First day at a new job
A checklist for your first day at a new job: what documents to bring, what to confirm ahead, and how to make a good impression without burning out by lunch.

[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Provide your bank details for payroll
    This is often done right on day one with HR or payroll — keep your account details handy.
[ ] 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'.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Get a good night's sleep
    Sounds obvious, but it matters: day one demands focus and energy for meeting people and absorbing new information.
[ ] Bring a notebook for names and questions
    You'll meet a lot of people — writing names down looks organized, not awkward.
[ ] Have a lunch plan
    Ask colleagues where they eat — it's the easiest, most natural way to meet people on day one.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Listen more than you talk
    Don't try to impress everyone on day one — your ideas will land better once you understand the context.
[ ] 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.

Checklist from Unload: https://unloads.me/c/first-workday