First Day Of Work Success Checklist

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!” Henry David Thoreau

Starting a new job is both exciting and nerve-racking. It’s an entirely normal experience that most people share. But where do these new job nerves come from? And how can you calm your nerves before starting a new position? Here, we provide a helpful checklist to get organized for your new job.

On the first day of a new job, your primary goal is to prepare as much as possible. The best way to quiet your “new job nerves” is to speak to a trusted friend or family member about it. Explaining how you are feeling helps you identify and focus on positive things. And they may be able to give you some great insight into how to handle your first day without feeling nervous.

Additionally, you can make plans to meet a friend for dinner at your favourite restaurant after your first day at your new job to share how the day went. Looking forward to dinner will give you something positive to focus on and keep you motivated throughout your first day.

First Day of Work Success Checklist

What you need to focus on to perform at your best, beginning with the day before the big day.

BEFORE THE BIG DAY:

Identify Your Initial Objectives

• Be ready to make a good first impression with everyone that you meet
• Display confidence and style, dressed in appropriate attire
• Prepare yourself both physically and mentally
• Learn who some of the best resources are in the office
• Be open-minded, flexible, adaptable, and curious

Prepare For Interactions

• Search staff names online (on the company website and LinkedIn)
• Create a personal pitch for introductions
• Find common ground with coworkers (commute, current events, etc.)

Confirm You Are Onboarded and Ready to Go

• Double-check with the HR Manager
• Find out if you need to bring any documents with you

Practice Getting to Your New Job

• Look up various routes
• Practice taking the best route in advance of your first day

Make a List of Items You Should Take with You

• Pack a simple lunch
• Bring a full water bottle
• Bring toiletries or other comforts
• Have some cash, just in case

Dress the Part

• Confirm the dress code beforehand with HR
• Dress in layers until you know the office environment

Give Yourself a Pep Talk

• Reinforce your accomplishments, skills, and strengths
• Chat with a mentor to release nervous tension

Prepare the Night Before

• Get in a good workout to tire out your body, or do something that relaxes you
• Eat a meal that won’t cause you any problems
• Review notes and/or company organization chart
• Double-check the weather forecast
• Get a good night’s sleep

THE FIRST DAY OF WORK:

Get a Head Start on Your Day

• Wake up early
• Eat a good breakfast
• Gather your prepared bags with time to spare!

Introductions

• Utilize your prepared pitch when meeting people
• Don’t worry if you forget someone’s name; acknowledge it and move on
• Be aware of your vocal tone and body language
• Build rapport and relationships early

Working Through Your First Day

• Listen and take notes
• Ask questions when you don’t know something
• Remember, this is the first day of a brand-new opportunity, so it’s your opportunity to shine!

Despite some nerves on the first day of a new job, you should be both excited and proud of yourself. Being chosen for this unique opportunity is an achievement: celebrate it!

At ALIGN, we are committed to our candidates’ successes and ask you to check in with us and keep us posted about every positive and even slightly negative thing (if there is any). We want to be helpful and supportive during this transition.

We are your greatest cheerleaders!