How to Prepare The Night Before a New Job

I mentioned on Friday that I was starting a new job. I always want to be excited to begin a new chapter, but mostly I just have anxiety. I worry about everything from if my first day outfit is too much or will I fit in, will people judge me for how much Diet Coke I drink, will I be able to park, what if I can’t remember what number to put on my tax form? I really need to be medicated.

Instead though, I plan ahead and get everything ready the night before. Here are my tips to prep for a new job.

-Collect all your documents. You will need either your social security card and driver’s license or your passport and a blank check for direct deposit. Because I’m a worry wart, I bring all three legal documents just in case. However, important documents usually aren’t just chilling in your purse. If they are in a safe, you need to go during bank hours to take them out. If they are under your mattress or taped to the back of the toilet, you need to remember to grab them and put them somewhere safe that can also go to work with you.

-Pick your outfit. You probably caught a glimpse of what people were wearing in the office during your interview so you can kind of base your outfit off of that. Keep in mind, it’s ok to be a tad overdressed on your first day. It is NOT ok to be under dressed. I typically go with a simple black dress. I always wear black on Monday anyway to hide my food and beer sins from the weekend. But I wear a black dress and some fun jewelry to be safe.

-Pack a snack or two. Someone once told me not to pack a lunch on your first day so that you can make friends. Someone on your team will probably take you to lunch, but if they don’t it’s a great way to get to know your co-workers by asking them if they want to grab a bite. However, if nobody is available for lunch, you don’t want to starve so throw a few snacks in your bag to get your through. I typically stick to a banana and a granola bar.

-Set your alarm early! You never know what snags you will hit on your first day and it’s best to leave yourself plenty of time to combat them. Plus you will want plenty of time to primp and look your best. Save yourself some time by planning ahead. If you’re a coffee drinker, go ahead and load up the Keurig. Lay your outfit out down to your accessories. Feeling calm and prepared will help you leave the house with ease.

-Pack your bag. Get everything you want in your bag and put it by the door. That way you can just grab it and go in the morning. Include a notepad to take notes, at least two pens in case one dies, your snacks, all your legal documents you will need for on-boarding, breath mints and hand santizier. You will be meeting a lot of people and shaking a lot of hands so the last two are crucial.

Follow these tips and you will ace your first day. What do you do to combat pre-first day jitters?