First day at a new job

Work through the list in order. Hide the notes when you know what to do.

1. Ask HR for the exact document list

   The exact list varies by employer and how you're hired. Confirm it ahead of time so you're not running home for a forgotten paper on day one.

2. Gather your paperwork

   Typically you'll need: government ID, tax forms, and proof of your degree or qualifications. Put it all in one folder ahead of time.

3. Provide your bank details for payroll

   This is often done right on day one with HR or payroll — keep your account details handy.

4. Confirm the exact time and place

   Confirm the address, floor and start time with HR — 'sometime in the morning' is not the same as '9 AM sharp'.

5. Find out who to contact at the entrance

   Reception may not know a new hire is coming. Having a contact name and phone number avoids an awkward wait in the lobby.

6. Ask about the dress code

   Asking ahead is normal; guessing and hoping for the best is a gamble. Check with HR or your future manager.

7. Test the commute in advance

   Being late on day one is a bad first impression that's easy to avoid. Test the route and travel time at least a day ahead.

8. Get a good night's sleep

   Sounds obvious, but it matters: day one demands focus and energy for meeting people and absorbing new information.

9. Bring a notebook for names and questions

   You'll meet a lot of people — writing names down looks organized, not awkward.

10. Have a lunch plan

    Ask colleagues where they eat — it's the easiest, most natural way to meet people on day one.

11. Set up your work devices

    Laptop, email, core apps — do this on day one, not 'sometime later,' or you'll be stuck without tools for a week.

12. Get and verify your work access

    Logins for internal systems, chat tools, the calendar — check they all work while there's someone nearby to ask.

13. Ask your manager for an expectations meeting

    Discuss goals for your probation period and what success looks like — better to ask in week one than guess for three months.

14. Put the agreements in writing

    A short follow-up email after the meeting protects you from a 'that's not what we agreed' moment a month later.

15. Find out about recurring meetings

    Standups, syncs, retros — get the schedule and add them to your calendar right away so you don't miss any in week one.

16. Listen more than you talk

    Don't try to impress everyone on day one — your ideas will land better once you understand the context.

17. Write down questions and observations in the evening

    A newcomer's fresh perspective is valuable and fades within a week. Write down what surprised you and what's unclear while it's still new.