How to Prepare for Job Orientation

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Job orientation should help you to understand everything you need to know in order to succeed in your new position. Preparing thoroughly for your job orientation can help you to make a great impression on the employer and allow yourself to start the new job in a positive manner. This article provides some tips and advice on how to prepare for your job orientation and succeed in your new role.

How to prepare for a job orientation

Here are some tips to help you prepare for job orientation:

1. First, be eager to learn about your new role

Getting yourself mentally prepared for your orientation can ensure you are open to learning as much as possible while you’re there. When you arrive, you can show that you are eager to start with the company, making a good first impression.

2. Second, review any documents that have already been provided

You can prepare for your orientation by calling ahead and asking if there is anything you need to bring or whether you can prepare anything in advance. If they have an employee handbook, you can read through it to familiarize yourself with their internal processes. If you received any documents as part of the interview and hiring process, review them before you start as well.

3. Third, follow the dress code

Unless you will be wearing a uniform or have been given detailed instructions concerning the dress code, make sure you look professional. Depending on the nature of the job, you may wish to opt for comfortable shoes or a specific outfit that suits the working conditions. If you aren’t sure what you will be doing during your job orientation, you can call the person who scheduled your orientation and ask for their advice. 

4. Last, be sure to arrive early

Make sure you check your route so that you can arrive early to be ready for your appointment. Ask for specific directions so you know exactly where to go when you arrive. You can call ahead to check on the parking arrangements, and also ask if there’s a specific room or area you need to report to for your orientation. 

Tips for what to bring to a job orientation

Here are some tips to ensure you have everything you need for your job orientation: 

Bring a notepad and pen so that you can take notes

You can review your notes later and refer to them as you’re getting comfortable at your new job. Some job orientations are conducted with large groups of new hires, and others are done on a one-to-one basis. Either way, you might have questions that aren’t answered over the course of the day that you want to make a note to ask later. You can also write down the names of the important people you have met, such as department managers or human resource representatives.

Bring your personal identification and employment documents

For some roles, you will need to provide evidence of your identity, qualifications or other documents, so make sure you have them all prepared. You might be asked to fill out details for the payroll system, so have your social security number, tax details and banking information with you as well. 

Bring a snack and water

It’s always a good idea to bring a simple snack and some water with you. You might be given a break over the course of the day, but you might not have time to go out for lunch if your schedule is full. Having a snack with you will help you maintain your concentration as you take in all the information. 

What to expect during a job orientation

Here are some of the most common things you can expect to be included during a job orientation:

Introductions

You will need to form relationships with your colleagues, managers and members of other teams and departments, so introductions are an important part of job orientation. Nobody expects you to remember everyone on your first day, but if you can, make a note of the names of the people you’ll be working with the most.

Overview

You’ll likely get an overview about the company and its mission. This could include information about its founders, history and current statistics. Learning more about the company you’re going to work for can help you set specific goals for yourself that align with organizational objectives. 

Briefing on daily routines

You should get to meet the people you will be working with and learn how your role fits within the organization. Orientations usually include details of clocking in procedures, and you should be shown where you can keep any personal belongings. You will usually get a quick overview of your responsibilities and information about your working hours, salary and details of how and when you will be paid. 

Tour of the workplace

You should be shown around and given directions to the departments and facilities you will need. Some of these will be specific to your role and others will be more general, so try to make a note of the important areas.

Training

Your orientation might include using in-house software, databases or a company intranet site. Training could also include shadowing an employee for a portion of the day to see what your duties might look like. 

Information about next steps

While your job orientation might prepare you completely to start in a new role, you may want to ask what the next step is for your ongoing training. Knowing what to expect in the first few days of a new job can help you to be prepared, so taking the initiative can help you to feel more confident about your position.