10 Must-Have Items For Starting Your First Job
By the way, this one is for the guys too!! Investing in a professional wardrobe does not mean that you have to spend tons of money. If you have these 10 items handy, you will look more professional, feel more confident, and definitely make a lasting impression.
Walking Shoes
This may seem odd, but walking shoes are so important. If you are commuting to work in a big city and have to walk through the street to get to the office building, these shoes are vital. You don’t want to mess up your brand new heels or brand new leather Oxfords do you?! When I was in interning in New York, I wore my walking shoes to work and left my heels at the office to slip on after getting settled in at my desk. Everyone was always asking me how I kept my heels so clean! Even if you don’t plan to work in a big city, get a pair of walking shoes and keep them in your car. You never know when they might save the day!
Heels/Oxfords
All you need is one pair. Seriously, that’s it. Don’t go shopping for 6 different types of shoes to match your ties, skirts, and blouses. Invest in ONE REALLY GOOD PAIR of oxfords or heels.
The Suit
It is VERY important to wear a suit on your first day of work. Yes, it is that important. Even if you know the office culture encourages ‘business casual’ attire, do it anyway. I cannot stress this enough. Wearing a suit will signify to your boss, co-workers and executives that you are taking this position seriously. They will recognize that you came prepared and alert. They will know you are ready for your first meeting or assignment.
Now, let me be clear that you do not need to go spend $500.00 on a designer suit. Invest in something that fits your body and that works within your budget. My favorite suit is from Target. It fits like a glove and was on sale for $20.00. I wear it to every ‘first day’ and every interview. If you look sharp, people will recognize that you put in the time and effort to walk in the door looking your best. I promise you that your boss will be impressed. It is also good to have if you are traveling off-site for a meeting or plan on attending any charity functions. For the ladies, this suit is a solid start. For the gentlemen, I would highly suggest this one.
A Purse/Brief Case
Having a small purse or briefcase not only looks professional, but is a must-have in the office. This is essential for carrying small items like Advil, gum, mints, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc. Having something to carry your items in will prevent your desk from getting cluttered and will allow you to be more prepared on the fly.
Lunch bag
I know that bringing a lunch bag to work may seem silly, but I have found that packing my lunch for work everyday allows me to eat healthier, save money, have more energy, and be more efficient with my time. Besides, who wants to spend 35 minutes of their lunch break waiting in line for a meal anyway? You already have enough on your plate, don’t stress over where to grab lunch everyday.
Personal Water Bottle & Personality Mug
Again, this may seem silly but it is very important! Hydration is key to a successful work day! Keep a personal water bottle by your desk at all times to avoid using a vending machine to get a soda or using too many plastic bottles. Drinking water throughout the day will also be beneficial to your exercise routine before or after work. Also, having a ‘personality’ mug that you sip from every morning can be a surprisingly fun way to start conversation in the office! For all you Star Wars fans out there, I would highly recommend this mug!
After Hours Outfit
Without a doubt, you will be invited to several after-hours events. It is important that you have an outfit in your wardrobe ready to go! Trust me, your after-hours outfit will be a life-saver on those Friday afternoons when you get a last minute invite to a networking event that night with your boss. For the gentlemen, I would recommend something business casual like a nice button-down shirt, some khaki pants, and a slick pair of shoes. For the ladies, I would recommend a nice pair of dark jeans, comfortable shoes, and a flattering blouse.
Umbrella & Rain Jacket
You never know when an umbrella or rain jacket may come in handy for you or someone else in the office! There is nothing like the terrible feeling of having to get your carefully planned outfit drenched before a big meeting because you had to sprint across the parking lot in a down pour. Come to work prepared!!
Wireless Headphones
This may seem obvious but it’s a worthy mention. Often times, entry-level positions in offices require people to sit in side-by-side cubicles or office desks. This means that you will have to avoid interrupting your office buddy while taking client calls or meetings. You can minimize noise by using wireless headphones. Trust me, your colleagues will thank you for it!
Cash
Last but certainly not least, always carry cash. I learned this the hard way while working in a big city. Not every restaurant, store, taxi, Uber, or bar is going to accept a credit card. This doesn’t mean you have to walk around with $200.00 in your wallet everyday but you need to always carry some cash on you. I would recommend keeping a safe stash under lock and key in a desk drawer at your station. The last thing you want to happen is a situation where you are hosting a client at a cash only restaurant/bar and you only came with a credit card! YIKES!
If you are equipped with these items before your first gig, I promise it will make your daily routine at work A WHOLE LOT easier.
