18 Questions Every New Hire Wants Answered
Starting a new job is stressful. New employees often feel anxious about their first day, unsure of what to expect or how they'll fit in. To better understand these concerns, we surveyed 100 people about their biggest worries when starting a new position. Their responses were compiled into the 18 questions below.
If your employee handbook or onboarding process can address even a handful of these questions proactively, you'll help new hires feel more confident and welcomed from day one.
The 18 Questions
- When do I start?
- What should I expect on my first day?
- When will I get paid?
- What are my benefits? (Insurance, vacation days, sick days, etc.)
- How does this role fit into my career plans?
- Will you help me grow professionally?
- What is the dress code?
- Can I use my phone at work?
- How does the company make money?
- Who do I report to?
- What are my goals and responsibilities?
- Where do I go to learn more?
- How does my role impact the company?
- Will my team and manager like me?
- Will I like my team and manager?
- How will my performance be measured?
- What are the company values?
- What does a typical day look like?
Why This Matters
These questions reveal what new hires are really thinking about during their first weeks. By addressing them upfront in your employee handbook or during onboarding, you can:
- Reduce anxiety – New employees feel more prepared and confident
- Speed up productivity – Less time spent figuring things out
- Improve retention – Employees who feel supported are more likely to stay
- Build trust – Transparency from the start creates a positive relationship
If you answer even a few of these questions for your new hires, you'll go a long way toward making them feel comfortable and set up for success.