
6. Starting the Job:
When you embark on a job search you set out to identify, interview for, and accept a new position. What we forget is actually starting. Much like preparing to be new, actually walking in to a new job is a shock. Exciting? Sure. It is also a process and one you don’t want to underestimate. You’ll experience a whirlwind of thoughts and have to learn everything from processes, policies, and procedures to locating the restroom, coffee pot, and printer.