Questions to Ask First Day of Work
Essential questions to ask on your first day to get oriented, understand expectations, and set yourself up for success in your new role.
1What's the best way to get up to speed on my role and responsibilities?
Click to see why this works
What's the best way to get up to speed on my role and responsibilities?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows initiative and helps you understand the most efficient path to becoming productive, demonstrating your commitment to success from day one.
2Who are the key people I should meet and build relationships with?
Click to see why this works
Who are the key people I should meet and build relationships with?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you identify important stakeholders and collaborators, ensuring you understand the organizational structure and key relationships.
3What are the immediate priorities and deadlines I should be aware of?
Click to see why this works
What are the immediate priorities and deadlines I should be aware of?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures you understand urgent tasks and time-sensitive work, helping you prioritize your efforts and avoid missing critical deadlines.
4What tools, systems, and resources will I need to access to do my job effectively?
Click to see why this works
What tools, systems, and resources will I need to access to do my job effectively?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you get the practical resources you need to be productive, including software, accounts, equipment, and access to necessary systems.
5How does communication typically work within the team and with other departments?
Click to see why this works
How does communication typically work within the team and with other departments?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand the communication culture and preferred methods, ensuring you can collaborate effectively from the start.
6What's the best way to ask questions and get help when I need it?
Click to see why this works
What's the best way to ask questions and get help when I need it?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're not afraid to ask for help and helps you understand the support structure, ensuring you can get assistance when needed.
7What are the team's current projects and how does my role fit into them?
Click to see why this works
What are the team's current projects and how does my role fit into them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Gives you context about ongoing work and helps you understand how your contributions will impact the team's success.
8What's the company culture like and what values are most important?
Click to see why this works
What's the company culture like and what values are most important?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand the organizational culture and align your behavior with company values, ensuring you fit in well.
9How are performance expectations set and how will my progress be evaluated?
Click to see why this works
How are performance expectations set and how will my progress be evaluated?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're focused on success and helps you understand how your performance will be measured and what success looks like.
10What training or onboarding resources are available to help me succeed?
Click to see why this works
What training or onboarding resources are available to help me succeed?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your commitment to learning and helps you access resources that will accelerate your development and success.
11What's the typical workflow for projects and how are decisions made?
Click to see why this works
What's the typical workflow for projects and how are decisions made?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand the decision-making process and workflow, ensuring you can navigate projects and processes effectively.
12How do meetings typically work and what's expected of me in them?
Click to see why this works
How do meetings typically work and what's expected of me in them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand meeting culture and expectations, ensuring you can participate effectively and contribute meaningfully.
13What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?
Click to see why this works
What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows your interest in team success and helps you understand the context and challenges you'll be working to address.
14How do I access company policies, procedures, and important documents?
Click to see why this works
How do I access company policies, procedures, and important documents?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures you can find important information and understand company policies, helping you navigate the organization effectively.
15What's the best way to provide feedback and share ideas with the team?
Click to see why this works
What's the best way to provide feedback and share ideas with the team?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you want to contribute and helps you understand how to share your input and ideas effectively within the team.
16How do I schedule time with my manager for regular check-ins?
Click to see why this works
How do I schedule time with my manager for regular check-ins?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in regular communication and helps you establish a rhythm for feedback and guidance.
17What professional development opportunities are available?
Click to see why this works
What professional development opportunities are available?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows your commitment to growth and helps you understand the learning and development resources available to you.
18How do I handle confidential information and what are the security protocols?
Click to see why this works
How do I handle confidential information and what are the security protocols?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures you understand confidentiality requirements and security protocols, protecting both you and the company.
19What's the best way to build relationships with colleagues in other departments?
Click to see why this works
What's the best way to build relationships with colleagues in other departments?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows your understanding of cross-functional collaboration and helps you build the relationships you'll need for success.
20How do I stay informed about company updates and important announcements?
Click to see why this works
How do I stay informed about company updates and important announcements?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you stay connected to the organization and ensures you don't miss important information that could affect your work.
Best Practices for Your First Day of Work
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Ask Questions Proactively
Don't wait for information to come to you. Ask questions early and often to show your engagement and get the information you need to succeed.
Take Detailed Notes
You'll receive a lot of information on your first day. Take notes to help you remember important details and show you're taking the role seriously.
Be Observant and Listen
Pay attention to how people interact, communicate, and work. This will help you understand the culture and adapt your approach accordingly.
Question Sequences
The Orientation Sequence
The Resource Setup Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Try to Impress Too Much
Focus on learning and understanding rather than trying to show off your knowledge. You'll have plenty of time to demonstrate your skills.
Don't Make Assumptions
Ask questions rather than assuming you know how things work. Every organization has its own processes and culture.
Don't Overwhelm People
Space out your questions and don't bombard people with too many questions at once. Be respectful of their time and workload.