Overview of what to bring on the first day of work
For many new employees, there is nothing as stressful as their first day at a new job. Most new employees want to make a good first impression, so they get worked up over minor details like clothing choices or the appropriate introduction. Amidst all that thinking, it is possible to forget items you must bring along when resuming at a job. By the time you realize your hiring documentation and ID are at home, it might be too late. We discuss the most important things you must have when resuming at your new position.
The most vital essentials to bring on the first day of work
Here is a list of what to bring on the first day of work to impress your employer, make a powerful first impression, and succeed in your new job:
Identification documents
You’ll need to present an ID to the human resources manager on your first day. It could be a valid driving license or a federal identification document that has your picture in it. The HR person may also need a secondary ID, such as a passport, utility bills, and other related paperwork. The company will need it to confirm your legal status so issues don’t arise later. Another reason to bring ID: you have to pass security. Unless you’re issued with an employee ID badge in advance, security may stop you from gaining access to the building. But they should grant you entry once you show them proof of identity and hiring documentation.
Hiring documentation
Your employer will require you to provide certain documents on the first day. These includes:
- I-9 Form
- W-4 Form
- Previous W-2 form
- Job application form
- Social Security card
Employers often need these documents as part of the process of adding you to the organization’s workforce. To avoid missing out on any of these documents, ask the employer in advance what documents you need to bring.
Notepad and pen
Your first day at the job is your “onboarding,” designed to provide all the info you need. For example, your supervisor might give you passwords to access office systems. Or they may want to give you some other details vital to your day-to-day duties. It may be impossible to store all that information off-hand, so it is important to come with your notepad and pen. With your notepad and pen, you can jot down details as you receive them. Doing this prevents information overload and ensures you don’t forget important details like your co-worker’s name.
Cash
You’ll likely need some cash on your first day to pay for transportation and buy a few essentials. However, it is advisable to bring extra cash on the first day of work to cover unplanned expenses. For instance, some managers and employees love to invite new hires over for lunch. Even though they invited you, it doesn’t mean they will cover your tab; you might have to pay for your food.
Bank information
The first day is when most new employees get added to the company payroll system. You should have the correct banking information to ease the process. In particular, you may have to provide a voided check and account number(s) to set up direct deposits.
Mints
Asking you to bring mints to work doesn’t imply that you have bad breath. However, the effects of that mouthwash you used in the morning won’t last forever. You’ll be talking to many people on your first day and want to leave a positive impression. Hence, arming yourself against potential mouth odor only makes sense. Make sure to pack a lot of mints and breath fresheners to keep bad breath at bay throughout the day. Do this on other workdays because mouth odor can be a turnoff.
Mobile phone
It is understandable to leave your phone at home if you feel it may be a distraction. However, your phone is a must-have on your first day of work. It can help with tasks like creating an online schedule, taking notes, and setting reminders. Besides, you’ll want to exchange numbers with co-workers when you resume work. So, your phone is too important to leave at home. As a precaution, you can keep it silent to avoid disturbing others. Use the Do Not Disturb (DND) option to block social media notifications; those tweets and viral posts can wait till later.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated on the job is important, as dehydration can reduce energy levels and increase fatigue. We advise going to work with your own water bottle so you can refresh at intervals.
Stain stick
A stain stick is a handy tool used to remove stains from clothing. You should have a stain stick to remove any food or liquid spills from your dress. That way, you can maintain an immaculate appearance throughout your first day of work.
Watch
Some companies have stringent rules for using phones in the work environment. In that case, have a watch for proper time management. Using a watch to monitor time reduces the odds of arriving late for meetings. In fact, a smartwatch has reminders to keep you on track throughout the day.
Food
Depending on various factors, it may be necessary to bring food on your first day at work. “Food” here refers to lunch or snacks. While cafeterias are popular in most companies, there’s no guarantee your new employer will have one. And, if you’re pinching pennies, getting takeout may be an expensive endeavor. Considering this, packing your lunch is a wise thing to do. You can even share your lunch with the people at work; this can be effective for forging closer relationships with co-workers. Packing some snacks is also advisable. Imagine your stomach may start rumbling before lunchtime starts. Instead of breaking office rules for eating hours (an awful thing to do on your first day), sate your hunger with a snack. At the risk of sounding like your mum, sugary foods and beverages shouldn’t be your snacks. Opt for healthy snacks like fruits or nuts; they will boost your energy and not affect performance like sugary snacks do.
House keys
Thinking about different things on the morning of your first workday increases the likelihood of forgetting important things like your house keys. You don’t want to arrive home after a stressful day at work to discover your apartment is locked. To help prevent this, you should add “Keys” to your Things I Must Bring to Work checklist.
Sweater
The cold in some offices can rival that of the North Pole. If you know that staying for too long in an air-conditioned environment can make you shiver, you should bring a sweater along. You should ensure the sweater has a neutral color and doesn’t clash with your clothing. The last thing you want to do is a fashion faux pas on your first day at work.
Lists
Before you head to work on the first day, prepare a list of questions for your manager. Asking questions does two things:
- Shows your eagerness to learn
- Increases your chances of succeeding at the job
The questions may cover responsibilities attached to your new position, aspects of the company culture, or any other clarifications you need. Make sure to note down the answers as well; write them down if needed. We also recommend creating a list of possible talking points to discuss with co-workers. Since it’s your first day, engaging in small talk may be unavoidable. Preparing possible discussion topics in your head makes it easier to handle light talk on your first day. Take the list along with you to work and memorize those talking points; it will make you better at conversations. Painkillers Getting sent home on your first day of work because of a mild headache can ruin everything. Thus, you should take along some painkillers with you to keep aches and pains away.
Hair tie and compact mirror
It’s advisable for ladies to have a compact mirror handy on the first day of work. A mirror can allow you to check for food stuck in your teeth or lipstick smears on your face. A hair tie is another must-have for the ladies. It helps you keep hair out of your face, which is important in formal environments. Plus, it helps you maintain an attractive, professional look that leaves positive impressions.
Deodorant
The tension on your first day can make you feel sweaty, which will inadvertently increase body odor. Get a small anti-deodorant to help handle perspiration throughout the day. Knowing what to bring on the first day of work can save you a lot of trouble and help you be at your best in your new organization. Use this guide to discover the most important essentials to have when you resume for your new role to make a solid first impression.