What gear and supplies do you need to buy for a new job?
Starting a new career in fields ranging from HVAC trades to corporate accounting requires navigating specific clothing, footwear, and equipment requirements that employers often leave unclear. Without knowing the exact dress codes or safety standards—such as steel-toed boots versus oxfords—new hires and their partners are left guessing what to purchase. This uncertainty makes it difficult to prepare adequately before the first day on the job.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Buying basic items like clip-on fans, water bottles, and lunch boxes from Amazon
- 2Waiting until starting the job to see what experienced coworkers use and making a wishlist later
- 3Wearing white leather sneakers and brown oxfords
- 4Wearing a Patagonia quarter zip
- 5Asking experienced mechanics on forums for brand recommendations
- 6Buying budget-friendly starter brands like Neiko, Icon, or Pittsburgh
- 7waiting until getting a job to buy electric tools so they do not degrade
- 8buying pre-selected individual brands like Knipex and Wiha
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Incoming b4 audit associate (male). What do I need for footwear. Will White leather sneakers and fresh pair of brown oxfords be enough to get it done or do am I down the wrong path.”source ↗
“My boyfriend got hired at his first hvac company so I was looking at what I should get him supplies wise.”source ↗
“Is there anything else he should have to stay cool? Are steel toed boots recommended in this type of work?”source ↗
“Is there a certain set from neiko you recommend?”source ↗
“Would these do just fine?”source ↗
“I'm in my first year of electrical education and looking for an internship/apprenticeship Anyway I'm looking for tools to use in the Future (looking to invest in the best tools I can)”source ↗
“What else should I get? I'm looking for high quality that will do me well”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 3Why won't supply houses sell to homeowners?
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- 4Why are knee pads always too bulky and loose on a slim frame?
- 7Why are job boards full of impossible roles and ghost listings?
- 7How much do you actually tip movers?
- 2Why is it so hard to learn the accounting theory behind daily work?