20 Things You Need for the First Day on the Job
New Job Survival Kit
Starting a new job can be an exciting yet anxiety-inducing experience, especially for women navigating workplace dynamics. Having had five “new jobs” over the years, I've learned quite a bit about how to prepare for that all-important first day. It's natural to feel nervous about what to wear or say, but preparation can significantly ease those jitters and set the tone for a smooth transition.
In my experience, I've often reminded myself that our careers are fundamentally built on first impressions, and each day is another opportunity to "interview" for our future. The small details we pay attention to can accumulate over time, influencing how our employers perceive our potential for handling various roles.
With that in mind, here are some essential career tips for women and a carefully curated list of 20 things you should bring or have ready for your first day at a new job. This checklist will help you feel confident and well-prepared as you embark on your new journey.
1. Documents for HR and Payroll
Ensure you bring any required identification and direct deposit details. This is important. It conveys two things: first, you are prepared, and second, you will almost certainly need those documents within the first two days to complete your I-9 (US). They are essential for setting up your pay correctly. Check with HR beforehand to confirm what you need to provide. Many companies handle as many steps as possible with digital onboarding before the first day.
Tip: Double-check if the company accepts digital copies or requires physical documents.
2. Your Job Offer and Onboarding Details
Have your job offer letter, employment contract, and onboarding instructions handy. These documents may contain key information you’ll need during the day, such as directions within a campus, who to ask for, what time to arrive, and what to bring. Review them at least one week prior and, at a minimum, the day before your first day to ensure you are fully prepared and don’t miss any critical details.
3. A Notebook and Pen
While you might be tempted to take notes on your phone or laptop, a notebook can make you appear more engaged and present. This is so true; if you whip out your cell phone to take notes, other people don’t know if you are listening, texting, etc. A pen and paper sends a much better signal that you are prepared and listening.
Pro Tip: Use it to jot down names, key processes, or instructions shared during meetings.
4. Company Contact Information
Keep a list of essential contacts, including your supervisor’s phone number and email. You’ll want quick access in case of emergencies. This is so important, and your new boss may forget to give it to you on day one. If you have an emergency and can’t reach the right people, it will leave a bad first impression. Even if they didn’t provide the contact information you need, make sure you ask.
5. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is essential, especially on a day filled with introductions and meetings. Bring a reusable water bottle to keep you refreshed. You don’t know what will be available, and don’t assume they will have water readily available for you.
6. Healthy Snacks
You may not know the lunch break schedule or have access to food immediately. A small snack can help you stay focused if hunger strikes. Hopefully, a new employer will be able to have lunch outlined for you, but everyone has a busy schedule. That may not be able to make it work on day one.
7. A Professional Outfit
What should you wear on the first day of a new job? Opt for business casual or as outlined in the company dress code. It’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. My mom and my husband have always said, Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. If you're going to make a great first impression, dress to impress. Whether we like it or not, people take us more seriously when we look well put together.
Tip: Lay out your outfit the night before to reduce morning stress.
8. Tech Essentials (Laptop, Chargers, Headphones)
Bring any necessary devices or chargers if your job requires you to work on a computer. Keeping everything fully charged and ready can help you avoid technical issues during work. In most cases, your company will supply a work computer if needed.
When it comes to cell phones, clarify the company’s policies. If they offer a business phone, discuss your options. For example:
Can you use your personal phone instead of carrying two devices?
What options are available if you prefer not to use your personal phone for business purposes?
Having worked in both situations, I prefer using my phone over carrying two devices. Juggling two phones often led me to check both constantly, and it quickly became inconvenient to have both.
9. Confidence and Positive Body Language
Bring your best self. Smile, offer a firm handshake, and maintain good posture to make a positive impression.
What to say on the first day of a new job: Greet everyone warmly and introduce yourself briefly when meeting new colleagues. Say something simple like, “Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I’m excited to join the team and look forward to collaborating with you.”
10. Personal Identification
You may need your driver’s license or work ID for security check-ins. Today, most companies require a badge for access. Ensure you have valid identification and keep it easily accessible to avoid misplacing it throughout the day.
