A Free Checklist for Your First Day at a New Job - The Muse

A Free Checklist for Your First Day at a New Job - The MuseA Free Checklist for Your First Day at a New JobStarting a new job is exhilarating. And the opportunities are endless- a new chance to make an awesome first impression, new responsibilities to help you grow, new professional connections who could turn into friends, even a new (and clean) desk.But before you head to bed thinking all the fantasies, there are a few things you should do the night before your first day- that is, if you want to seriously impress and earn the respect of your new boss.And, because were feeling super generous, we made you this handy checklist so you dont forget anything important. Just click File Download as whatever file youd like to get started.1. Lay Out Your OutfitYou want to make a killer first impression (OK, maybe its not the first, but its still pretty important), so make koranvers your best outfit is ready to go so youre not scrambling in the morning.But remember, this isnt an interview- yo u already have the job. So, if you know the arbeitszimmer is more casual, dont be afraid to tone it down a bit. Youll feel a lot more comfortable knowing youll be dressed like everyone else, rather than the one person wearing a full suit.2. Set Your Alarm and Plan Your CommuteDouble check your arrival time, then set your alarm and plan your commute so you arrive 15 minutes before then. Trust me, you wont be frowned upon for arriving early.3. Figure Out Your Breakfast SituationIts the most important meal of the day according to science Make sure you start off on the right foot by preparing (or making) what youre going to eat first thing when you wake up.4. Collect All Your DocumentsHopefully, HR has sent you a rundown of what you need to bring in, which may include a passport, photo ID, or other paperwork you need for employment verification. (If they havent, its still usually a good idea to bring unterstellung things regardless.) You can also do yourself a favor by refreshing yourse lf on what a 401K is and how health insurance works.5. Pack Your BagThen, make sure to pack all the essentials- a notebook and pen for taking notes, a sweater if the office is cold, a stain stick for spills, some money for lunch (yes, you should buy lunch your first day to get to know your co-workers), and a snack in case lunch runs late or doesnt happen.6. Do One Last Bit of StalkingNames are hard to remember- which is why its smart to stalk your companys team page or your new team members LinkedIn profiles one last time (yes, I know you did this before for your interview) to remember who is who and what they do. Then, collect the names of people youd like to grab coffee with and get to know better (they dont have to be in your department) your first few weeks.7. Prepare Some Small Talk TopicsYoure going to be doing a lot of small talking as you meet everyone, so if youre on the shyer side, preparing some topics of discussion (the TV show youre currently watching, what you did over the weekend, vacation plans) beforehand will save you from suffering through awkward pauses or blurting out inappropriate comments on your first day. 8. Collect a Couple Questions or Ideas You HaveEven if you dont know what to expect, youre sure to impress your boss by being proactive and coming prepared with a couple questions about the company or department, or some ideas on projects you know your role entails. Here are a few to get you started.9. Write Down One Reason You Took This JobThis great tip comes from Muse writer Erin Greenawald, who suggests writing down the biggest reason you decided to take this job.Then, when things get overwhelming, everything isnt what you expected it to be, or you feel like youll never make it up the steep learning curve ahead of you, you can return to that reason and remind yourself why youre doing this, she says.10. Get Some SleepI know youre excited to start, but youre going to want to be well rested to keep your energy levels high and stay fo cused on your first day. So, get to bed at a reasonable hour, and maybe try one of these sleep hacks so you get plenty of rest.Finally, on the big day, be yourself Youre about to embark on a new career journey, and starting it off just as you are guarantees youre headed in the right direction.