Few things in life can be as exciting as your first day at a new job. Although you might be loaded with new-person jitters, there are probably some things you should be clear on right off the bat. Here are some things you’ll want to ask your new employer about on day one so you can be sure you and your employer are on the same page.
It may seem like a crass question to open with, but you probably haven’t taken this job out of the goodness of your heart. You are there to be compensated for a job well done, and it’s important to know when and how you’ll be paid. Find out when payday is, whether or not compensation is direct-deposited, and if the company uses ACH transfer to speed up the process.
You’ll probably meet a lot of new people on your first day, many of whom may outrank you. If you haven’t been hired by the person who will be directly supervising you, you’ll want to find out which manager you report to. Once you know who’s in charge, be sure to seek him or her out to introduce yourself and get off on the right foot. It's about finding the right person when you want to ask your new employer.
Although you likely learned a lot about what your job will entail during the interview process, it’s normal to take some time to ramp up to a typical routine. Find out whether you’ll be training with someone and learning your role bit by bit, or if there are tasks you’ll be expected to accomplish immediately on your own.
Some offices live and die by email; if something isn’t asked or answered electronically, it didn’t happen. Others favor the practice of picking up the phone or stopping by someone’s desk to interact and connect. Asking for clarity can help avoid any confusion or frustration that might arise if you’re not reaching out in the standard style.
Although you’re likely to have plenty of additional questions on your first day, and for many days to come, getting the answers to these key queries can help get you off to a good start at your new job. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask your new employer; chances are your employer will appreciate that you are showing commitment and interest in your new position.
