Foundation · Work

Your first day

Your goal: introduce yourself, meet your new colleagues and ask basic questions about your office tools and schedule. Simple steps to make a great first impression.

1

Survival Phrases

Introductions

  • Hello, I'm [Name]. I'm the new intern/assistant.
  • Nice to meet you.
  • This is my first day.

Asking for help

  • Excuse me, where is the kitchen?
  • Can I use this printer?
  • Sorry, how does this work?
  • Who is the person to talk to about [X]?

Routine

  • What time is lunch?
  • Where is the restroom?
  • What is my password for the Wi-Fi?
2

Model Dialogue

Read the dialogue, then read it aloud twice: once as the new employee, once as the manager.

Carlos: Hi, I'm Carlos. I'm the new office assistant.

Sarah: Hi Carlos! I'm Sarah, the manager. Welcome!

Carlos: Thank you! It's my first day.

Sarah: Come, let me show you your desk.

Carlos: Great. Where is the kitchen? Do people eat lunch here?

Sarah: Yes, we eat at 12:30. The kitchen is right there.

Carlos: Thanks. And how do I use the Wi-Fi?

Sarah: Oh, it's 'Office_Guest'. No password needed.

Carlos: Perfect. Thanks for your help!

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationFormal (Manager/Boss)Informal (Colleague/Team)
MeetingIt's a pleasure to meet you.Hi, nice to meet you.
AskingCould I possibly ask a question?Can I ask you something?
ThanksThank you very much.Thanks a lot!
GoodbyeGoodbye.See you later!
4

Typical Mistakes

  • I'm new on the office. → I'm new in the office.
  • What time is the lunch? → What time is lunch?
  • Where is the bathroom? → Where is the restroom? (em ambientes corporativos)
  • I don't have nothing to do. → I don't have anything to do.
5

Culture Note

  • Punctuality is important. Arriving "on time" often means 5 minutes early.
  • Small talk usually starts with "How was your weekend?" or "How is your morning going?".
  • Kitchen etiquette: Always wash your own cup and plate. Never leave your mess for others.
6

Practical Task

  1. Write your introduction. Write 3 sentences you can use when someone asks "Who are you?" or "What do you do?".
  2. Practice asking. Write down two things you might need to find on your first day (e.g., the coffee machine, the printer, your manager's office).
  3. Role-play. Ask a friend to act as a colleague. Practice saying "Hello" and asking them where the kitchen is.

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐introduce yourself simply?
  • ☐ask for basic locations like the kitchen or restroom?
  • ☐ask about the daily routine (lunch, meetings)?