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5 Questions to Ask on Your First Day

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5 Questions to Ask on Your First Day

It’s called stress. It’s that feeling that can overpower you on your first day at a new job. You know you’re going to be in the spotlight, and your boss, along with your new co-workers, will be judging you.

But you can lessen the effects of that anxiety by asking questions. It’s just a matter of asking the right questions so you’re setting yourself up to meet your new boss’s (and your co-workers’!) expectations. Here are the top five questions to ask on day one.

  1. What would you like me to work on first?

Let your boss know you’re excited about being there and you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get started. But you first need to know what’s expected of you, so this question should be on the top of your list.

Some workers wait to be told what to do on their first day, but if you want to get off on the right foot, let everyone know you’re happy to be part of the team and want to start contributing immediately.

  1. Who would you suggest I get to know this week?

You’ll want to start creating relationships with key people in your department and beyond. Those connections will be the building blocks of a successful career. Let everyone know who you are, what you stand for, and how you hope to help the organization from your new position. Reveal your goals and solicit their support.

  1. What’s the preferred method of communication?

It’s a good idea to ask your manager how you should be communicating. Some offices use email, while others prefer phones or text messages. It’s best to know how your office communicates from the get-go, so you fall right in line and avoid something inappropriate.

  1. Who do I go to when you’re not here?

Here is another question that can save you embarrassment in the future. Find out who you should be going to when your boss is unavailable. You’ll feel better knowing who is next in line, and you might avoid a prickly situation. If you accidentally circumvent the next person in charge, you could cause hurt or angry feelings. So, always know the chain of command and use it — especially when you’re new!

  1. Where is the bathroom, how long is lunch, etc.?

You need to know where the restrooms are, and when and how long you have for lunch. You don’t want to be skipping out for a one-hour lunch when the allowed time is 30 minutes. And all those not-so-little items — water fountains, coffee machines, break room, and lavatory — need to be pointed out to you.

Let us help you get to that first day on the job

Contact Pro Resources for the light industrial or technical/professional position you’re hoping to find. We’ve been in business for over 30 years, and we will use our experience to help you find your next job.

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