The first day of work is always exciting. It does not matter if it is your first job or your third. The anticipation of entering a new workplace, meeting new people, and working on something new is incredible.
You look forward to many things and hope to take your career to the next level.
However, how you conduct yourself on the first day will often set the tone for how your coworkers and boss treat you.
Hence, you do not want to come across as someone careless or forgetful. As a result, you should make it a point to carry a few things with you on your first day of work.
Not only will these items serve their essential purpose, but they will also make you feel confident and self-sufficient. On the first day of work, walking up to your new coworkers could be awkward to ask for the little things, so you should carry some things yourself.
Once you have gauged the workplace, you could stop carrying a few of them a few days into the job.
Trying to get everything together on the first day of your work can be very frustrating before you leave in the morning. Once you have made a list of the items you want to carry, ensure you arrange them neatly in your bag the night before.
You will be much calmer when you have organized everything the previous night.
What to Bring to First Day of Work
While some of the items on the list might seem inconsequential, you will be amazed at how useful they com e in when you require them. Here are some things you should carry with you on the first day.
1. All Documentation
You should carry all the paperwork on the first workday to help with onboarding. Even if you have submitted a copy of these documents before, it is still a good idea to have them with you on the day of joining.
These documents include a copy of your resume and all records of identification. Your federal ID, driving license, passport, or other ID has your picture.
If you have received your appointment letter, carry that too in case you are asked by security to prove that you work in the building before letting you enter. This would be important if your security pass or employee ID has not already been issued.
You can also carry hiring documents like an I-9 or a W-4 form. If you are unsure, ask HR about any other papers you should have with you for your inclusion in the workforce.
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2. Pen and Notepad
Technology is good, but sometimes the humble pen and notepad can serve you better than your iPads and other electronics. Moreover, gadgets can malfunction at any time, and they might hang just when you need to take down something.
On the first day of work, it is best to keep your electronics aside, turn off notifications, and rely on the humble pen and notepad to take down vital information.
Jot down any details for your daily tasks, phone numbers, or other information that might be important, and you will not have the risk of losing them on account of an unsaved document.
3. Cash
While you have your cards and can always use Venmo, having some cash with you is a good idea. This is especially true if your office is located a little out of the way, and the internet connection or banking links might not work.
Having cash to pay for the coffee or parking area is always good. There could be other unforeseen expenses, and you would not want to borrow from your coworkers on the first day.
4. Water Bottle
This might seem like a trivial thing, but you must stay hydrated. Not only are you likely to feel more thirsty from all the excitement, but it is also good to carry your bottle for practical reasons.
Even if your office has a water filter, you might not know how far it is from your cubicle or seat, considering you are unfamiliar with the layout. Trying to get up and make that walk every time you want a sip can be awkward. So be sure to carry your bottle.
Also Read:- Things You Need To Do In Your First Week At A New Job
5. Food
Always carry some light snacks and protein bars or pack some sandwiches on your first day of work. This is significantly more important if you have food allergies and don’t know what kind of food the cafeteria will serve.
You might not even know if the cafeteria serves food that you will like, so it is best to carry your food from home on the first day.
Also, sometimes you have to walk out of the office for lunch, and you might be too busy on the first day to make it for lunch. Some snacks in your bag will always help.
6. Stain Stick
You might have put a lot of thought into dressing up for your first day at the office, but suddenly you see food or ink stains on it. This will make you feel conscious throughout the day, as you will probably meet all your coworkers and senior colleagues.
A stain stick will come in handy and can be a quick fix for this problem.
7. A Watch and Calendar
Carry your watch and a small digital calendar with you on your first day of work. You can also download calendar apps on your phone and pin them on your home screen for easy access.
Time management is essential, and you may have many new things to remember on your first day. You must note your further assignments and make to-do lists for all the tasks.
These tools can be handy in keeping things organized. It would help if you did this well because your employer will watch you closely on your first day, and seeing you on top of your tasks will make a great impression.
8. Your House Keys
While on the first day of your job, you focus all your energy and attention on what you are going to do in your new office; it is essential to remember that at the end of the day, you will be returning home to the comfort and security of your home.
So, how would it feel to come home to find that you have locked yourself out of your apartment?
Among all the things you would be carrying to work, ensure you carry your house keys with you so that you don’t have to seek professional help to enter your own house.
9. Basic Self-Care Items
You should always carry some essential self-care items, and these are some things you must always have in your bag, irrespective of whether it is your first day or not.
It would be best to carry handkerchiefs, wet wipes, safety pins, hand sanitizers, or a soap pouch.
Women should also carry tampons and maybe lip gloss to look presentable. Hair bands and deodorant would also be a good idea, especially if you have outdoor work to attend to and it can get hot sometimes.
A comb and a compact mirror would also be helpful for everyone. Carrying these items will always help you feel secure and confident about yourself.
10. Sweater or Shrug
You should carry a sweater or shrug to work, depending on your office location. It could suddenly get chilly after the sun sets, or you might feel cold inside the office if the air-conditioning is set at the lowest temperatures.
Being uncomfortable with your first day of work is not really how things should be. You can carry a sweater or shrug with you, something that looks good with your formal attire, and that would solve the problem.
10. Mints
Yes, you must carry some mint or mouth freshener with you. It will be convenient when you work with coworkers close to post-lunch hours. It would make you feel fresh and rejuvenated and prevent awkward situations if you had tuna or garlic for lunch.
11. Your Questionnaire
This is one of the most important things to carry with you on your first work day. You are bound to have several questions on your first day, and having them down in one place will surely help.
You do not need to carry the list of questions with you everywhere. However, you can glance at it from time to time during the day and make sure that you have everything covered and that your doubts are cleared so that you do not have any trouble working in the future.
Your employer will praise you all the more for it seeing how meticulous you are about the details.
Also Read: How To Politely Ask to Leave Work Early?
Points to Keep in Mind on the First Day of Work
Apart from carrying the essential items, here are some points to keep in mind to make your first work day successful.
- Be on time. Reach ten minutes early.
- Make sure you have the correct office address, especially if your company has several branches across the city.
- Wear an ironed and clean formal outfit.
- Boost yourself with positive affirmations and motivational quotes to eliminate first-day jitters.
- Make yourself a healthy and filling breakfast. Avoid any hangover from the previous day.
- Sleep early the previous night and set the alarm.
- Do a quick five-minute exercise to boost yourself.
- Try to remember the names of the coworkers you meet.
- Be professional and courteous at all times without seeming uptight or nervous. A smile always helps.
Conclusion
Worried about what to bring to first day of work? Don’t be.
The first day of work does not have to be stressful at all. Remember, you were chosen because you were among the best and will be good at your job. Do not let minor things get the better of you on your first day.
It is all about being organized and getting things ready on time. That way, you can avoid unnecessary hustle in the morning. Have a good bag with you that is large enough to accommodate all the items and sleek enough for a professional setting.
Investing in a good office bag will surely help, and it will make your day better.
