Starting a New Job? Conquer the First 90 Days Like a Pro

After landing a new job, the gears that once propelled you through the application and interview process start to shift. Now, you should be zeroing in on how to be successful in this new role.

The first 90 days of a new job are crucial for making a good impression. During this time, you need to be focused, productive, and take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. Here are some tips for conquering the first 90 days of a new job like a pro.

Define Your 90-Day Goals

When starting a new job, it’s important to establish some goals for the first 90 days. In fact, this exercise should be your top priority. The 90-day goals you set will act as your true north as you navigate this new position. 

Meet with your manager to understand what is expected of you, and then develop a list of what you’d like to expect of yourself. During this time, ask:

• How can I best deliver results/contribute to the team?
• How do I want to develop professionally during the first year, and what can I do during the first 90 days to set myself up for success?

Become a People-person

If first impressions are lasting impressions, as you meet new colleagues, ensure your first impression is a good one. In a virtual environment, this may seem harder than it previously was. That’s why being proactive is key. You may need to go out of your way to meet with new team members, even if just for 15 minutes, to introduce yourself and get to know them better. Hone in on the organizational chart, and learn who you can go to for what – this will help you traverse future projects.

As you meet with fellow teammates, be intentional about asking questions. Remember, the 90-day window serves as a grace period for questions — there are questions that you can ask during the first 90 days that may seem off-putting to ask after that 90-day period. So, not only should you be asking questions about how this new team operates, new terms that you might not be familiar with, or each colleagues’ work style, but be sure to take notes.

Lean into the Learning Curve

The first 90 days of a new job are exciting, but can also be overwhelming. Trying to memorize new names, new titles, new processes — all while trying to master your new role can prove to be a huge undertaking. In fact, data has shown that new employees only have a 25 percent productivity rate during the first month on the job. In fact, it’s not until after that 90 day period that a new employee reaches their full-productivity capacity. That’s why during the first 90 days it’s especially important to be patient with yourself. Listen, observe and absorb information. Once you pass the 90 day mark, then you can start to form opinions and begin implementing changes.

Read on about developing important soft skills to help you thrive in your new work environment.