11. A List of Questions
Consider any questions about company culture, job responsibilities, or team expectations. Showing curiosity demonstrates initiative. As you meet with people, you will start to have more questions as you understand more details about the role. Consider asking questions to show your eagerness to contribute and also help you clarify expectations early on. I want you to know that preparing questions in advance shows your proactive nature, eagerness to learn, and commitment to integrating well into your new role. Here's an expanded guide on how to approach this:
Company Culture:
What core values drive the company's decisions and operations?
How does the company celebrate successes or handle setbacks?
What is the communication style here? Is it more formal, or do people communicate casually?
What are the expectations around work-life balance?
Job Responsibilities:
Can you outline my day-to-day responsibilities?
What are the most critical tasks I should tackle first?
What does a typical project lifecycle look like for someone in my position?
Are there any ongoing projects I should know about or will be involved in from the start?
Team Expectations:
Who will I work closely with, and what are their roles?
How does the team collaborate, and what tools do we use for communication and project management?
What are the team's immediate goals, and how do they align with the broader company objectives?
How does the team handle decision-making processes or conflict resolution?
Personal Growth and Development:
What does success look like in this role after six months? A year?
Are there opportunities for professional development or further training?
How is feedback typically given, and how often can I expect formal reviews?
Pro Tips for Asking Questions:
What is the most important thing to focus on during my first month? - This question shows you're thinking ahead and want to prioritize effectively.
Who will be my primary contacts for key tasks or projects? - Knowing who to go to for what can streamline your work and help you build relationships.
What should I aim to accomplish in my first 90 days? - Demonstrates your commitment to making significant contributions early on.
Can you describe a challenge you faced in this role and how you overcame it? This can give you insights into potential obstacles and the company's approach to problem-solving.
What do you wish you had known when you started this job? This question can offer unexpected advice or highlight less apparent aspects of the job.
How will this role evolve in the next year or two? - Shows you're thinking about long-term contributions and growth.
Additional Tips:
Keep a notebook or digital note-taking app handy to jot down questions as they come to you during introductions or briefings.
Don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions. Sometimes, the initial answer leads to more questions, a natural part of learning.
Use open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses, giving you a deeper understanding of the workplace.
12. Comfortable Shoes (or a Backup Pair)
You never know how much walking you’ll do on the first day. If you’re wearing formal shoes, consider packing a more comfortable backup. This is so important. If you want to rock a pair of heels but walk around a lot, you do not want to limp around the complex.
13. Planner or Calendar App
Organization is key during the early days of a new job. Use a planner or calendar app to track meetings, training sessions, and deadlines. Once you’re set up on your work computer, immediately utilize the company calendar. This will help you stay aligned with team schedules, avoid missing important meetings, and plan your work efficiently. I often tell new college graduates, "If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist." With a busy schedule, even a brief 10-minute meeting must be scheduled to ensure we can connect effectively.
14. Emergency Kit
Curate a small, discreet kit with essentials such as:
Pain relievers for unexpected headaches or menstrual cramps.
Band-aids or small first-aid items for minor cuts or blisters.
Tissues for quick clean-ups or allergy relief.
Breath mints or gum to keep fresh throughout the day.
Hand sanitizer or wipes for hygiene on the go.
Safety pins or a mini sewing kit for quick clothing fixes.
A spare pair of stockings or tights if your outfit requires them.
A small mirror for last-minute touch-ups.
This kit can be kept in a small makeup bag or pouch, ensuring you're prepared for minor emergencies while maintaining a professional appearance. Remember, it's about feeling confident and comfortable, especially on your first day.
15. An Open Mind and Flexibility
Starting a new job can feel like stepping into an unfamiliar landscape where the rules, culture, and expectations might differ from what you're used to. Here's how to cultivate an open mind and flexibility during this transition:
Embrace the Unknown: Understand that it's normal not to have all the answers on your first day or even your first week. Every new job has a learning curve, and part of this journey involves discovering how things work in this particular environment.
Stay Curious: Ask questions. Whether it's about software you haven't used before, company procedures, or even how to use the coffee machine, curiosity demonstrates your eagerness to learn and integrate. Remember, there's no such thing as a "dumb" question when you're new.
