September 7, 2021
What is one thing to bring on your first day of work?
Starting a new job can be full of nervous energy. You want to make a good impression with your new colleagues and check (and double-check) that you haven’t forgotten anything 一 there’s a lot to juggle.
To help employees on their first day of work, we asked CEOs and business leaders this question for their best insights. From remembering to take notes to providing bank information, there are several things you can bring with you on your first day of work to make it the best day possible.
Here are 11 things to not forget on your first day of work:
A positive attitude and enthusiasm are not just important when it comes to education. In any role, these are traits that will help employees be successful and bring value to any team of which they are a part.
Jeanne Kolpek, Cadence Education
Before your first day of work, the HR manager should provide you with your orientation or training schedule. Read over the schedule to mentally prepare yourself for what you will be focusing and training on for certain parts of the day. Being familiar with your first-day schedule will better prepare you for all the new learning you will do.
Adrian James, Markitors
No matter what your new job is, the first impression is everything. Make sure that when you open your mouth to speak with a new colleague, they can focus on what you say and not on how your breath smells. Remember that the first day at work can be stressful, which dries your mouth and can cause bad breath. So make sure to keep hydrated and have some mints nearby.
Michalle Malev, Public Relations Consultant
Whether it be the traditional pad of paper and a (working!) pen, or a laptop/tablet, make sure you have something with you to take notes. Most likely, you’ll be overloaded with important information on your first day 一 from job role expectations to where the toilet is. Not only will turning up ready to take notes show that you’re organized and willing to learn, but it will reduce the risk of asking something they’ve already told you the answer to on your first day!
Emma Leeming, Emma Leeming Writes
A curious mind is one that is ready to observe and grasp all the information that you’ll need as you get acquainted with your new job. By asking the right questions, you’ll be able to go beyond the surface-level understanding of what’s required of you and move towards the bigger picture. It’ll also help you strike up conversations with your new team members and learn the ins and outs of how things work.
Philipp Zeiske, Zeitholz Watches
The first day of work can be an exciting and somewhat overwhelming experience! Your new employer will likely provide you with all the tools you need for the day to be successful, but you should always prepare yourself by bringing a pen and notepad just in case. It’s a good idea to always bring a bottle of water and a small snack, as well, since you won’t necessarily know how and when you’ll be able to stay hydrated and fed!
Chris Hunter, ServiceTitan
On the first day of a new job, you want to make a good impression. Try not to give the impression that you are hungry or too busy. Arriving with a smile and being ready for work is paramount. You’ll need to be warm, welcoming, and friendly. This will also show your colleagues that it’s important for you to be happy at work, which will put them in an honest mindset where they appreciate you as well.
Steve Morrow, Paddle About
Bring questions. You may have asked questions during the interview and you may come up with new questions as your first day progresses, but coming prepared with questions anyway can be beneficial for you so that you don’t forget them and so that you can show your manager and teammates that you really care about doing your job well and contributing to the company.
Amber Theurer, ivee
While it’s obvious that you should bring documents for completing your new hire paperwork, one thing that is often overlooked is banking information. Since most employers pay via direct deposit these days, it’s important to remember your bank account information so your paychecks can start being deposited as soon as possible. If you have checks, remember to put one with your other documents and write “VOID” across it.
Benjamin Smith, DISCO
I suggest that you make sure to have cash in case you stop by a small eatery for lunch with new coworkers or grab a drink after your day. This helps you to avoid asking anyone for money on the first day of work.
Kristine Thorndyke, Test Prep Nerds
The identification documents are that particular inevitable thing to bring on your first day of work. You will have to show an official ID to the HR manager on your first day. It could be a federal identification number and a driver’s license, or they might seek a secondary ID, like utility bills or a passport. The organization has to verify your legal status so that no issues arise later. One of the crucial reasons to bring identification documents is for security purposes. The security guard may stop you from entering the office premises unless you have acquired an employee ID badge.
Caroline Lee, CocoSign
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