For most people, there’s a 1-3 week gap between accepting an offer and starting a new job. That’s when I come in; my days are filled with onboarding, background checks, testing, and paperwork. Very time-sensitive stuff, without which you wouldn’t be able to get up and running by Day #1. 

What you do during these interim weeks can determine your success and reduce your new-job anxiety – so use your time wisely! Over the past years I’ve learned a few things to help make your transition 10x easier before you ever set foot in your new office (metaphorically speaking, of course). Here’s what you’ll want to know:

The first 48

I can’t stress this enough; time is of the essence and it’s your job that’s hanging in the balance. Until the background check is cleared and your information is registered, your company won’t send over equipment or set up your logins etc. You’ll need these things if you want to keep your start date. 

Our hands are completely tied until you get your paperwork back to us, and with Covid causing processing delays you’ll want to fill everything out as soon as you receive it. Any paperwork not completed within 48 hours is considered late. 

Bear in mind that background checks now take seven days to complete, and most drug labs have dramatically slowed their turnaround times as they’re busy processing Covid kits. 

Once everything is completed – including state and local tax forms, the official work contract, your direct deposit information, and the background check – we can all take a collective sigh of relief…before moving on to your i9. 

Don’t change a thing

This isn’t the time to revisit any terms or modify your contract. By now everything should be confirmed, from the type of role (W-2, 1099, etc.), to the hours, to the start date. 

Making changes at this point could cost you your job. Case in point:

Recently I was onboarding a W-2 contractor with two weeks to their start date; one week for background checks, one week to set up their equipment and assets. A few days in, they informed me that they’d like to be considered as a 1099 Employee – something that might not have been an issue earlier, but now proved impossible as the role had not been approved as 1099. In the end we weren’t able to offer them the job, all because of this entirely avoidable confusion. 

Make the most of Day #1

You only get one chance to make a first impression. If your new employer has to chase you down, it might not seem like you are excited for your new role.

Once you’ve completed all your paperwork, cleared your background check, and passed your drug screen, don’t disappear. Stay in touch with your contact and clarify the details before your first day. You might want to ask…

• Can I have a tracking number for my equipment?
• What time will my manager reach out on my first day?
• What time should I be logged on?
• When is my first meeting? Can I have all my recurring meetings added to my calendar?
• Who should I speak with if I have a question?
• What should I wear (if I’m in an office)?

The more you know, the less you’ll worry. Eliminate unknowns and pursue this next step in your career with confidence. I’m happy to help get you off on the right foot – send me an email at vrichards@provenrecruiting.com if you have any questions about the onboarding process, background checks, or anything else!