Getting a new job can be exciting. Every day you learn something new about your company and its products or services. The downside may be interpreting the information, and applying it to a beginner’s level of understanding. You will most likely have questions, and it’s okay to ask.

Reynolds and Reynolds doesn’t require any previous knowledge of the automotive industry, and provides classes for new associates to learn the tricks of the trade. Asking questions is a key part of understanding the information, and is highly encouraged. Other companies typically provide training and may have someone designated to help you.

In order to get the most out of your questions when starting a new career, here are a few tips:

1. Be specific.

If someone states a term or acronym you are unfamiliar with, ask what it means. If they mention something in passing that confuses you, ask them to repeat what was said and have them elaborate on what you are having a hard time understanding. Asking general questions can lead to further confusion and cause misinterpretations. The more specific the question, the better.

2. Have a goal.

Understand what you want to know from your questions. It may be how something works, what a word or acronym means, or how a process functions. Knowing what type of answer you are after helps your trainer or supervisor understand what to focus on when working with you.

3. Stay calm.

Using language that doesn’t hint at anger or frustration is important. Learning new things may not always be easy, but with enough patience, milestones can be made.

4. Leave room for answers.

When you ask questions, leave room for answers in between. Asking one question at a time instead of back-to-back will allow you to get the answers you need while not overwhelming or confusing the person providing information.

There are a few other things to note when learning a new job. Take a notepad to meetings so you can write down information and topics of confusion to prevent forgetting them later during the workday. If you are working on a new project and know you’ll have multiple questions, write them down as you go. Try to have multiple questions prepared for when you have your trainer’s or supervisor’s attention. Frequently pulling them away from their work can hurt their productivity as well as yours.

A new career is a great accomplishment and a new adventure. Don’t let confusion overwhelm you, and take everything one day at a time. Following these steps can help you conquer the day’s challenges and master your new role.