7 Ways To Prepare For Your First Day Of A New Job

1. What To Bring On Your First Day Of Work

The first day at a new job is always going to be stressful, so every little bit of advance preparation you do helps. One smart thing to get together before day one is all the documentation that most employers will require. Have your license and/or passport ready, along with proof of address and bank account details for setting up your pay to be directly deposited. You’ll also likely need to fill out tax paperwork, but your employer should have that available.

One clever addition to bring on your first day is a small notepad and pen to write with. A full-size notebook is probably unnecessary, but something that lets you take notes on important details about the new job is good; otherwise, you’re bound to forget some things in the midst of such a long, tense day.

2. How To Get Ready For Your First Day

There are a lot of little things you can do to prepare for the first day at a new gig. As previously mentioned, the biggest thing you can do is to prepare as much as possible the night before.

Beyond getting your documentation ready, you’ll want to pack your bag or suitcase the night before and set out some clean, work-appropriate clothes. As far as picking the right clothes, focus first on what makes sense for the job. Keep it fitting to your new workplace’s dress code, but also if possible go with something weather-appropriate and comfortable.

Having your outfit all chosen out may seem like a lot of extra prep, but you’ll thank yourself in the morning. When you wake up in the morning before starting a new job, you’re bound to be anxious and overexcited. Trying to pick out clothes on top of that is the last thing you need.

3. Map Out Your Commute In Advance

This step is important, even if you’re already totally familiar with the route to your new job. The night before you start, double-check to make sure there aren’t any road closures or major traffic disruptions that might force you to take a different path than usual.

If you are less familiar with how to get from your home to your place of work, try using a mapping site such as Google Maps. Also, be sure to plan extra time for your commute; better to be early than late. Another good idea is to have some listening planned for the commute. Whether you’re driving yourself or taking public transit, it will help you relax if you have some podcasts or great music to listen to on the way.

4. Get There On Time

It’s absolutely vital that you make a positive first impression for your new employers. Be sure to set an alarm before you go to bed the night before. In fact, set multiple alarms! Remember that the whole process of waking up, getting ready, and getting to the job may take longer than you realize. Give yourself extra time so things don’t turn hectic.

Now we just said “better early than late,” but it’s also important not to be too early. Employers generally want their new employees to arrive at a certain time because there are specific onboarding processes that they have planned worked into the schedule.

Showing up five to 10 minutes early is perfect. If you happen to arrive earlier, take some time to yourself to relax and breathe a little before entering the building.

5. Be Well-Rested

It can be hard to sleep properly when you’re full of nervous energy at the prospect of starting something new the next day. But your brain needs at least eight hours of rest to function at its full capacity. It won’t look good if you show up for your first day yawning and clearly tired.

Along with all the pre-work planning we’ve mentioned, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to fall asleep the night before. Your body will thank you.

6. Eat Breakfast

This may sound like an obvious one, but in the rush and excitement of the first day on a new job, it can be easy to skip the most important meal of the day. Don’t let this huge occasion shake up your morning routine.

We recommend eating a large, healthy breakfast before going into the first day of the new job. This will give you energy for the day ahead and allow to concentrate on learning the ropes of your work without the distraction of an empty stomach.

Unless you’ve been told otherwise by your employer, don’t take the time to pack a lunch on your first day. Oftentimes an employer will take new employees out to eat. This can be a great opportunity to learn about your bosses and coworkers and pick up tips on the best lunch spots around the workplace.

7. Keep Your Phone Quiet

Depending on the job, it’s likely you’ll want your phone with you while working. However, all it takes is one unfortunate mid-meeting phone call for your device to become a source of painful embarrassment.

If you’re bringing your phone into the new workplace, make sure that it’s on silent mode. Ideally, you should turn off vibration too, but at a minimum don’t let your new coworkers hear your annoying ringtone.