22 Things to Bring on Your First Day of Work (Checklist)

From deciding what to wear on your first day of work to how to introduce yourself at work. Getting prepared early and knowing what to bring on your first day of work can help ease nerves.

Because…

You want to make great first impression!

Here we’ll provide you with a list of items to bring for a more successful first day.

1. The Essential ‘Stuff’
2. The Common Things
3. Man’s Work Bag Essentials
4. Women’s Work Essentials

Things to Bring to Work on your first day

The Essential “Stuff”

1. Smile

You might be nervous on your first day of work, but remember to bring a smile. As a new employee, don’t forget to show your excitement for your new job and meet new colleagues.

“A nice genuine smile can make wonders when giving a good first impression.”

Give a genuine smile when meeting all your new colleagues, even when you are having your onboarding virtually.

A big smile shows that you are happy to be part of the big family.

Why smile work?

• Shows that you are easygoing.
• Shows that you are not a threat.
• Eases tension and nervousness around you.
• Tells your subconscious mind that you are “ok”.
• Most importantly, it is great for your own mental health.

A simple smile not only eases your nerves but can help you build strong lasting relationships with your colleagues and manager.

2. Small Talk Topics

This will be your first time meeting new people in the company. You’re going to be doing a lot of small talks as you start mingling with your new colleagues.

If you’re the shy type or an introvert. Preparing some small talk topics may save you from the awkward silence, or blurting out inappropriate comments on your first day.

Topics you can talk about on your first day:

• What do you do during your free time?
• Where did you go the last weekend?
• What are your vacation plans over the next summer?
• What TV shows you are currently watching?
• Do you own a pet?

3. Questions to Ask

It is perfectly fine for a newbie in the company to ask questions. Even when you don’t know what to expect, being proactive and coming prepared with a few questions about the company, or ideas on a project for your role can really impress your manager.

Here are a few to get you started:

1. “What can I do to make you more successful today (or week, month, quarter, or year)?”
2. “What are some of the key objectives we want to focus on in our department?”
3. “What is the thing I can do differently to excel in this position?”
4. “What should I know about your work and management style?”
5. “What are the short-term and long-term goals of our department?”
6. “How can I receive feedback from you so I can perform in a way which I can exceed your expectation?” 

4. Prepare your elevator pitch

Congratulations! You’ve got your dream job. But don’t forget it’s still your first day, and you are still making your first impression on everyone in the company. (Apart from a few colleagues and your hiring manager, this will be their first time meeting you!)

Similar to preparing a “small talk topic”, having a flexible elevator pitch ready is important as well. Your new colleague may just drop by to say “hi”. Often you will meet some team members from the next department who wants to know what projects will you be handling.

Getting prepared is always recommended.

Tips on elevator pitches:

• Speak slowly: You should not speak too fast or it will confuse your audience.
• Be positive: Don’t start complaining. No one likes to talk to someone who only likes to complain.
• Be Brief: A good elevator pitch should not be longer than 30 seconds.

5. Reason Why You Want This Job

Probably the reason is very personal and you might not want to discuss it with anyone. But that reason you have when you take this job is going to be what’s going to support you.

“When things aren’t what you’ve been expecting, you can always fall back to the reason why you are in this job.”

This will help you in overcoming any difficulties and excel in your work.

Reasons why you want this job can be one of these (but not limited to):

• Money: Probably the main reason why you are getting the job anyway.
• Passion: Doing what you like and are interested in.
• Power: Having the status and ability to drive results.

But when the reason is no longer aligned with what you are doing in the job, it may mean, it’s time for you to make some changes in your career.

The Common Things To Bring On The First Day Of Work

6. Notepad and Pen

During your first day of work, you’ll expect to be quite lost as you are overwhelmed by information. A notepad and pen can help you to take note of important information.

• Colleagues’ names and departments.
• Computer login information.
• Things to take note of.

Equip with a notepad and pen will probably help you remember every important information as the day progresses.

PS. Yes, you can also do this with your phone, but a notepad and a pen will probably give a better impression.

7. ID and Paperwork

Your first day of work (or during pre-boarding) will probably be the day when you will need to run around getting your documentation done.

Prepare your ID and all necessary paperwork to ensure you’re set up with the company’s systems.

Your employer may suggest a few items to bring over, but here are some of the common types of identification:

• Passport
• Driver’s License
• Identity Card / Social Security Card
• Proof of residence

8. Banking Information

If you don’t have a bank account, it might be a good idea to open a bank account prior to your first day of work.

Prepare all necessary banking information to help with setting up your payroll.

Your employer may suggest you provide them with your bank account number. But here is something you may want to bring as well.

• Bank Statement

PS. Check with your bank which account type will give the highest benefits when crediting your salary.

9. Money

Your manager or colleagues may invite you for lunch on your first day. It is one of the most common ways of welcoming new colleagues.

Remember to bring some extra cash to cover your lunch.

PS. Don’t assume that they will pay for you even though they may have invited you for lunch.

