Your first weeks at work

Your first day in a professional job can be a mix of excitement and nerves. You'll meet new people, learn new systems and try to work out how everything fits together, all while wanting to make a good impression. Most new starters feel a little overwhelmed at first. That's completely normal.

This guide explains what usually happens during onboarding, what your employer must give you, how probation works and practical ways to settle in, learn quickly and build good working relationships. It's general information only; your employer's processes and your contract will set out the specifics.

Before your first day

In the days before you start, your employer may send onboarding information: where and when to arrive, who to ask for, what to bring, dress expectations and links to forms. Read everything carefully and complete any forms through the employer's official system.

Plan your journey and do a trial run if you can, so you know how long it takes. Prepare your clothes, bag and any documents the night before. If anything is unclear, contact your manager or the person who sent the information.

What your employer must give you

The Fair Work Ombudsman says employers must give every new employee a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement (FWIS) before, or as soon as possible after, they start. It summarises your minimum entitlements under the National Employment Standards, the right to request flexible working arrangements, modern awards, agreements, workplace rights, termination of employment and the roles of the Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission.

Casual employees must also receive the Casual Employment Information Statement at the start of employment and at set times during it. Employees on new fixed-term contracts must receive the Fixed Term Contract Information Statement.

Keep these documents with your contract. They're useful references if questions about your entitlements arise later.

Paperwork and systems

Common onboarding tasks include:

• Tax file number declaration, so the right amount of tax is withheld from your pay.
• Superannuation details, either choosing your own fund or using your employer's default.
• Bank details for your pay.
• Emergency contacts.
• Policies and training, such as codes of conduct, work health and safety, privacy, IT security and anti-discrimination training.
• System access, including email, intranet, software and building access.

Provide sensitive information only through your employer's official processes.

Your first days

The first days are usually about orientation. You might have an induction session, meet your team, set up your computer and accounts, and learn about the organisation's structure, tools and policies. If you're joining a graduate program, there may be a group induction with your cohort.

Practical tips:

• Arrive a little early and introduce yourself to people you meet.
• Bring a notebook or use a digital notes app, and write down names, processes and answers to your questions.
• Learn the basics of the tools your team uses.
• Observe how people communicate: by email, chat, meetings or in person, and how formal they are.
• Be patient with yourself. No one expects you to know everything.

Asking questions

Asking questions is one of the best ways to learn, and it's expected of new starters. To make it easier for everyone:

• Try to find the answer first, for example on the intranet or in documentation, but don't spend hours stuck.
• Group non-urgent questions and ask at a convenient time.
• Write down the answers so you don't need to ask again.
• Ask "why" as well as "how". Understanding the purpose of a task helps you do it better.

Probation

Many employers use a probation period. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that probation gives employers and employees a chance to check the employee is suitable for the role, often ranges from three to six months and that employees on probation receive the same entitlements as other employees, including minimum pay and the National Employment Standards. Full-time and part-time employees on probation accrue and can access paid leave, such as annual and sick leave.

If employment ends during probation, the employee is still entitled to notice and to be paid for unused accrued annual leave.

To make probation a success:

• Ask your manager what's expected of you and how your performance will be assessed.
• Schedule regular check-ins and ask for feedback.
• Act on feedback and show improvement.
• Raise any problems early.

Building relationships

Good working relationships make work more enjoyable and help you learn faster. Take time to get to know your team. Ask colleagues about their roles and how they got there. Offer to help when you can. Attend team events and social activities if you're comfortable.

If you have a buddy or mentor, use them. They can explain unwritten rules, introduce you to people and give honest advice.

Communication

Professional communication takes practice. Some tips:

• Keep emails clear and concise, with a descriptive subject line.
• Respond to messages within a reasonable time, even if only to say you'll get back to them.
• Confirm instructions if you're unsure ("Just to check, you'd like me to...").
• Let your manager know early if you're going to miss a deadline.
• Be respectful in all communication, including chat messages.

Managing your workload

Early on, you may have a light workload while you learn. Use the time to understand your team's work, read relevant documents and complete training. As tasks increase, keep a simple list, prioritise with your manager's input and don't be afraid to say if you have too much on.

Looking after yourself

Starting full-time work is a big adjustment, especially if you're used to a student timetable. Get enough sleep, keep up exercise and hobbies, and stay connected with friends and family. Know your working hours and try to maintain boundaries.

If you're struggling with stress, workload or anything else, speak to your manager, buddy, program coordinator or human resources. Many workplaces offer an employee assistance program with free, confidential counselling.

If something doesn't seem right

If your pay doesn't match your contract, you're asked to do something unsafe, or someone's behaviour makes you uncomfortable, raise it early with your manager, human resources or another trusted person. Read our workplace rights guide for more information and places to get help.

Setting goals for your first months

After the first couple of weeks, sit down with your manager to agree on some goals for your first few months. These might include learning particular systems, completing training, taking ownership of a regular task or contributing to a project. Clear goals help you focus, show progress and make probation reviews more straightforward.

Learning the unwritten rules

Every workplace has habits that aren't written down, such as how meetings run, when people take lunch or how formal emails should be. Watch, ask your buddy and adapt gradually.

Key points

• Your employer must give you the Fair Work Information Statement when you start.
• Complete onboarding paperwork only through official channels.
• Ask questions, take notes and be patient with yourself.
• Use probation to understand expectations and get regular feedback.
• Build relationships, communicate clearly and look after your wellbeing.