Get the practical details clear before day one.
Check the start time, location or meeting link, who you should ask for, and anything you have been asked to bring. If the information is missing, send a short question to your contact. For remote work, test the equipment and connection you already have. Follow the organisation’s instructions for accounts and access rather than guessing which tools to install or use.
Ask what a useful first week looks like.
Early on, ask your manager what they would like you to understand or complete first. A helpful question is: “By the end of this week, what would you most like me to have learned or delivered?” Clarify which tasks matter most and where to ask for help. You may find that observing a process, reading background material, or meeting colleagues is the right first priority.
Keep a simple working notebook.
Record names, responsibilities, unfamiliar terms, and instructions you are likely to need again. Keep a separate list of questions so you can raise them together when appropriate. Use an approved place for your notes and avoid copying private work information into personal accounts. Before repeating a question, check what you have already written; when instructions conflict, ask which version to follow.
Make small commitments you can keep.
If you agree to send an update or finish a task, note the expected time and confirm what “finished” means. For example, does your colleague need a rough outline to review or a checked document ready to share? If you realise a deadline is at risk, say so early and explain what remains. A clear update gives the team a chance to help you adjust the work.
Ask for feedback while the work is still small.
Show an early example before repeating the same approach across a larger task. You might say: “I’ve completed one section using these instructions. Could you check whether I’m heading in the right direction?” This creates space to correct misunderstandings before they become expensive to undo. Listen to the feedback, make a note of the change, and confirm anything you do not understand.
End the week with a short reflection.
Write down what you learned, what you completed, and what you still need help with. Share the relevant points with your manager in the format your team uses. Ask what to focus on next. You do not have to know everything after five days; a useful first week leaves you with a clearer picture of the work and a practical next step.