Accepting a new job is an exciting experience, but also can create some anxiety about what to expect, and how to onboard correctly. If you currently have a job, you likely have to give them a two-week notice before starting this new opportunity, which means two weeks of waiting.
These are some important questions to ask the human resources person, or your new manager once you accept the offer to make sure you are prepared.
Questions to Ask Before the First Day of Work
What documents and identifications do I need to bring for my first day?
You’ll typically need your photo ID, and possibly your social security card (or at least to know your number). If you plan to set up a direct deposit for paychecks, have your bank information handy as well.
Where should I park and enter?
If there are designated employee parking spaces and entrances, you’ll want to know that in advance. This will ensure that if you also need a specific key card or code to enter, you’ll have it ready for a smooth entrance.
For remote workers: How/when should I expect to receive my equipment, and what equipment will I get?
For remote workers, your company may be shipping your equipment to you, or requiring you to go to the office on day one to collect everything. You’ll want to know what to expect to make sure everything arrives, and if you need any tracking information.
If you have to go in to pick up your things, knowing this in advance can help you plan for a ride if you need one, or if you can take public transportation and carry all of your equipment easily.
What is the onboarding schedule?
Depending on what job you are starting, there may be specific training needed, or IT processes that you will need to sit in on. They may also have a schedule created for you to meet all of your team members/department. Knowing this information ahead of time will help you bring any materials (like notebooks, pens, computer equipment, etc…)
They may also be planning a team lunch or for your manager to take you to lunch on your first day, so you can skip packing a lunch.
Questions to Ask During Your Onboarding
What are my expected work hours? Do I have a specific time for lunch?
You may be working in a position where your schedule will change week to week, but if you are salaried or have a set number of hours to work daily, it’s good to know the general hours other team members log on or clock in.
You can also ask when people typically take a lunch, or how long they take their lunches to figure out your schedule. For our salaried people and especially remote workers, it’s easy to get in a groove and forget to take some time to eat, take a walk, or step away from your computer.
What is the structure of my team/department? Who do I look to for specific questions or resources?
You should already know who your manager is (but if not, make sure to clarify that) but it’s good to also know who else you can go to when you have questions. Clarify who on your team is in charge of what tasks, or where specific documents, pieces of training, tools, etc.. are housed for you to access.
What each person’s preferred method of communication is
This one is especially important for corporate and remote workers. It’s best to find out whether they prefer email, Teams/Slack, a phone call, or for you to just stop by in person. This will help you get the information the quickest, and you’ll also know where to look in the future if you need to refer back to a document or answer.
Where can I see my benefits, paid time off, important holidays, etc..
If your company works with payroll/HR software you need to know that and get set up in the system. If they don’t utilize software you’ll want to know where to look to find that information.
If you have PTO, you’ll also want to know how you put in a PTO request, and who approves it for you.
This is also a good time to review all of the benefits you were offered and if there is a waiting period before you can access certain benefits.
Questions to ask your manager on day one*
*or two, since day one might be jam-packed with HR items
What are my essential daily responsibilities?
While your job description should have included this information, it’s good to review with your manager what they expect you to accomplish daily. You can also ask them to prioritize specific tasks, or if there are specific meetings you need to attend.
What are the expectations for my first 30,60,90 days?
Clarify their expectations for you and the role to set yourself up for success. This will also help you to create a to-do list for yourself so you are not sitting around and waiting for instructions, or twiddling your thumbs (which can make the day drag on).
Depending on your role, there may be specific numerical targets you’re expected to hit as well, like sales goals, guest reviews, and KPIs. You’ll want to establish and agree on those with your manager so you can track your success.
Keep in mind, that you are just joining the team/company, so you won’t be expected to have all of the answers. Ask as many questions as you need to so that you feel confident in yourself and your performance.