A guide for the first 90 days in your new job!

Everyone talks about the importance of making a good first impression, but what happens next? If you’ve had a good first day in a job, that’s great. But if not, don’t panic. When it comes to making an impact, the first 90 days are crucial, offering you time to really define your place in the company.

We decided to put together a helpful guide that looks at some of the most important things to think about at this time. These tips are a checklist, and give you some ideas about how to make the most of the introductory period of your new job.

1. Say yes to as many opportunities as possible

A new job will likely throw up a mix of new opportunities, these could be anything from volunteering initiatives to social committees. It’s a great idea to get involved as much as you possibly can. You may think a certain initiative isn’t right for you, or that you’ve never done anything like this before; all the more reason to get involved! You’re starting a new job, and this is a great time to embrace new opportunities. This also demonstrates enthusiasm, shows you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, and offers an opportunity for you to meet a wider network of colleagues.

2. Get to know your team

Building relationships with your colleagues is essential to the success and enjoyment of a job. You need to work with these people on a daily basis, so really put some time in getting to know them. Go out for lunch or drinks; make a point of talking about things other than work. Getting comfortable with the people you work with should instantly help you relax and do a better job.

3. Ask questions

Google can be your best friend, but sometimes there’s no better replacement than having a one on one conversation with a co-worker. If you can’t wrap your head around something, don’t sit there stewing on it – ask someone! It’s easy to shy away from asking questions for fear of hassling your colleagues, but you’re a team. You’re still in the early stages of your job and are perfectly within your right to ask for help when you need it.

4. Go to as many meetings as you can!

We get it, too many meetings are dull and can seem like a giant waste of time. However, in the early days of a new job, nothing is more beneficial than soaking in as much information about the company as possible. Try to sit in on as many meetings as possible in these early days – the more you know about how your role sits in with the company, the better job you’ll be doing and the more value you can add.

5. Set achievable short term goals

Before you get bogged down in your day to day tasks, it’s really important to set some time aside to think about key things you’d like to achieve. A good way to do this is to set some achievable, short-term goals. This won’t just give you a clearer focus, but will offer a sense of achievement early on in your new job.

6. Allow these to develop into long term goals

Short term goals are great for the time being, but it’s also important to have some long-term objectives in the back of your mind. Now that you’ve started to get a feel for the company, where do you see yourself in six months’ time? Have a think about what’s important for your personal career aspirations, and also how you can benefit the team.

7. Have coffee with the most senior person in the business

Being proactive from the offset is great, so don’t be afraid to set up those meetings and make yourself known to senior stakeholders across the business! You’ve been employed for a reason, there’s no time like the present to share your ideas and instantly demonstrate your value.

8. Get feedback early on

Finding out how your manager feels you’re performing early on can really help you; realistically, you’re not going to know how you’re getting on if no one tells you. So don’t be afraid to reach out and ask your manager how you’re doing. Getting some positive feedback can really boost your confidence and as a result improve your performance. It’s also not a bad idea to identify areas for improvement; it’s better to rectify any problems in the early stages before you get stuck into any bad habits.

9. Define clear objectives with your manager

It’s important to know what you’re being measured on from the outset – make sure you outline clear objectives straight away so you know what you’re working towards. Having clear goals is essential to success.

10. Find a way to solve a problem within your team

Showcasing yourself as a proactive team member from the outset is a great way to get off to a good start with your new team. If you’re instantly solving problems then you’re adding value straight away – this is one of the best first impressions you could offer!

You may have started your new job, but the team at Huxley are still here to offer expert advice. Our consultative service doesn’t stop after placement, so if you have any questions, don’t be afraid to reach out to us.