Adaptability: The workplace might have different protocols or ways of doing things than you're accustomed to. Be ready to adjust your methods or learn new ones. This might mean changing how you manage your time, collaborate with others, or even dress or communicate.
Flexibility with Time: Your workload and responsibilities might not immediately match your expectations. Some days might be quieter, allowing for learning and adjustment, while others might be unexpectedly busy. Being flexible with your time management helps you navigate these fluctuations.
Cultural Fluidity: Every workplace has its culture, which includes unwritten rules, communication styles, and social norms. Observe and adapt to this culture without losing your authenticity. This might mean participating in team-building activities, understanding the office humor, or respecting different work-life balance norms.
Feedback Acceptance: Be open to feedback, whether constructive criticism or praise. Use it as a tool for personal and professional growth. Remember, input in a new job is often given to help you succeed, not to criticize.
Patience with Yourself: It's crucial to give yourself grace. Mistakes will happen; the key is to learn from them. Don't expect perfection from day one; instead, aim for progress.
Professional Growth: View every challenge or change as an opportunity for growth. This mindset can transform potentially stressful situations into moments of professional development.
16. How to Work Through Your New Job Anxiety
Manage New Job Anxiety with These Strategies:
Visualize Success: Spend some time each morning or night visualizing your first day going well. Imagine confidently greeting your new colleagues, engaging in productive conversations, and handling tasks competently. This mental rehearsal can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
Breathing Exercises: Incorporate simple breathing techniques into your daily routine. Try the 4-7-8 method, where you inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This can help lower stress levels and calm your nerves before entering your new workplace.
Positive Affirmations: Use affirmations to reinforce your self-worth and capabilities. Phrases like "I am competent," "I am prepared," and "I deserve this opportunity" can be powerful. Write them down, repeat them in the mirror, or set them as reminders on your phone to keep your mindset positive.
Focus on Learning: Adopt a growth mindset by viewing your new job as a learning journey rather than a performance test. Tell yourself, "Every day is a chance to learn something new." This approach relieves the pressure to be flawless from the start and opens up personal and professional development opportunities.
By integrating these strategies, you'll manage your anxiety and set a foundation for long-term success in your new role. Remember, feeling nervous is part of stretching into new areas of your life; with these tools, you're well-equipped to handle it.
17. Know What to Say When You Feel Overwhelmed
When you're feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, clear communication can help manage the situation effectively. Here are some phrases to use:
"I'm still familiarizing myself with the process, but I'd appreciate your guidance in trying it."
"Could you please clarify that for me? I want to make sure I understand correctly."
"Thank you for your patience as I get up to speed with everything."
18. Prepare an Elevator Pitch
You should be ready to introduce yourself to coworkers concisely yet engagingly. Here’s a simple template:
Who you are: Your name and role.
Your background: A brief mention of your experience or interests.
Why you’re excited: A sentence on what you’re looking forward to in this role.
Example: “Hi, I’m [Your Name], and I’ll be working in [Department]. I have a background in [Brief Experience]. I’m excited to collaborate with the team and contribute to [Project/Goal].”
19. A Cheat Sheet of Company Lingo
Every workplace has its unique terms, acronyms, or jargon. Spend time familiarizing yourself with common phrases in your company’s industry or internal communications.
Pro Tip: Ask a team member if they can share any company-specific abbreviations or slang you should know.
20. A Mindset for Building Relationships
Your first day is an opportunity to build connections beyond the work tasks. You can make an effort to introduce yourself, remember names, and express genuine interest in your new colleagues.
Tip: Follow up on conversations with friendly questions or thank-you messages to create a lasting impression.
What to Do Before the First Day of a New Job:
Research the company’s mission, recent news, and team structure.
Test your commute to estimate how long it will take to arrive.
Get a good night’s sleep to start your day feeling energized and ready.
As you embark on this exciting new chapter in your career, remember that preparation is more than just a checklist; it's your pathway to confidence and success. Each item in this survival kit is designed to help you navigate the nuances of a new workplace with ease and professionalism.
I invite you to share your experiences or tips for starting a new job. What advice would you give to someone about to walk through the doors of their new workplace? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's build a community where we all learn and grow together!
