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New Job First Week Checklist

Use this New Job First Week Checklist to organise the key tasks and next steps. Set up the basics of a new role by learning priorities, systems, people, routines and expectations

10 Tasks 2 Steps ✓ Progress saves on this device
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STEP 1 OF 2Getting Started

Work through this step at your own pace.

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Confirm your start time, location, access instructions and required documents. To do
Set up your work accounts, equipment and essential communication tools. To do
Review onboarding materials, policies and role expectations. To do
Learn the team's main goals, recurring meetings and communication channels. To do
Meet key colleagues and understand who owns the work you will interact with. To do
Clarify your first-week priorities and any deadlines. To do
Record unfamiliar tools, processes or terms you need to learn. To do
Ask how work is assigned, reviewed and escalated. To do
Organize your notes so important information is easy to find. To do
Schedule a short end-of-week review of questions, progress and next steps. To do
CHECKLIST GUIDE · PRACTICAL ADVICE

New Job First Week Checklist: What to Know Before You Begin

Set up the basics of a new role by learning priorities, systems, people, routines and expectations.

Before You Start

The first week is usually a mix of practical setup, introductions and learning how things work. Get the basic access and equipment sorted early, then keep notes on people, processes and questions as you settle in.

Important Tips

  • Focus on learning how the team works before trying to change everything.
  • Write down questions and group them so you can ask efficiently.
  • Confirm expectations when a task or priority is unclear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I learn first?

Prioritize role expectations, team responsibilities, communication channels, immediate tasks and core systems.

Should I ask many questions?

Ask focused questions when you need context; documenting answers can reduce repeated interruptions.

What should I review at the end of week one?

Summarize what you learned, open questions, completed tasks and priorities for the next week.