Seeking help from others

It is always useful to find out more about the culture and the decision making processes within the company. There are also benefits in mixing with other people who may be joining other parts of the organisation and who could act as a network of internal contacts throughout your career. Your networking skills will have been improved during the job search process; make sure you use them to your own benefit from when you start your new position. Far too many people concentrate purely on familiarising themselves with the duties and responsibilities of their new role when, in fact, gaining an understanding of 'how the system works' and identifying the key people to whom they need to introduce themselves is equally, if not more, important.

It may be useful to seek a mentor or sponsor within your area of work. Although this sort of arrangement is not yet common within organisations, it can be invaluable in assisting you in the learning curve that everyone needs to ascent whenever they start in a new position. A mentor can provide valuable 'inside information' on the softer elements of work that you will need to become familiar with, such as the organisation culture and ways of working, as well as introducing you to administrative procedures and reporting mechanisms.