Hours of résumé revisions, applications filled and interviews conducted have finally paid off — you finally landed that job you’ve always wanted. Time to celebrate! But before you start partying, get a head-start on your new job by preparing yourself for the first day of work. Everybody has a personal way of getting pumped for a new job, but here are a few tried-and-true methods to rock your first day of work and beyond.
Update your Wardrobe
That collection of music festival T-shirts and cutout jeans won’t come in handy at the office. When you were interviewed, you should’ve gotten a glimpse of how formal the dress code is. Let that observation guide your decisions when shopping for work attire. No matter how casual the dress code, always dress modestly and avoid clothing that could be considered offensive.
Spy on the Company
Okay, maybe not spy, but research the company to see what the people and culture are like. Study the company’s website, including reading the blog and watching any videos on the website. Start following the company on Twitter, Facebook and any other social media your new employer uses. Another thing that helps you prepare for the first day is to plan your drive to work — account for rush hour, and have an alternate route ready in case you need to avoid traffic.
Take Care of your Health
Showing up sick on the first day of work isn’t good for productivity, so the months or weeks before you start work should be used for taking care of yourself. Eat healthy and set up — or maintain — a regular exercise routine to build up your immune system and your confidence.
If your official start date isn’t for a while — say, a month — it helps to invest in a short-term health insurance policy, like the ones offered by HCC Medical Insurance. A month might not seem like a long time to go without insurance, but many employers require new hires to be on the job for a certain length of time — often three to six months — before they’re eligible for the company health insurance plan. You never know what could happen in that length of time, so it’s best to play it safe with a short-term policy.
Create a New Playlist
Yes, music does have a positive effect on your mood. It seems like a trivial task, but making a playlist filled with songs that lift you up, encourage you or psych you up can make you ready to conquer the first day of work. So gather the peppiest songs you can find, turn up the speakers on your way to work and sing like nobody’s watching.
Set yourself up for Success
The first day at a new job is always scary, but preparing yourself for the new adventure can ease some of the stress you might feel that day. Remember to get plenty of sleep the night before so you wake up refreshed and ready to go. If you dress for success and come prepared, your first day will go off without a hitch.
