Questions to Ask Your Manager on the First Day
Start your new job strong by asking these strategic first-day questions that help you understand expectations, build rapport with your manager, and set yourself up for success.
1What are your top priorities for me in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
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What are your top priorities for me in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
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Why this works
Establishes clear expectations and helps you focus your efforts on what matters most to your manager.
2How do you prefer to communicate and how often should we check in?
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How do you prefer to communicate and how often should we check in?
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Why this works
Aligns on communication style and frequency to ensure you stay connected without over or under-communicating.
3What does success look like in this role?
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What does success look like in this role?
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Why this works
Clarifies the metrics and outcomes your manager will use to evaluate your performance.
4What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?
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What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the context you're stepping into and where you might make the biggest impact.
5Who are the key people I should meet and build relationships with?
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Who are the key people I should meet and build relationships with?
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Why this works
Identifies important stakeholders and helps you prioritize relationship-building efforts.
6What's your management style and how can I work best with you?
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What's your management style and how can I work best with you?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to leadership and helps you adapt your working style to their preferences.
7What are the team's current projects and where do I fit in?
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What are the team's current projects and where do I fit in?
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Why this works
Provides context on ongoing work and clarifies your immediate role and responsibilities.
8What resources and tools will I need to do my job effectively?
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What resources and tools will I need to do my job effectively?
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Why this works
Ensures you have everything you need to be productive from the start.
9How should I prioritize if I have multiple competing deadlines?
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How should I prioritize if I have multiple competing deadlines?
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Why this works
Establishes decision-making guidelines for managing your workload when things get busy.
10What's the best way for me to ask questions as I'm getting up to speed?
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What's the best way for me to ask questions as I'm getting up to speed?
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Why this works
Shows you want to learn while respecting their time and preferred communication channels.
11Are there any immediate tasks or projects you'd like me to start with?
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Are there any immediate tasks or projects you'd like me to start with?
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Why this works
Gives you clear direction on where to focus your initial efforts.
12What's the team culture like and what should I know about how we work together?
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What's the team culture like and what should I know about how we work together?
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Why this works
Helps you understand unwritten norms and expectations about collaboration and communication.
13What are the growth and development opportunities in this role?
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What are the growth and development opportunities in this role?
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Why this works
Shows ambition while understanding the potential career path and skill-building opportunities.
14How do you like to receive updates on my progress?
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How do you like to receive updates on my progress?
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Why this works
Ensures you're keeping your manager informed in the way they find most useful.
15What mistakes should I avoid in my first few months?
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What mistakes should I avoid in my first few months?
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Why this works
Learns from past experiences and helps you navigate common pitfalls that trip up new hires.
16What's the process for decision-making on the team?
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What's the process for decision-making on the team?
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Why this works
Clarifies when you can act independently versus when you need approval or input.
17How does our team's work contribute to the company's overall goals?
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How does our team's work contribute to the company's overall goals?
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Why this works
Provides big-picture context that helps you understand the impact of your work.
18What feedback do you have for me based on the interview process?
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What feedback do you have for me based on the interview process?
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Why this works
Shows openness to feedback and helps you understand what they're looking for in your performance.
19What's the best way to stay informed about company news and updates?
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What's the best way to stay informed about company news and updates?
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Why this works
Ensures you're plugged into relevant information channels from the start.
20Is there anything else I should know that would help me be successful here?
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Is there anything else I should know that would help me be successful here?
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Why this works
Opens the door for any additional context or advice they think is important.
Best Practices for First Day Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Take Notes
Bring a notebook and write down key information. You'll be overwhelmed with new information and won't remember everything.
Show Enthusiasm and Curiosity
Your questions demonstrate your interest and engagement. Ask thoughtfully and show genuine interest in the answers.
Balance Listening and Asking
Don't rapid-fire questions. Give your manager time to share and have a natural conversation.
Question Sequences
The Expectations and Success Sequence
The Communication and Working Style Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Pretend to Know Things You Don't
It's your first day—no one expects you to know everything. Ask questions when you're unclear rather than guessing.
Don't Overwhelm Your Manager
Space out your questions throughout the day or week. You don't need to ask everything in one conversation.
Don't Skip the Relationship Building
While tasks are important, investing time in understanding your manager and building rapport is equally crucial.