What should I bring on my first day at a new job?

Bring your ID and any documents HR asked for (tax and bank details especially), a notebook and pen, and lunch or a plan for it. Dress to match the team's code, and arrive ten to fifteen minutes early. Most equipment is provided, but a charged phone and a positive, curious attitude help more than gadgets.

How do I make a good impression on my first day?

Show up early, be friendly and remember people's names, and listen more than you talk. Ask thoughtful questions, take notes, and follow through on anything you're asked to do. You're not expected to know everything on day one — being organized, approachable, and willing to learn makes the strongest impression.

What should I focus on in my first week?

Learn the people, the tools, and how work actually gets done, and ask your manager what your priorities and first goals should be. Set up your accounts and access, understand the basics like expenses and rooms, and start building relationships. Capture questions as they arise — the first week is for learning, not proving yourself.

First Day at Work Checklist

The first day at a new job is mostly about arriving prepared and making a calm, friendly start — the deep work comes later. This checklist covers what to bring, how to set up, who to meet, and how to find your first-week priorities, so you look organized from hour one. See more work checklists.

Curated by the Gisti team · Updated July 2026

First Day at Work Checklist · 16 items

Confirm your start time, location or video link, and who to ask for
Reception rarely knows you're coming — have a name ready.
Bring your ID and any documents HR requested
Tax forms and bank details get payroll and access set up on day one.
Lay out a professional outfit that matches the team's dress code
Ask your recruiter if you're unsure how formal it is.
Plan your commute to arrive ten to fifteen minutes early
Pack lunch or know your options nearby, plus a water bottle
Bring a notebook and pen to capture names, systems, and to-dos
Learn the names of your manager and immediate teammates
Set up your workstation, email, accounts, and required software
Flag anything missing to IT early so you're not blocked all week.
Read the onboarding materials, handbook, and key policies
Ask about the logins and access you'll need for your role
Note your key contacts: IT, HR, your manager, and a go-to teammate
Ask your manager what your first-week priorities are
Knowing what 'done' looks like beats guessing.
Write questions down as they come up instead of interrupting constantly
Learn the basics: where things are, how to book rooms, how expenses work
Say yes to lunch or coffee to start building relationships
Review your notes at the end of the day and confirm tomorrow's plan

Make it yours in Gisti

Open this checklist in Gisti to tick items off, add your own, set reminders, and keep it in sync across Android and the web. AI can tailor every item to your exact situation.

Open Gisti