Questions to Ask on Your First Day on the Job
Strategic questions to ask on your first day at a new job to set yourself up for success, build relationships, and clarify expectations.
1What does success look like in this role during my first 30, 60, and 90 days?
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What does success look like in this role during my first 30, 60, and 90 days?
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Why this works
Establishes clear performance milestones so you can prioritize effectively and meet expectations.
2Who should I go to with different types of questions or issues?
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Who should I go to with different types of questions or issues?
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Why this works
Maps out your support network early so you know who to approach for technical, administrative, or strategic guidance.
3What are the most important priorities I should focus on immediately?
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What are the most important priorities I should focus on immediately?
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Why this works
Helps you distinguish urgent tasks from long-term projects and make a strong initial impact.
4How does this team prefer to communicate—email, Slack, meetings, or something else?
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How does this team prefer to communicate—email, Slack, meetings, or something else?
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Why this works
Ensures you align with established communication norms and don't miss important updates.
5What systems, tools, or software will I be using regularly?
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What systems, tools, or software will I be using regularly?
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Why this works
Identifies the technology you need to learn quickly to be productive in your role.
6Are there any unwritten rules or cultural norms I should be aware of?
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Are there any unwritten rules or cultural norms I should be aware of?
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Why this works
Reveals office culture subtleties that aren't in the handbook but are important for fitting in.
7What meetings should I attend, and which are optional?
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What meetings should I attend, and which are optional?
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Why this works
Clarifies your schedule and helps you manage time without overcommitting to unnecessary meetings.
8How are performance reviews conducted, and when is my first one?
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How are performance reviews conducted, and when is my first one?
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Why this works
Sets expectations for feedback cycles so you can prepare and track your progress accordingly.
9Who are the key stakeholders I'll be working with regularly?
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Who are the key stakeholders I'll be working with regularly?
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Why this works
Helps you identify and prioritize relationship-building with the people who matter most to your success.
10What resources are available for learning and professional development?
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What resources are available for learning and professional development?
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Why this works
Shows initiative and helps you leverage training opportunities to accelerate your growth.
11What's the best way to stay updated on company news and announcements?
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What's the best way to stay updated on company news and announcements?
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Why this works
Ensures you're informed about organizational changes, updates, and important information.
12Are there any ongoing projects I should be aware of or get up to speed on?
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Are there any ongoing projects I should be aware of or get up to speed on?
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Why this works
Provides context for current work streams and where you might contribute immediately.
13What are the expectations around working hours and flexibility?
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What are the expectations around working hours and flexibility?
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Why this works
Clarifies boundaries around start/end times, remote work, and availability expectations.
14How does the team typically collaborate on projects?
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How does the team typically collaborate on projects?
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Why this works
Helps you understand workflows, decision-making processes, and how to contribute effectively.
15What challenges has this role or team faced recently?
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What challenges has this role or team faced recently?
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Why this works
Gives insight into pain points you can address and demonstrates strategic thinking.
16Are there any company events or traditions I should know about?
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Are there any company events or traditions I should know about?
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Why this works
Helps you participate in cultural moments that build camaraderie and integration.
17Who handles IT support, and what's the process for getting technical help?
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Who handles IT support, and what's the process for getting technical help?
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Why this works
Ensures you can resolve technical issues quickly without lengthy interruptions.
18What's the process for requesting time off or reporting sick days?
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What's the process for requesting time off or reporting sick days?
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Why this works
Clarifies administrative procedures so you follow the right protocols from day one.
19How can I best support you and the rest of the team?
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How can I best support you and the rest of the team?
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Why this works
Shows collaboration and willingness to contribute beyond your immediate responsibilities.
20Is there anything I should read, review, or familiarize myself with to get up to speed?
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Is there anything I should read, review, or familiarize myself with to get up to speed?
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Why this works
Demonstrates eagerness to learn and helps you proactively close knowledge gaps.
Best Practices for Your First Day on the Job
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Be Curious, Not Demanding
Frame questions with genuine interest and humility. You're learning, not interrogating.
Take Notes
Write down names, processes, and systems. It shows attentiveness and prevents asking the same question twice.
Observe Before Acting
Spend time watching how things are done before jumping in with suggestions or changes.
Express Gratitude
Thank people for their time and assistance. Building goodwill early pays dividends throughout your tenure.
Question Sequences
The Priorities Sequence
The Integration Sequence
The Learning Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Overwhelm People with Questions
Spread your questions throughout the day and across multiple people. Nobody wants to be bombarded.
Don't Criticize or Compare
Avoid saying 'At my last company we did it this way.' Listen and learn before suggesting changes.
Don't Pretend to Know Things You Don't
It's okay to be new. Admitting you don't know something is far better than making mistakes.
Don't Skip the Small Talk
Building rapport through casual conversation is just as important as asking work-related questions.