Navigating the HR side of your first job

Congrats on your first job! Once you sign your offer letter, things start moving quickly. One of your first stops is Human Resources (sometimes called HR, Talent Management, or People Operations). While this might not be the most exciting part of starting a new role, it is an important one. You'll complete documents, receive workplace policies, and possibly get an employee ID. It can feel intimidating at first but knowing what to expect can make the process smoother.

Onboarding process

Once you've accepted the job, your official onboarding begins. This is when you go from "new hire" to part of the company. Here's what you can expect:

Forms

Signing your acceptance letter is just the start. Before you can officially start your job, you'll need to fill out some important documents to make sure you get paid legally and correctly. Here are some forms you can expect so that you arrive prepared to complete them:

• W-4 (Tax Form): This form lets your employer know how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck. At the end of the fiscal year, you'll receive a W-2 form that shows how much money was withheld and what your yearly income is. This will help you file your taxes, so both forms are incredibly important.
• Direct Deposit Form: To receive your paycheck directly into your bank account, you'll need to ensure you provide the account and routing numbers for the bank account where you want your check deposited. You can get this information from your bank – it's often accessible via banks' mobile apps.
• I-9 Verification: This document simply states that you are eligible to work in the United States. To prove this, you'll need to provide a legal form of identification and work authorization, such as a driver's license or passport.

Background checks

Many companies will require you to pass a background check. This typically means they run a scan to review your education, past jobs, and any criminal history. HR typically handles this and they will let you know if they need anything else.

Company policies

During onboarding, you'll likely be given an employee handbook, dress code expectations, benefits info, and other important rules you may need to know. While there won't be a quiz on this (probably), it's a good idea to start familiarizing yourself with the information as soon as you can. Every workplace has its own way of doing things—that's where company policies come in.

While it may feel like information overload during this time, here are a few key things to pay attention to:

• Dress Code: Find out exactly what is expected for your day-to-day appearance.
• Time Off: Understand how to request vacation days, personal days, or sick leave, and how many of each you're allocated.
• Work Hours and Breaks: Learn how to clock in/out (if needed) and when you're expected to take breaks.
• Code of Conduct: Find out the rules around communication, social media use, and how to report any concerns.

Enrolling in benefits

Once you've been onboarded, you'll need to enroll in your benefits. Benefits can quickly add up in value, so it's important that you take the time to understand what is being offered to you. While it may sound simple, navigating these for the first time can be overwhelming or confusing.

Selecting health insurance benefits

We get it—terms like "deductible," "premium," "copay," and "coinsurance" aren't always clear. And when your new employer offers different plans to choose from, it can quickly add to the confusion. Before you just sign up, review the different plans to determine which plan is right for you. There may be resources available to you that will help you compare plans and do cost analysis, which can help you select a plan.

Taking advantage of ALL your benefits

Your benefits aren't just your health, vision, and dental options (although those are great perks!). Having a job often comes with a variety of other valuable benefits you may not be aware of. Here are a few to look out for:

• Retirement Plans: Most companies offer a 401(k) or 403(b) plan that lets you save for the future straight from your paycheck. While retirement may not be the first thing on your mind right now, these pre-tax contributions may help lower your taxable income, and, if your employer offers a 401(k) or 403(b) match, it's a valuable benefit that can significantly boost your long-term savings.
• Health, Fitness & Wellness Perks: Today, many companies offer additional wellness perks like gym memberships or overall wellness support to help employees be the best version of themselves.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): It's important to know how much time off you get, especially if you're starting mid-year. This will help you plan for vacation or unexpected sick time. If your company offers generous PTO, it usually means they value work-life balance—something that plays a big role in long-term job satisfaction. If you work for a company with unlimited PTO, talk to other employees about expectations.
• Parental Leave: If you plan on growing your family, make sure you check to see how your maternity/paternity leave works and when it goes into effect. Some companies may require that you work for a certain amount of time before taking an extended leave.
• Leave of Absence: Companies may have leave of absence and disability plans available to employees. These plans can vary by many factors such as length of service, reason for leave and what state you work in. It is good to be familiar with them if you ever need to utilize this benefit.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA): These accounts let you set aside pre-tax money to pay for medical, dental, or vision expenses. HSAs only pair with high-deductible health plans, and unused funds can roll over from year to year. FSAs usually have a "use it or lose it" policy annually but are a great way to lower your taxable income. HR can explain how to enroll and how to use these accounts effectively.
• Commuter Benefits: Some companies provide pre-tax options for public transportation, parking, or even bike commuting costs. This benefit can help you save money on your daily commute and make your workday easier.
• Career Growth Support: Many companies offer education assistance programs and in-house learning opportunities.

Common questions you may have during onboarding

When you're starting your first job, it's totally normal to have questions—or to not even know what to ask yet:

• Ask yourself – Do you need health insurance? (most health plans allow you to remain covered under a parent's plan until age 26)
• What are the main points to consider when choosing a health insurance plan?
• How do I compare plans?
• When do my benefits officially start?
• How do I request time off or report when I'm sick?
• What's the policy on working from home or flexible hours?
• How do I update my bank info or tax forms if something changes?
• When do I get paid, and how do I view my pay stubs?
• Who do I go to if I have a problem at work?
• What's the dress code?

Many companies today have robust benefits and resource portals that can help answer your questions and get you signed up for the benefits you qualify for. If you have other questions, it's always a good idea to start with your direct manager. They can help guide you to the proper channels if they don't have the answers.

Congrats on that first job! Now make the most of it by managing your money the smart way! Check out tips, resources, and products in our Student Hub to get you started.