INTRODUCTION:
A job seeker asked, “What are the best questions to ask and who should I ask them of during my first week of a new job?”
INITIAL RESPONSE:
It’s a new year and many of you will soon start new jobs. Your first week will likely be constant information overload. You’ll meet new people; learn your way around; and learn how to do your job, including any required technology. Although your employer will likely have an onboarding process to follow which will answer a lot of new hire questions, I recommend that you ask your immediate supervisor the six questions below to kickstart your success.
QUESTIONS TO ASK:
1) Ask for a copy of your job description. Your job description informs you on the duties that you have to perform. So, don’t assume that the vacancy announcement contains all of the details of your official job description. It could be different. So, ask for a copy and focus your performance on the job description.
2) Ask your manager how to report an absence. It happens to all of us at some point. Our car won’t start. We have flat tire. Our spouse or our child gets sick. A pipe bursts. Or, we get sick. So, it is imperative that you find out how to let your manager know if you will be late to work or absent on a scheduled work day.
3) How will your performance be rated and when? I heard it said that we manage what we measure. So, as employees, we must manage our performance. But, we can’t if we don’t know what the criteria are.
4) Who will be your go-to person when you have questions? Your manager may not always be available when you have a question. So, find out who is the person on the team who you can go to for quick answers to work-related questions.
5) Will you and your manager meet regularly for project status checks, to discuss concerns, etc.? It is important to keep the lines of communication open between you and your manager. So, find out if you and your manager will meet weekly or bi-weekly to discuss the status of current projects, challenges that you have encountered, or upcoming projects.
6) What are the top unspoken rules of the work environment? Every workplace has certain unspoken rules. Maybe employees are afforded a five-minute grace period at the start of their shift. Maybe your team celebrates birthdays at the end of the month. Maybe you have to arrange coverage with a co-worker if you have a scheduled absence. Knowing what those are will help you to feel like a part of the team even more quickly.
IN CONCLUSION:
Starting a new job is a very exciting time in our lives. Getting answers to the right questions help you become familiar with your new role. You will also develop a healthy comfort level in your new workplace and start to bond with your manager and colleagues. So, don’t be afraid to ask the questions above as well as any others that you may have. Your manager and colleagues will appreciate it and see that you are fully engaged and ready to contribute to the team’s success.
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My goal is to help you live your best career life. So, as always, career search success to you. Go Get Your New Job!
