You’ve taken the plunge and accepted the offer. There’s a lull, usually a weekend or two, between when the excitement dies down and the first morning. Most of the nerves are due to minor unknowns such as which door to use, if you’ll need your passport to get in the building and who to ask for at the front desk.
This new job starting checklist covers everything you need with a rough time frame of when to do it.
In short, get your start time, address and point of contact in writing. Get your I-9 forms and direct deposit details organised, plan out how to get to work with a contingency plan. Bring ID, a notepad and some lunch money on your first day and spend the first week finding out how the clock works and finding out exactly what your manager wants.
The week before you start
Write everything down.
Reply to your onboarding email to confirm your start time, the full address, who you should look for and their phone number, the dress code, and whether you’ll be on-site or remote for your first day. If the building has lobby security, ask if you need a visitor pass that morning.
Finish any paperwork you can at home.
Most employers send forms ahead of time things like the federal Form W-4, your state tax form, direct deposit info, and a handbook acknowledgment. Handle these at home with your bank details and emergency contact within reach.
Set aside your I-9 documents.
Every new U.S. employee completes Form I-9 to prove identity and work eligibility. Fill out Section 1 on or before your first day. Your employer needs to review your documents within three business days after you start. If you’re only there for a few days, just bring them on the first day. You can use one document that covers both identity and work eligibility, or a combo like a driver’s license and Social Security card.
Check expiration dates.
If something’s missing or expired, get a replacement started right away. Sometimes a receipt works temporarily, but double-checks with HR. More details are in our interview prep guide.
Test your commute.
Do a practice run at the actual time you’d go. Don’t just drive straight there factor in security checkpoints and parking. Figure out a backup route, and check if the company covers parking or offers any transit perks.
The night before
- Lay out your clothes. If in doubt, go one notch dressier than the interviewers were.
- Charge up your phone, and write down your contact’s number on a piece of paper.
- Set two alarms and go over the names of the people you met.
- Pack your bag, and then stop preparing. Your beauty sleep will do you far more good than another round of research on the company’s website.
What to bring to first day of work
| Bring | Why |
| Original I-9 documents | Photocopies and phone photos generally won’t be accepted |
| Bank details or a voided check | To finish direct deposit |
| Emergency contact info | Nearly every onboarding packet asks for it |
| Notepad and pen | Logins, names, and processes come fast |
| Your contact’s number, on paper | In case your phone dies or security can’t find you on a list |
| Lunch or lunch money | You won’t know the routine yet |
| A sweater and a phone charger | Offices run cold; two-factor logins need your phone |
| Licenses or certifications for the role | Common in healthcare, legal, and accounting jobs |
Leave behind documents nobody asked for, and your personal laptop unless you were told to bring it.
First day at a new job: What to focus on
Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early, with extra time to spare if you will need to pass through building security. Then, prepare to wait. Logins might not be available yet, and your manager may be stuck in meetings. Your first day is about learning, not producing.
Before you leave, try to learn the following:
- Who your supervisor is, and how they prefer to be contacted
- Who is in charge of computer access and badges
- How and when you will be paid
- What you should do during the rest of the week
- What time you should arrive tomorrow
You will likely be asked to introduce yourself more than once. Prepare a two-sentence version of your interview response, like our guide to answering “tell me about yourself“ breaks down. If you are starting remotely, unbox your equipment early, test your login and camera the day before, and ask for a phone number to contact IT.
Your first week
- Fix access problems early. If a login still fails by day two, say so.
- Submit your hours on time. A missed timesheet is a common reason for a late first paycheck.
- Ask what success looks like. “What would make my first 30 days a success?” gives you a clear target.
- Put the benefits deadline on your calendar.
Starting through a staffing agency
Most of this checklist still applies, but a few things work differently.
The agency is typically your employer.
At NRI, we are the employer of record for temporary staff, and act as an intermediary with your client company. Therefore, if you are running late, cannot make it, need to leave early, have questions about something on the assignment, please call your recruiter before your scheduled day of work begins; not your client.
Paperwork is often completed before day one.
NRI candidates complete the forms found on our Documents page, including tax withholding, I-9, and direct deposit, before or during their initial recruiter interview.
Your time entry is your responsibility.
NRI’s work week extends from Monday through Sunday, and hours are submitted electronically by midnight Sunday. You will be paid on time when you submit time entries on time.
Think of it as a working interview.
Many temporary assignments evolve into permanent positions. Punctuality and communication during week one are what set you apart. See Working for NRI for the full expectations.
Common questions
What do you need for a job on my first day? Original I-9 documents, banking information for direct deposit, an emergency contact, and any license specific to your role. If you have not been advised, email the day prior to your start date and ask.
Do I need my Social Security card on my first day? Only if it is one of the documents you selected for Form I-9. A U.S. passport satisfies both requirements on its own.
Ready for what’s next?
NRI’s recruiters help candidates across Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland prepare for every step, from the interview to the first morning. If you’re still looking, browse current job openings or submit your resume to connect with a recruiter who knows your field.
