How to Succeed in Your First 90 Days at a New Job

For most people, starting a new job is both an exciting and overwhelming time. The first 90 days in your new role are crucial for setting the tone of your experience, establishing strong relationships, and proving your value to your new team. You can navigate this transition smoothly and make a lasting impact with a proactive approach. Here’s how to put your best foot forward and ensure a successful start in your new role.

1. Understand expectations early

During your first few weeks, you should first prioritize gaining a clear understanding of your responsibilities and performance expectations from your leaders. To do this:

• Review your job description and any onboarding materials thoroughly in your first few days.
• Schedule regular meetings with your manager to discuss short-term and long-term goals, and check-in on your progress. Creating an open channel for feedback early on will only benefit you in the long run.
• Ask clarifying questions about key priorities, success metrics, and company culture.

2. Set goals for your first 30/60/90 days

Breaking down your onboarding into 30-, 60-, and 90-day goals can help you stay focused and measure your progress:

• First 30 days: You should initially focus on absorbing as much information as possible. Learn about the company, your role, and how your team operates.
• Days 31-60: Start applying your knowledge, taking ownership of tasks, and contributing to team projects.
• Days 61-90: Aim to make a meaningful impact by making suggestions to improve processes, sharing insights, and taking on more responsibilities.

3. Learn where to find support

Understanding where to go for help will personally make your transition smoother and help you become a more resourceful employee. Be proactive in:

• Identifying key contacts for different types of support (HR, IT, team leads, etc.).
• Attending orientation sessions, team meetings, and training opportunities. Be sure to ask questions and take notes that you can refer to as needed.
• Observing and asking colleagues about company processes and best practices. Finding someone to serve as peer support within your function can be an invaluable resource as a new employee.

4. Add value without overstepping

As you settle into your role, focus on making a positive impact while respecting existing workflows. To strike the right balance:

• Listen and observe before suggesting major changes.
• Look for small ways to improve efficiency or assist your teammates.
• Share insights and fresh perspectives in a constructive and respectful way. Part of your value as a new employee is the fresh set of eyes you can bring to existing processes, but you also don’t want to overstep.

5. Build strong relationships

Your ability to collaborate and connect with colleagues will play a key role in your success. To immerse yourself in your new team:

• Introduce yourself to team members and learn about their roles. Take the time to get to know the people behind the job title – building a human connection is essential to creating a positive team dynamic.
• Join company events, social gatherings, or group discussions as you’re invited.
• Maintain a positive attitude and be open to feedback and new ideas.

Your first 90 days in a new job will lay the foundation for your future success. By understanding expectations, setting clear goals, seeking support, adding value thoughtfully, and building relationships, you can establish yourself as a valuable team member. Approach this period of transition with curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, and you’ll set yourself up for long-term growth and success!