What it’s like to start a new job remotely

COVID-19 has changed onboarding and forming connections with colleagues

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

I recently started a new job (I am incredibly fortunate to have found one in such a difficult economic time). When I tell people I have a new job, or in response to my LinkedIn Job update, I usually get asked the same question:

What’s it like to start a new job remotely during COVID-19?

This post shares my thoughts on this question.

I know (and don’t know) different things than I would usually after three-months at a job

I don’t know details about the office that I would usually find out on day 1

I know the street address, but I have never been into our office. I don’t know what the commute would be like, because I’ve never done it. I have no idea what it the building looks like or what the office set up is. I have no idea what kind of pass I would need to get in. I don’t know the Wi-Fi password.

I don’t know what my colleagues really look like, except on camera