11 things you need to do before your first day of work

11 things you need to do before your first day of work11 things you need to do before your first day of workYour first day of work (especially if its your very first job) is, as you know, very important. You want to make a great first impression and appear at the top of your game even though you dont know what to expect. Check these 11 tasks off your to-do list the night before the big day so that youre completely prepared.1. Research your company (and its people)Were aya you did at least light research in the application and interview process, but were telling you to take a deeper dive. Look at every employee bio you can get your hands on, stats about the companys health and history (How long has it been around? Has the company ever had a layoff? Is it publicly traded? Are the stocks doing well?). Research your team members and your boss. You dont have to go total stalk-mode, but simply refresh your memory and get acquainted with the details.2. Have your bag packed with all necessar y suppliesWere talking notebooks, multiple pens, your laptop or any other supplies you could need on the job. If possible, ask your contact in advance what you should bring. Also consider taking your phone charger. Obviously, you wont be on your phone all day (unless thats your job), but if you have something going on after work and your phone battery is low, you dont want to risk having to ask a coworker to borrow his or hers on your first day. Talk about awkward.3. Pack a basic brown bag lunchYou cant be sure that your company has all the typical kitchen amenities like a refrigerator and microwave, though hopefully it does. Regardless, dont chance it by bringing an elaborate meal. We suggest a simple sandwich with veggies or fruit - something that doesnt need to be cooled or reheated. And even if your company takes you out for lunch to celebrate your first day, its not like you spent a ton of time making your brown bag meal.4. Prepare your elevator pitchYes, you already got the j ob. But dont forget that youre still in first-impression mode with the majority of the people at your company (since you likely only met with a few people when you interviewed). Keep yourself poised when new colleagues ask you questions by having a flexible elevator pitch ready. Whether your CEO asks about your experience or a team member wants to know what kind of projects you like to work on, have brief, solid answers.5. Do a dry-run of your route to workThere is nothing more mortifying than being late on your first day of work because you couldnt find the damn entrance to your building. Dont let it happen to you. The day before you start, do a dry run of your commute just to get the hang of the area. While youre at it, check out the restaurants and shops around your new workplace. It always helps to know that theres a drugstore around the corner in case you need something6. Have a water bottle readyAgain, we expect that your workplace has the basics, but to be safe, bring a water bottle with you. Even if your organizations kitchen is incredible, youll thank yourself for bringing it when youre almost there and youre so nervous that your mouth feels like sandpaper.7. Double-check all your paperworkIf you completed any paperwork before your first day, do a once-over just for peace of mind. Its 99 percent likely that you did everything just right, but youll feel better knowing that you fulfilled any requests of your new company before heading in.8. Pick out your outfit in advance, and make sure you have layersSome people do this daily out of habit, but if you dont, take a few minutes before bed to pick out your outfit. No matter what the weather is like or what season were currently in, make sure to have a few layers incorporated into what youre wearing in case your office is cold (or hot). We dont want to freak you out here, but it might even be a smart idea to bring an extra shirt if youre super nervous (shaking hands = spilled coffee).9. Set multiple alarms, just in caseWeve all had that nightmare where were late to work because our alarms never went off. When it happens in real life, it feels like youre actually living a nightmare. Set a handful of alarms a few minutes fremdlndisch so that youre guaranteed to wake up when youre supposed to.10. Have a warm-up conversation with someone youre close with before bedThose pre-first-day jitters can be serious So to counteract any anxiety youre experiencing, have a laid-back conversation with someone you love about nothing in particular before you go to sleep. The informal and casual feeling of the convo might help you better drift off to sleep.11. RelaxWe know, its easier said than done, but its going to be okay You were chosen to work at your new company for a reason, and you clearly passed each step of the interview process with flying colors. You are a boss, and never forget it. Take a breath, superstar. You got this.Thisarticleoriginally appeared onSwirled.