Recruitment and immigration for employers and job seekers.
GRIA is now part of Hire Australia.
GRIA has merged with Hire Australia. Candidate registrations and recruitment are now handled by Hire Australia.
Preparing for work
Arrive with a plan for your first day
A little preparation helps you focus on learning the role and meeting the people you will work with. Start with the details your employer has confirmed, then list the questions you still need answered.
If you are still looking for a role, register with Hire Australia first. You can return to this checklist as your plans progress.
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Your first-day checklist
Prepare before you start
Confirm the essentials
Check the start date, location, arrival time, contact person and what to bring. Review the role description, onboarding materials and any agreed probation goals.
Understand the work
Read about the organisation and your team. Ask how performance will be measured, who you will work with and which priorities matter first.
Practise the practicalities
Plan your commute, clothing or uniform, meals and family arrangements. Leave time for an unfamiliar route and keep your contact person's details handy.
Working with your team
Ask how things are done
Every workplace has its own routines. Ask how people communicate, when to raise questions and how feedback is shared. Be punctual, listen carefully and speak up respectfully when you need help or spot a problem.
Introduce yourself to colleagues and learn what they do. Short check‑ins with your supervisor can help clarify expectations while you settle in.
Questions for induction
- What are the safety procedures for my role?
- Who should I contact if I have a concern?
- Which tools and systems will I use?
- How do we record hours, leave or roster changes?
- When will we review my progress?
Make space to learn
Organise the tools and paperwork
Digital tools
Ask which email, meeting, payroll or rostering systems your employer uses. If relevant, practise common tasks in tools such as Microsoft 365, Teams or Zoom before you start.
Pay and employment details
Review your offer and employment documents. Ask your employer about pay, hours, leave, superannuation and the conditions that apply to your role; seek current official guidance if anything is unclear.
Banking and tax setup
Ask what details payroll needs and when. Prepare your bank, tax and superannuation information, and check the documents needed for any accounts or applications you still need to arrange.
Step by step
Use a flexible 30, 60 and 90-day plan
Days 1 to 30: learn
Understand the role, team and safety procedures. Take notes, ask questions and agree your first priorities with your supervisor.
Days 31 to 60: contribute
Build confidence in the work, seek feedback and adjust your approach. Look for useful ways to support the team.
Days 61 to 90: review
Discuss progress, clarify longer-term goals and ask about training or mentoring. Adapt this plan to your role and the employer's expectations.
Wellbeing
Build a routine you can sustain
Starting work and settling into a new place can be demanding. Keep time for rest, family, friends and local connections as you build your routine.
Ask whether your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program or other wellbeing support. If you are finding things difficult, reach out for appropriate support early.
Keep learning
- Ask for feedback rather than waiting until a formal review.
- Identify a skill you want to develop.
- Discuss training or mentoring with your manager.
- Review your plan as the role becomes familiar.
For practical relocation tasks, read life in Australia: what to expect.
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