So I'm running an odd ball, all "monster" campaign, currently second level and a new player is likely to join. He has a littlle 3.5 experience, no PF, and usually plays quiet fighter types.
Current groups is Dhampir antipaladin, gnoll dirge bard, hobgoblin slayer (twf), hobgoblin undead lord cleric, and a peri blood aasimar unchained summoner.
What would you recommend for the new player?
Do you know if they have experience with other rpgs, either table top or video game? While pointing him to a simple class is the most obvious, there are a number of people who could handle a wizard, or other in depth class. My biggest recommendation is to let him pick what he thinks is cool. However, you should give him a few sessions to mess with his character. I would also be careful about helping him too much. Let him learn by doing.
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A Centaur Druid or a Ghoran Sorcerer.
The Druid would give him plenty to do via Casting or Wildshaping. He can easily build a caster type and rely on the buffs from the bard to help increase his combat efficiency. Only things needed to "Switch hit " on a druid is Natural spell + Power attack. A centaur gets great physical bonuses just starting out. So more the point buy can go to his casting stat of wisdom (and will save).
The Ghoran gives him great immunities and bonuses to 2 of his 3 main stats.
He has played other rpgs, soem gurps and wod that I have run. Several of the players in this group are new, so I have decided that until leveling to 4th, any level of rebuild is allowed. I completely agree that everyone should play what they think is cool, but Imknow that he will need some help sorting through options and deciding, so I'm thinking about my advice ahead of time.
Looking at that group, a sorcerer of some sort (maybe a kobold?) would be helpful.
I would probably go with an archer build for that party. There are of course numerous options available that make good archers depending on flavor and it is fairly hard to screw them up.
Zen Archer Monk would be good of course. Inquisitor Archer builds can be quite strong. Most of the full BAB classes can do it just fine. Really it mostly just depends on preference.
Archers having to worry less about positioning and able to get full attacks off easily so they are sure to contribute also make them pretty good for new players.
While I am not sure about race, I love the Occultist myself. I would recommend focusing on Evocation or Transmutation with a bow. Getting the most out of Occultist's versatility does require resource management, however it is possible to create a good build while focusing on only a few or even just one of your Implements. There are also some good archetypes that will help you build a more focused character. The Occultist will also give some good Rogue skills.
Rangers are great for newbies. Introduces concepts like bonus feats, pets, spells, terrain, etc., slowly level by level. Rangers also have lots of skills and make great archers.
Hobgoblin is a nice easy monster type. Maybe a half-orc or tiefling of some kind.