10. Mobile Phone

Though some companies may not allow you to use your mobile phone during your working hours, it’s still a handy device for you to record your new colleagues’ phone numbers and schedule tasks for the week.

Suggestions:

• Bring a charger or power bank so you will not run out of power for your handphone.
• Set your handphone to silent to prevent obstructing your work, or disturbing your colleagues.

11. Tissues

This is the little white piece of paper that you won’t know you’ll need until you can’t live without it.

Bring at least a pack of tissue in your pocket. It can be pretty useful when you have a sneezing fit or spill anything.

“You need to freshen up your face for a good first impression!”

12. Water Bottle/ Cup with Cover

Staying hydrated will prevent you from falling sick. While your employer might have a water cooler or a nice pantry, it’s still best to bring your own water bottle or cups with a cover.

“Staying hydrated can keep you energized through your day!”

Drinking water also has the effect of soothing your nerves.

13. Pain Killers

Probably this is the last thing you will think of bringing, but this can be a lifesaver.

In the event of a sudden headache or stomach ache, it’s wise to be prepared and have some painkillers ready.

Having this can prevent you from having the need to take an MC on your first day of work. This is probably the worst way to make a good first impression.

14. Mints

Do you like to talk with someone with bad breath?

No, I don’t either.

When you are meeting someone on your first day, it’s important to leave a good lasting impression.

Simply bring along some mints to ensure you have a breath that attracts, not repels.

A gentle reminder, bring only mints, and not chewing gum.

Having a fresh breath is good, but chewing some gums while talking can be pretty rude.

15. Snacks

Bring some snacks if you think you might get hungry before lunch or before the end of your shift.

Suggestions:

• Healthy snacks such as fruits.
• A small pack of nuts.

Ps. Don’t bring a whole mountain of snacks to work, or you might look like you are on vacation.

16. Bring your own lunch

Not all companies have a canteen or are near eateries. Some companies are located at the far end of the map and may require a bit of effort when trying to find your own meal.

If that’s the case, it will be wise to bring your own lunch. It doesn’t need to be an elaborate meal, a simple homemade sandwich with veggies or fruits will be sufficient.

Ps. Not all companies have a microwave or refrigerator, we suggest bringing something that doesn’t require reheating.

17. Stain Stick

A stain stick can be a lifesaver if you happen to spill any drinks or sauce on your clothes. This handy little item can help you rub out unsightly stains and help you in looking your best on your first day of work.

Suggestions:

• Avoid eating food with a sauce that tends to get onto your clothes, ie. meatball spaghetti, curry.
• You can refer to our article on what to wear on your first day for “Men” and “Women” for guidance.

Man’s Work Bag Essentials

18. Deodorant

At least what you may have expected, but how you smell does impact how others view you. While you may feel nervous on your first day, it helps not to smell like it.

You may want to apply some deodorant before heading to work, allow yourself to smell fresh and approachable.

Keep a small bottle of deodorant with you, this can help with the smell of sweat anytime when you need it.

Things to take note of:

• Don’t apply strong deodorant as some people are allergic to strong smells.
• Apply only at the underside of your clothing as some deodorant will leave a mark on your clothes.

Women’s Work Essentials

19. Hair Tie

A hair tie can be a handy item to have if your work requires you to do a lot of physical activities. Depending on your job, having a hair tie can help to ensure your hair won’t get in the way of your work.

Tips on selecting hair tie:

• Go for a plain looking hair tie.
• Black or dark grey will be preferred.
• Avoid shiny or overly fanciful hair ties.

20. Compact Mirror

“Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all.”

Although you are not running for a beauty pageant, you don’t want to be known as the woman who turned up for work with breadcrumbs on your cheek.

On your first day of work, people might be too polite to bring these to your attention. So it might be hours later before you catch yourself staring at the mirror wondering, how long had these crumbs been on your face.

Although this may not spell the end of your career, keeping a compact mirror can keep you from stressing out about these minor issues.

21. Makeup Bag

Smudged mascara and lipstick marks can be difficult to fix without makeup products. Borrowing makeup products from your colleagues on your first day won’t be a great idea either.

If that’s the case, it will be great if you pack a small makeup bag filled with your makeup essentials.

This way, you will look fresh all day.

22. Sanitary Items

The first day of work is already stressful enough, you don’t need any more stress. Pack some tampons and pads in your bag.

Although most will be willing, it will still be quite awkward to ask your new female colleagues if you can borrow theirs on your first day.

Question…

What do you think about these essential items to bring on your first day?

Are there any other items, you may want to bring on your first day?

Let us know in the comments below!

Up Next… How to Introduce Yourself on the First Day of Work?

• How to Introduce Yourself at Work on Your First Day (with Examples)
• How to Evaluate a Remote Job Offer (It’s About YOU)
• How to Evaluate a Freelance Job Offer For Freelancer ($$ Don’t Always Matters)
• How to Evaluate a Startup Job Offer (4 Powerful Steps)
• 20 Best Practices For Onboarding Remote Employees (Why & How)