20 Questions

Questions to Ask at Orientation

Essential questions to ask during orientation to understand policies, procedures, expectations, and resources available to help you succeed in your new role or program.

1

What are the key policies and procedures I need to know about?

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Why this works

Helps you understand the rules and guidelines that govern your role, ensuring you can follow proper protocols and avoid policy violations.

2

What are the expectations for my role and what are the key responsibilities?

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Why this works

Shows you what's expected of you and helps you understand your responsibilities, ensuring you can meet performance standards and succeed in your role.

3

What are the training and development opportunities available?

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Why this works

Reveals the learning opportunities available and helps you understand how to develop your skills and advance in your role or program.

4

What are the resources and support services available to help me succeed?

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Why this works

Shows you the support systems available and helps you understand what resources you can access when you need help or guidance.

5

What are the communication channels and how do I stay informed about updates?

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Why this works

Reveals the communication systems and helps you understand how to stay connected and informed about important updates and changes.

6

What are the performance evaluation processes and how am I assessed?

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Why this works

Shows you the evaluation criteria and helps you understand how your performance will be measured and what you need to do to succeed.

7

What are the safety procedures and emergency protocols I need to know?

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Why this works

Ensures you understand safety requirements and helps you know what to do in case of emergencies or safety incidents.

8

What are the technology systems and tools I need to use?

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Why this works

Shows you the technological resources available and helps you understand what systems and tools you'll need to use in your role.

9

What are the team dynamics and how do I work effectively with others?

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Why this works

Reveals the team structure and helps you understand how to collaborate effectively with colleagues and build strong working relationships.

10

What are the professional development opportunities and how do I advance?

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Why this works

Shows you the career advancement opportunities and helps you understand how to grow and develop in your role or program.

11

What are the work-life balance policies and how do I manage my time?

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Why this works

Reveals the work-life balance support available and helps you understand how to manage your time effectively and maintain a healthy balance.

12

What are the diversity and inclusion initiatives and how do I participate?

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Why this works

Shows you the diversity and inclusion efforts and helps you understand how to participate in and support these initiatives.

13

What are the feedback and coaching processes and how do I get guidance?

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Why this works

Reveals the feedback systems and helps you understand how to receive guidance and support for your professional development.

14

What are the conflict resolution processes and how do I handle disagreements?

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Why this works

Shows you the conflict resolution procedures and helps you understand how to handle disagreements and conflicts constructively.

15

What are the recognition and reward systems and how am I acknowledged?

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Why this works

Reveals the recognition programs and helps you understand how your contributions and achievements will be acknowledged and rewarded.

16

What are the networking opportunities and how do I build professional relationships?

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Why this works

Shows you the networking opportunities available and helps you understand how to build professional relationships and expand your network.

17

What are the innovation and improvement processes and how do I contribute?

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Why this works

Reveals the innovation opportunities and helps you understand how to contribute to improvements and innovations in your role or program.

18

What are the compliance and regulatory requirements I need to follow?

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Why this works

Shows you the compliance requirements and helps you understand what regulations and standards you need to follow in your role.

19

What are the mentorship and guidance opportunities and how do I find mentors?

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Why this works

Reveals the mentorship programs and helps you understand how to find mentors and guidance for your professional development.

20

What are the next steps and what should I focus on in my first few weeks?

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Why this works

Shows you the immediate priorities and helps you understand what to focus on in your first few weeks to get off to a strong start.

How to Make the Most of Your Orientation

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Focus on Understanding Expectations

Ask questions that help you understand your role, responsibilities, and what's expected of you. This sets you up for success from the start.

Assess Available Resources and Support

Ask about resources, support services, and development opportunities. This helps you understand what's available to help you succeed.

Understand Policies and Procedures

Ask about policies, procedures, and compliance requirements. This ensures you understand the rules and can follow proper protocols.

Question Sequences

The Role and Expectations Series

1
What are the key policies and procedures?
2
What are the expectations for my role?
3
What are the key responsibilities?
4
What are the performance evaluation processes?

The Resources and Support Series

1
What are the training and development opportunities?
2
What are the resources and support services?
3
What are the communication channels?
4
What are the feedback and coaching processes?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Focus Only on Immediate Needs

While understanding your immediate role is important, also ask about long-term development opportunities and how to advance in your career.

Don't Ignore Support Systems

Ask about resources, support services, and development opportunities. These are crucial for your success and professional growth.

Don't Overlook Communication

Ask about communication channels and how to stay informed. This is important for staying connected and understanding updates and changes.

Orientation Templates

The Role and Expectations Assessment

1
Step 1: Ask about key policies and procedures
2
Step 2: Inquire about role expectations and responsibilities
3
Step 3: Discuss performance evaluation processes
4
Step 4: Explore safety procedures and emergency protocols
5
Step 5: Ask about technology systems and tools

The Resources and Support Evaluation

1
Step 1: Ask about training and development opportunities
2
Step 2: Inquire about resources and support services
3
Step 3: Discuss communication channels and updates
4
Step 4: Explore feedback and coaching processes
5
Step 5: Ask about professional development and advancement

Further Reading

"The First 90 Days" by Michael Watkins
"Onboarding New Employees" by Talya Bauer
"The New Employee Orientation Guide" by HR Solutions
Employee orientation and onboarding resources

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