How to Get Ready for Your First Day at a New Job

So, your first day at a new job is approaching and you’re a little nervous. It’s only understandable – landing that job probably wasn’t easy so you want to work hard and make the best possible first impression you can. What kind of impression you make when your colleagues first see you will form the basis of how they perceive you, possibly for the rest of your career in that place, so it’s important to prepare in advance. Here are a few tips that will help you get ready and shine on your first day!

Research the company

You’ve probably already done some research on the company in question when you were applying for the job, but now, a different kind of research will be necessary. It’s easy to look up basic info on a company; it’s not so easy to get a glimpse into the company culture and other such details which will be crucial for you to know what to expect on your first day. Still, try to look up your future boss and colleagues, and memorize their names so that you have an easier time remembering them when they introduce themselves.

Pack your necessities the night before

The last thing you want is realizing you left something important at home as soon as you arrive at work. So, you should create a checklist and pack all the important things the night before. This might seem excessive, but it’s worth going the extra mile. Make sure you pack your charger, any essential medicine, gum, hygiene products, and a bottle of water. If there are any documents that you still need to hand in, double-check them and make sure

you don’t forget to pack them, too.

Prepare a lunch but stay flexible

A new workplace means new lunch break traditions which you don’t know in advance. Since you can’t predict what amenities the kitchen or cafeteria will offer at your new workplace, make sure you pack something simple that will work in any situation. At the same time, stay flexible and be ready to skip your pre-packed lunch if the opportunity to socialize with coworkers arises. It is possible that your boss or coworkers will invite you to lunch on your first day and you certainly want to live with the opportunity.

Pick your outfit

When you were researching the company, you probably came across a few photos as well. Photos will help a lot since you’ll be able to see how relaxed the environment is and what the expected dress code is. With the help of that, put together an outfit that will make you look confident and professional. Make sure you do this the night before, too, because the last thing you want is fumbling in the morning and realizing the shirt you wanted to wear is in the laundry basket. Prepare everything down to the last detail, including your accessories such as your earrings, wristwatch, and so on. It will be so much faster to get ready in the morning this way.

Early to bed, early to rise

The night before your first day, you will probably be nervous and might not feel sleepy. However, try to go to bed early and get plenty of shuteye. Preparing your bag and outfit, as mentioned before, will help you sleep better. Sleep is essential for your brain to be in top shape, and on your first day, you probably want to show how quick and eager you are – and you can’t do that on five hours of sleep. So, instead of a groggy mood and dark eye bags, make sure you’re well-rested and fresh in the morning. Get up earlier than normal, have breakfast, get dressed, and you’ll be more than ready to conquer the day.

Put on your best face

Like it or not, our appearance greatly determines what impression we make on people. So, if you want to appear professional, you have to put on a “professional face.” While going wild with makeup is not recommended, especially if you usually go easy on it, you should at least wear foundation, mascara, blush and lipstick. Make sure you use the best natural skin care products so that your makeup is long-lasting and your skin doesn’t suffer for it.

Be early

Finally, it is advised that you arrive super early on your first day at a new job. If you’re not familiar with the area, try to drive there once or twice to learn the route and see how the traffic is. On your first day, set out super early and be there as much as 15-30 minutes before clocking in. This will not only give you the opportunity to fix your hair and makeup if you find it necessary but you’ll also get to show how eager and excited you are to start your new job.

Your first day at a new job will be a breeze if you prepare in advance. Hopefully, the aforementioned tips will help you with that!