You’re starting a new job and it’s pivotal for your career. How do you make sure you’re successful? Whether it’s your first job or a step up the ladder, the initial 90 days set the tone for your tenure at the company.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to making a positive impact in those early days. It covers relationship building, team integration and routine establishment.
First 30 Days: Laying the Foundations
Your first impression hangs around, so it’s essential to start strong. In your first month, focus on acclimatisation and understanding. Here’s how to make the best first impression from day one through to the end of your probation period.
Be Punctual: Arriving on time is crucial and sets a precedent for reliability.
Socialise and Integrate: Make an effort to get to know your teammates. This helps in building rapport and understanding team dynamics.
Be Authentic: Authenticity fosters trust and respect from your colleagues.
Ask Questions: Show eagerness to learn and understand your new role and the company’s operations fully.
Learn Aggressively: Immerse yourself in learning about your role, the team’s current projects, and the company culture.
Establish a Routine: Find and refine a daily routine that maximises productivity.
Understand the Structure: Get to know the organisational chart and how your role fits within the team.
Align with Expectations: Engage with colleagues and managers to understand what they expect from you.
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule consistent meetings with your manager to get feedback and align your progress with expectations.
Performance Metrics: Make sure you know how your performance will be evaluated.
First 60 Days: Deepening Engagement
Now that you’re settled in, it’s time to deepen your engagement with the work and the team:
Continue Asking Questions: Maintain your curiosity to deepen your understanding of your role.
Document Progress: Keep a running status document of your projects to track progress and key learnings.
Identify Pain Points: Note any frustrations or bottlenecks the team faces and think about potential solutions.
Refine Your Routine: Adjust your working style to find what best suits you and enhances your productivity.
First 90 Days: Establishing Your Place
By the end of your first 90 days, you should be fully integrated into the team and contributing effectively:
Find a Mentor: Identify someone within the organisation who can provide guidance and support as you grow into your role.
Clarify Expectations Again: Ensure that your understanding of your role and goals aligns with your manager’s expectations.
Continuous Improvement: Treat every task as if you’re still in the interview process; strive for excellence.
Reconnect with Your Network: Update your professional network about your new role and reconnect with former colleagues.
Performance Review: Assess whether you are on track with your goals and the expectations set out by your managers.
OFS: Your Career Advisor
Follow this roadmap to navigate your probation period, lay a solid foundation for your career at the new company, and demonstrate your value and potential from the outset. Remember, the goal is not just to survive but to thrive and set yourself up for long-term success.
