Questions to ask when starting a new job

While starting a job in a new workplace can be exciting, it can also leave you with a lot of questions. From your daily responsibilities to your periodic performance reviews, there are numerous essential details you'll want to know about to ensure you succeed in your new role. This article reviews some pertinent questions to ask when starting a job to give you the information you need to hit the ground running.

Questions to ask before the first day of work

Congratulations! You presented a great resume, aced your interview, got a job offer, and decided to accept. In all the excitement and anticipation, it's important to keep a clear head and know which questions to ask before the first day of work.

What is the orientation or onboarding schedule?

You can typically expect anywhere from three hours to a full day of orientation at your new job. Once you've completed your orientation, you may proceed to a longer training program or a shadowing period, depending on the nature of your work. Understanding the schedule can prepare you to benefit fully from this time.

What documents and identification do I need?

You'll typically need at least a photo ID. Your new employer may also request proof of education or previous employment. If you're setting up a direct deposit for your paychecks, you'll also need to provide your bank information. 

Where should I park and enter?

Knowing which parking lot and entrance is most convenient for your department is helpful if you're starting work at a big company. In a health care or high-security setting, having this information can be the difference between a timely appearance and a chaotic arrival.

What's the company's dress code?

Understanding the culture and dress code before orientation will go a long way toward ensuring your first day of work goes smoothly. Knowing the dress code can help guide your overall choice of apparel, as it may include stipulations, such as closed-toe shoes if you have to walk across a warehouse or production floor.

Questions to ask during orientation for a job

Employee orientation is the perfect time to ask about the finer points of your new position. Before completing orientation, ensure you understand several key aspects of your job.

When is my first evaluation?

Your first evaluation is an important milestone in a new job. This checkpoint provides the perfect opportunity for you and your employer to see how well you fit your new role. Having this date in mind will help you align your expectations, progress, and goals appropriately.

Who do I report to?

Clarify the chain of command above your position. It's crucial to know who your immediate superior is. You may also want to identify who is above your boss should you encounter any issues.

What are the expected work hours?

This question is critical if your job has flexible scheduling. Some employers are comfortable with a variable schedule as long as you put in 40 hours a week. Others have very detailed scheduling. You should also inquire about overtime rules to know in advance whether it's acceptable to stay late or come in early if you need extra time to meet your goals.

What's the preferred method of communication? 

In today's technology-driven workplace, there are numerous ways to communicate with coworkers, clients, and supervisors. Inquire about the best way to contact each type of individual, whether through an email, a phone call, or a knock on the office door. 

"Focusing on the most pressing matters will help you stay afloat in an unfamiliar environment."

Questions to ask during onboarding

Most companies have about 90 days of onboarding. Asking the right questions during this time ensures you cover all the bases.

What are my essential daily responsibilities?

In most jobs, you have daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals. Begin by clarifying your essential daily tasks. You'll then know what to prioritize and what to put off if you're feeling overwhelmed in the first few days or weeks of your new position. Focusing on the most pressing matters will help you stay afloat in an unfamiliar environment.

What are the primary objectives for this first week?

List the key objectives for your first week on the job. These will likely include several one-off tasks associated with your initial onboarding, such as setting up your workplace email, computer, and telephone. Pay attention to details, such as recording the appropriate voicemail message and setting up automatic email responses, to set the stage for clear and efficient communication from day one. 

What are the expectations during my first 90 days on the job?

Your onboarding period is generally your first 90 days on the job. Asking about the prime goals and objectives for this time lets your employer know you're serious about settling in for the long haul. Understanding what your employer expects of you is always the first step toward satisfying your superiors. 

Once you've assessed the primary goals for your first 90 days, you can find ways to exceed them. For example, if your supervisor asks you to establish five sales accounts in your first 90 days, you'll know you're doing an outstanding job when you set up 10. If you fail to ask about expectations, you could find yourself falling short simply because you weren't aware of the benchmarks.

What's the best way for me to share my ideas?

This question lets your employer know that you intend to be an active and inspiring part of the team. Your willingness to submit ideas and try new tactics can often set you apart. It's easy to follow the course but much more difficult to chart a new one. While you don't want to challenge the status quo before you've had time to evaluate it thoroughly, there's no harm in keeping notes as you go so you can present new ideas at the appropriate time.

Questions to ask when joining a team

If you're starting a new job within the same company, you won't need to learn the basics so much as to understand the details. Joining a new team can be just as challenging as signing on with a new company. Asking the right questions will help you position yourself for success.

How is the team structured?

Begin with an open-ended question. Asking "How is the team structured?" rather than "Who's in charge?" allows for more nuance and elaboration. You may find that the team doesn't have one specific leader but focuses on equality and collaboration.

What is each person's role on the team?

Identify the specific responsibilities of each team member. You'll then know who to go to with questions and the best way to organize your projects.

What are the current strengths and weaknesses of the team?

Address this question to several people and compare their answers. Understanding this will give you a well-rounded idea of what you can bring to the team.

What differentiates this team from others?

Identifying key differences will help you contrast how your new team functions compared to the others. You can then understand how to adjust your methods to best fit into the new group.

Asking the right questions when starting a job can ensure you have everything you need to succeed, allowing you to optimize your new employment opportunity from day one.

More tips for getting settled in a new job

Maximize your first 90 days on the job by optimizing your onboarding.

Start on the right foot with some handy tips for acing your first day in your new company.

Organize important information from orientation and onboarding with the right note-taking apps for the job.