Settling into your new job
It’s normal to feel nervous when you’re starting a new job, especially if it’s your first job or you’ve had a long break from work. Each workplace is different but there are some things you can expect and plan for.
Before your first day
Check you have all the information you need to get ready to start.
- Where to go – make sure you know where you need to go on your first day and how you’ll get there. If this is a new route, it’s worth getting familiar with the amount of traffic going the same way, or how busy and accessible public transport is.
- Plan to arrive early - find out about parking, if you need it. You might need to allow more time for things like checking into security on the first day.
- Contacts – make a note of who you need to ask for when you arrive on your first day.
- Dress code – find out what kind of clothes you should wear or if there’s a uniform. Give yourself time to buy or borrow any items you might need.
- Local facilities – you might want to ask what facilities are on site, such as a lunch room or fridge. Or what’s nearby, like shops or cafes for lunch.
- What to bring – ask what documents and information you might need to bring. For example, your bank and tax details. Check if you need to bring any of your own equipment to do your job.
- Remote setup – if you’ll be working from home, check what technology you need and what your employer will provide.
For more advice, visit the Fair Work website Starting a new job page. You can download a guide and checklist and take a short free online course.
Your first few days
Some employers run formal orientation programs to introduce new employees to the workplace. This is also called ‘onboarding’ or ‘induction’.
Even if there isn’t a formal orientation, there are a few things you’ll likely need to do as you settle into your new job.
- Paperwork – your employer will usually have forms to fill out. For example, for your bank account, tax and superannuation details. There may also be other documents to look at or sign.
- Your role – check the details of your job description. Ask any questions you need to as you learn the tasks in your job.
- Work health and safety – there will usually be training about health and safety in your workplace. This will include any rules you need to follow.
- Emergencies – you should find out about what to do in an emergency, including any evacuation plans. If you think you may need assistance during an evacuation you should speak to your supervisor.
- Policies and procedures – get to know the workplace policies and processes. This might include rules about using mobile phones and other devices during work hours. Check what the process is if you’re sick or running late for work.
- Support at work – find out who you should speak to if you need help. Some workplaces have a mentor or buddy system, where another employee will support you as you learn. Your employer might also have other support programs, like free counselling.
When starting any new job, it's also good to be aware of your rights and responsibilities. This includes understanding privacy, discrimination and work health and safety laws.
There is also information available for your employer about evacuation plans for employees with disability.
Getting support
If you need an Auslan interpreter to be at an induction program, your Disability Employment Service (DES) provider can help arrange this. If you don’t have a DES provider, you may be able to get funding for an interpreter through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).
The EAF can help pay for changes to the workplace, equipment or services to support people with disability to do their job. Talk to your employer about any adjustments you might need and visit Funding for changes in the workplace for more information.
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Real life story – A passport to success
Meet Dwayne Fernandes, Diversity and Inclusion Partner at the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
