Top 5 Questions to Ask On Your First Day
Being new to a company can be both exciting and nerve-racking. When first starting a job, you will have many assumptions. However, it is imperative on this new journey to ask all the most important questions within the first day or week. Asking the important questions and clarifying simple things on the first day can help get you off to a wonderful start! A good company onboarding should clear up most of these, but if not, it is time to start asking these questions…
Who do I report to and who is on my team?
One of the first questions you should ask even before your first day is “Who do I report to?” This is important because this may not be the person training you. and answering all the other questions you might have. This person will also be able to steer you in the right direction as far as your role in the company.
2. What are the processes that are running inefficiently that you haven’t had time to fix, change, and optimize?”
Do you want to be everyone’s favorite new co-worker? This question will make you stand out above the rest because there is always a process or procedure that needs work and can be improved. You can use any free time that you have early on in your new position to innovate and work on these things people are struggling with and come up with a solution that helps everyone.
3. How do you prefer to communicate, in e-mail or in person?
Everyone has their own work style and a part of that is having a specific way to communicate with each other. Some people prefer to just send an instant message from their desk whereas others enjoy the in-person conversation and getting up to move around. It all depends on their favored communication style and personality. This is an important question to ask because it will make your life easier when needing to get in contact with someone.
4. What decisions can I make on my own? What would you like to be consulted on?
To be helpful and efficient it is nice to know what types of things you can take the lead on and what you need to be advised on by your manager or supervisor. This allows you to be able to take the initiative and get things done without being asked to do so.
5. How often will I be evaluated on my performance? What is the typical format of an evaluation?”
Most companies will have some sort of performance review on you as an individual, you will most likely be told what you will be evaluated on, but it doesn’t hurt to ask and clarify all the questions you may have. Also, ask how often the review will be done. It could be monthly or quarterly; it is important to know when to expect it.
It’s important to set yourself up for success in your new job and by asking questions not only are you showing interest and enthusiasm for the work, but you’re also communicating responsibility. Your manager will be pleased that you took the initiative to ask all the right questions.
By Megan Shuman