The first months.
WHAT THE FIRST WEEKS ARE FOR
Understanding, not proving.
WHAT TO DO
Learn how things work Meet people Read the code and the documentation Ask questions while it is expected
WHY WHILE IT IS EXPECTED
New starters are permitted ignorance; after some months it is assumed.
WHAT TO ASK
How things are done here Why they are done that way What is being changed What nobody enjoys
WHAT TO AVOID EARLY
Proposing large changes Criticising existing decisions Comparing unfavourably to your previous employer
WHY
You do not yet know why things are as they are.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Note what seems wrong, and revisit after understanding.
WHAT TO DELIVER EARLY
Something small and useful.
WHY
It builds confidence, both ways.
WHAT TO CLARIFY
What success looks like in the role How you will be assessed Who you should work with
WHAT TO ESTABLISH WITH YOUR MANAGER
A regular conversation.
WHAT TO ASK IN IT
Whether you are doing what is expected.
WHY ASK EXPLICITLY
Problems are frequently noticed long before they are raised.
WHAT TO DOCUMENT AS YOU LEARN
What confused you.
WHY
It becomes the onboarding material for the next person.
