What Questions to Ask on Day One

Nancy Anderson
Posted by in Career Advice


When the hiring process is behind you and it's time to prove your worth as a new employee, asking the right questions can help you start off on the right track. Don't forget you're still under scrutiny during the job orientation, and you could end up job hunting again if the trial period doesn't go well. Speed up your adjustment in a new job by asking these smart questions on day one.

1. When and How Do You Prefer to Communicate?

Learning best practices for communicating with peers and managers is crucial when new employees want to fit into the corporate culture. Find out which methods your teammates typically use to communicate. The last thing you want to do is spam your new boss with emails or pull back too much and establish a pattern of infrequent communication. Asking how often your manager or co-workers like to check in creates consistency, so you're less likely to feel lost and disconnected once the job orientation is over.

2. What Should I Prioritize This Week?

Get a summary of your manager's expectations right away. Many new employees are afraid of sounding incompetent, but it's normal to face learning curves in new environments with their own policies and workflows. Acting on assumptions is an easy way to prioritize the wrong things and fall behind on important deadlines in your first few weeks. Asking for clarity shows your new boss you're efficient and eager to support the team.

3. Who Should I Meet Right Away?

Try to make a good impression on co-workers in your department and key stakeholders in the company. Introduce yourself, learn names, and do your best to remember a few details about each person you meet. Don't hide out in your workspace and avoid others. Despite knowing how nerve-wracking it is to start a new job, workers still tend to be more critical of new employees in the beginning. Being too shy and reserved can make you seem anti-social, while building rapport the first day helps you gain advocates as you adapt to this transition.

4. Can You Show Me Around?

If you didn't get a tour after your final interview, ask a manager or teammate to show you around the first day. Getting a quick feel for the building saves you time later when you need to find your boss or visit breakrooms, copy rooms and restrooms.

5. What Preferred Programs or Tools Do Employees Use?

No two workplaces are exactly the same, so it may take time for new employees to learn the company's procedures and get used to unfamiliar tools. Asking for guidance is better than causing a problem or costing your employer money because you didn't follow the correct protocols.

6. What Company Lingo Should I Know?

When everyone is using acronyms and abbreviations you don't know, it's common to get confused early on and muddle through the rest of the day. Instead of pretending to understand everything, ask teammates to explain business lingo that's essential to getting your job done.

Being a new employee is overwhelming, no matter how much you prepare. While it's wise to find out how you're being evaluated, accept that you're likely to make a few mistakes as you grow into your role.


Photo courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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  • Cheryl F.
    Cheryl F.

    I always have questions, like who will I be working for or how much is my salary and do you pay off student loans?

  • Angela  B.
    Angela B.

    Good advice

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