You’re going to need to ask a lot of questions, read policies and codes of practice and pay attention during your induction. Large organisations typically have a well planned induction process that lasts the bulk of your first day. It will cover your role and responsibilities, the corporate policies that apply and the ethos and culture of the firm.

Smaller companies will have a less formal process – often involving parking you with someone already working in a similar role for a couple of days. In both cases you need to have a think about what you need to know before your first day rolls around. Responsibilities and reporting structures. The standards of performance expected. The targets to be hit.

And don’t worry about the how long you get for lunch or the amount of holidays you are due – there’ll be plenty of time to make a bad  impression later.

Eoghan McDermott is Director of Careers, The Communication Clinic . www.communicationsclinic.ie