How to Use AI to Settle Into a New Job

Congratulations, you got the job. Now comes the slightly nerve-wracking bit: the first few weeks. New people, new systems, new acronyms and that feeling of not quite knowing where anything is or how things are done. Most people take a few months to feel fully settled, and how you spend those early weeks can make a lasting impression.

AI can help you hit the ground running. It can help you research the organisation and sector, prepare questions for your manager, learn industry jargon fast, plan your first 30, 60 and 90 days, keep organised notes and draft introductions to colleagues. It can’t replace getting to know people, which is the most important part, but it can free up headspace so you can focus on it. This guide takes about an hour before you start.

What you’ll need

• Your job description, offer letter and any onboarding information
• The organisation’s website, recent news and annual report if there is one
• A notes app or notebook
• An AI chatbot and about an hour before your start date

Step-by-step: settle into a new job with AI

1. Research the organisation. Read the website and recent news, then ask the AI to help you summarise what the organisation does, who its customers are and the challenges in its sector (prompt 1). Check facts against official sources.
2. Learn the language. Ask for a glossary of common terms and acronyms in your new sector or role. You’ll pick up the internal ones as you go.
3. Prepare questions for your manager. Ask the AI for questions that help you understand expectations, priorities and how success is measured (prompt 2). National Careers Service advice on preparing questions for interviews applies here too.
4. Draft a 30-60-90 day plan. Ask for a simple plan focused on learning, building relationships and early contributions (prompt 3). Share it with your manager and adjust.
5. Introduce yourself. Ask the AI to help write a short, friendly introduction for your team chat or email.
6. Take good notes. Each week, summarise what you’ve learned and questions you still have (prompt 4). Check your employer’s AI policy before using AI with work information.
7. Ask for feedback early. After a few weeks, ask your manager how you’re doing. It shows initiative and avoids surprises at the end of probation.

Copy-paste prompts

1. Get to know the organisation

I'm starting a new job as a [ROLE] at [ORGANISATION], a [TYPE OF ORGANISATION] in [SECTOR]. Here's what I know from their website and the job description: [PASTE KEY POINTS].
Summarise what they do, who their customers or service users are, likely current challenges in this sector and how my role might contribute. Mark anything I should double-check. Then list 15 common terms or acronyms in this sector with plain-English explanations.

2. Questions for my manager

I'm meeting my new manager for the first time as a [ROLE]. Write 12 questions to ask in our first one-to-one, covering their priorities for my role, how success is measured, how they like to communicate, who I should get to know, what's worked well or badly before, and how probation works.

3. My 30-60-90 day plan

I'm starting as a [ROLE]. The main responsibilities are [PASTE FROM JOB DESCRIPTION]. My manager's priorities are [IF KNOWN].
Draft a simple 30-60-90 day plan: first 30 days focused on learning and relationships, 60 on contributing, and 90 on taking ownership. Include 3 to 5 goals for each stage and who I might need to meet. Keep it realistic and flexible.

4. Weekly learning summary

Here are my rough notes from this week in my new job (no confidential details): [PASTE NOTES].
Organise them into: what I've learned, people I've met and what they do, things I'm still unsure about and questions to ask next week. Keep it short.

Recommended tools

• ChatGPT: research summaries, glossaries and plans.
• Claude: good for organising notes and reflections.
• Microsoft Copilot: often available at work for summarising meetings and documents, if approved.
• Gemini: useful in Google Workspace organisations.
• Grok: quick for definitions and terms.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

• Follow the AI policy. Many employers have rules about which tools you can use and what you can share.
• Don’t rely on AI for internal knowledge. It doesn’t know how your organisation works. Ask colleagues.
• Listen first. Resist suggesting big changes in the first few weeks until you understand why things are done the way they are.
• Learn names. Write down who people are and what they do.
• Ask questions. Being new is the best excuse to ask.
• Look after yourself. Starting a job is tiring. Get plenty of sleep in the first weeks.
• Check your contract. Make sure your written statement matches what was agreed.

FAQ

What’s a 30-60-90 day plan?

It’s a simple plan for your first three months, focused on learning, contributing and then taking ownership of your role.

Is it okay to use AI at work?

It depends on your employer’s policy. Ask your manager or check the policy before using AI with work information.

How do I make a good first impression?

Be friendly, curious and reliable. Turn up on time, follow through on small things and ask good questions.

What if the job isn’t what I expected?

Give it a few weeks, as early days are often unsettling. If it still doesn’t feel right, raise it calmly with your manager, using specific examples. The AI can help you prepare what to say.

I'm starting a new job as a [ROLE] at [ORGANISATION], a [TYPE OF ORGANISATION] in [SECTOR]. Here's what I know from their website and the job description: [PASTE KEY POINTS].
Summarise what they do, who their customers or service users are, likely current challenges in this sector and how my role might contribute. Mark anything I should double-check. Then list 15 common terms or acronyms in this sector with plain-English explanations.

Related guides

• How to use AI to negotiate a job offer and salary
• How to use AI to write professional emails faster
• How to use AI to take meeting notes and summaries

Reference: National Careers Service: Interview tips