How to Prepare for the First Day of a New Job

The time has come!....the first day at your new job. Maybe it’s a new career, or just a lateral move in your field. The first day of a new job is highly anticipated. There are many mixed emotions: nerves, excitement, uncertainty, unease...and there is no way to know exactly how the first day will go, regardless of how prepared you may feel.  There are certainly some things you can do/bring before your first day to ensure you fit right in and are ready for this big change in your life.
 
What to do before your first day:

1. Ask someone what the office attire guidelines are. There is nothing worse than showing up in an outfit that screams, “I’m new here!” When in doubt, go for a more formal look. Being overdressed is rarely a bad thing.  
2. Clarify the working hours. Be sure to clarify the normal hours of operation of the company and confirm the hours you are to be reporting to your supervisor.  
3. Get a good night’s sleep and prepare to be about ten minutes early. Your first impression is the only first impression you get.
4. Ask if there is anything you should review before your big day. You may want to familiarize yourself with your new clients, or the companies’ standard practices. It will help you hit the ground running on your first day.
5. Ask if there is anything specific you need to bring with you. In the event your supervisor (or who ever you are communicating with) does not provide you with the details of what you need to bring on your first day, I’ve prepared a list of the things you should absolutely consider bringing with you on your first day.

 
What to bring with you:

1. Coffee for the car. If you’re a coffee person, don’t rely on coffee being provided. Drink your coffee at home or in the car on the way, carefully.
2. Lunch bag with an ice pack. You don’t know if people go out to lunch, if people bring their lunch, or even if there is a fridge in the office, so be extra prepared by bringing your lunch, lots of snacks, and an ice pack to keep it cool.
3. Same goes for water. Be sure you bring a small water bottle with you. Hmmm…this sounds like a “What to Bring to 6th Grade Camp List,”…well, remember those nerves you had before you left for 6th grade camp? Same thing, but this time, it’s real life camp. Be ready!
4. A note pad. Chances are your new company will have office supplies ready for you, but it doesn’t hurt to throw one in your bag or purse just to be safe.
5. Of course, this comes with also bringing a pen, pencil and highlighter.
6. Check. If your company does direct deposit, you will want to have a voided check with you.
7. Second form of ID. If you’re doing paperwork on your first day, chances are you will need to provide a second form of identification. Have your passport, birth certificate, or military ID (if applicable) with you just in case.

 
 
P.S. You’re a lot stronger, more confident and more qualified than you may think. Go kick butt on your first day and make a lasting impression that will set the tone for your work ethic and attitude the rest of your time at the new company! And, if you have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to shoot me an email at publiclysocial@gmail.com. 

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