First day at work checklist
Start a new job prepared: confirm the practical details, bring what you need, meet the team and agree on your first priorities.

BEFORE YOUR FIRST DAY
- Confirm your start date, arrival time and time zone with your manager
- Ask where to go or which meeting link to use
- Save your manager's or onboarding contact's phone number
- Ask about the dress code and any equipment you should bring
- Check which documents HR needs and how to submit them securely
- Read the joining instructions and offer details again
- Plan your commute or prepare your remote workspace
- Request any accessibility adjustments you need

PACK OR PREPARE
- Identification or other documents specifically requested by your employer
- A notebook and pen
- Your phone and charger
- Any company equipment already provided to you
- Lunch or a plan for buying food nearby
- Water and any personal essentials you need during the day

MEET THE TEAM
- Check in with the person expecting you
- Introduce yourself and note teammates' names and roles
- Ask who to contact for IT, HR and day-to-day questions
- Learn where to find shared spaces and the building exits
- Ask about team hours, breaks and communication habits
- Confirm the schedule for your first week

SET UP YOUR TOOLS
- Collect your access badge or other agreed building access
- Sign in to company systems using the employer's instructions
- Set up required account security with IT guidance
- Check that email, calendar and meeting tools work
- Find the team documents and onboarding materials
- Report missing access rather than sharing someone else's account

AGREE ON THE FIRST STEPS
- Ask your manager what matters most in your first week
- Clarify your first task and what a good result should look like
- Note any required training and its deadlines
- Ask how and when to share progress or questions
- Book the next check-in with your manager if one is not already arranged

BEFORE FINISHING THE DAY
- Write down new terms, names and questions while they are fresh
- Note tomorrow's first task and any meetings to prepare for
- Tell your manager about anything preventing you from getting started
- Check how to secure your workspace and equipment before leaving