5 questions you should ask on your first day at a new job
If you're new to the workforce, it's important to know what to expect. We've compiled a list of the most important questions you should ask on your first day at a new job.
1) How do people prefer to communicate at the office?
Every office has a communication style. By asking this question, you find out exactly how your coworkers and management interact. Some companies prefer a more informal messaging system or group chat, while others use email or inter-office phone lines to stay connected. Also, find out how comfortable people are visiting another office or common area to speak in person and how comfortable your direct manager is with employees knocking on their office door for a chat.
2) What are the current key projects I should be aware of?
There’s a good chance your manager will avoid setting deadlines on day one of the job, however, it’s helpful to be aware of the current ongoing projects within your new team. It’s unlikely that your manager/colleagues will go into detail right now, but it is useful to get an idea of the team workload from the outset.
3) Who are the key people in the business I should reach out to?
The key stakeholders you will be working with will differ from job to job. Your role may involve connecting with colleagues worldwide or you might just be a small team of three or four staff in one office. Whatever your individual situation, ask your manager who you’ll be communicating with on a regular basis and if not already part of your induction plan – reach out and connect with these people as soon as possible. This demonstrates good initiative and will make a great first impression amongst your colleagues.
4) What are my main objectives for week 1?
It’s difficult to predict what’s expected of you in a first week of a new role; sometimes you’ll be given a bit of breathing space to get to grips with everything, other times you’ll be thrown in at the deep end and tasked with deliverables. This will depend on the role and the current business expectations of your team. Whatever your situation, it’s always helpful to outline a few short-term objectives. This means you can start managing your own workload and remain organised.
5) How will my performance be measured?
It’s great to find this out as early as possible how your performance will be measured. This will help you prepare and feel in control from day one in your new role. Do you have specific objectives? Is there a specific performance program? Every company is different so its important to know what you're working towards and the evaluation of your performance.
At Progressive, our consultants are on hand to help you every step of the way. Even after placement, we’re here to offer advice and make sure everything is running smoothly! Get in touch with us by completing the form below.
