Navigating the First 90 Days: A New Employee’s Short Guide

Navigating the First 90 Days: A New Employee’s Short Guide

Congratulations! You landed the job! Now comes the exciting (and sometimes the most important) first 90 days. This is a critical period where you’ll establish yourself, make a strong impression, and set the stage for a successful career within the company. Also the pressure is on the company’s side. If they do not set it up well for you, the probation period can end up with an unfortunate misunderstanding.

Let’s gain some knowledge and learn about strategies to navigate these first 3 months with confidence.

The First Week: Laying the Foundation

• Hit the Ground Running: Be prepared! Review your job description, company website, and any onboarding materials beforehand. Dress professionally and arrive on time, ready to learn and contribute.
• Discuss expectations: Talk with your manager, and clarify any areas of uncertainty. Knowing what is expected of you will help you prioritise tasks and focus your efforts effectively.
• Ask Clarifying Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions throughout your first week. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn and ensures you understand your tasks and expectations clearly.
• Welcome Feedback on Your Onboarding Experience: After your first week, schedule a brief check-in with your manager or HR representative. Express your appreciation for the onboarding process and inquire if there’s any additional information or training materials you might need.
• Meet the Team (and Beyond): Make introductions a priority. Seek opportunities to connect with colleagues in your department and beyond. This fosters relationships and helps you understand the bigger picture.
• Take Initiative, But Know Your Limits: Show your eagerness to learn and contribute. Look for small ways to add value, but don’t overload yourself.

• Build Relationships: Building relationships with your colleagues is key to success in any new job. Make introductions a priority during your first week. Seek opportunities to connect with colleagues in your department and beyond. Attend team lunches or coffee breaks to introduce yourself.
• Find Common Ground: As you meet new people, look for common interests or experiences to spark conversation. This helps build rapport and fosters connections.
• Leverage Online Tools: Utilise the company’s internal directory or communication platform to connect with colleagues who share similar interests or work in different departments.
• Learn the Company Culture: Every company has its own unique culture, norms, and values. Take the time to observe and learn about the company culture during your first few weeks. Pay attention to how decisions are made, how feedback is given, and how colleagues interact with each other. Adapting to the company culture will help you integrate seamlessly into the organisation.
• Discuss Expectations and Initial Goals: Schedule a meeting. Within your first week, schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss expectations for your role. This is a crucial conversation to understand your core responsibilities and any immediate priorities.
• Identify Early Wins: Collaborate with your manager to identify 2–3 achievable goals you can accomplish within the first month. These “early wins” demonstrate your initiative and ability to deliver results.
• Outline Long-Term Objectives: Briefly discuss your long-term career aspirations with your manager. This helps them understand your goals and how your current role fits into your bigger picture.

Weeks 2–4: Deep Dive and Skill Development

• Master the Core Skills: Focus on acquiring the essential skills required for your role. Be an active participant in training sessions, take detailed notes, and ask clarifying questions.
• Shadow Your Colleagues: Learn from the best! Shadow experienced team members to observe workflows, best practices, and how they handle different situations.
• Start Building Your Network: Attend team-building activities, happy hours, or volunteer opportunities organised by the company. This creates a casual atmosphere to connect with colleagues outside of work-related settings.
• Offer Help and Support: Be willing to lend a helping hand to colleagues who might be facing challenges. This demonstrates your collaborative spirit and builds goodwill.
• Become a Mentor (if applicable): If you have previous experience relevant to new hires in your department, offer to mentor them. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and positions you as a valuable resource.
• Seek Feedback on Training Sessions: After completing training sessions, actively seek feedback from instructors or mentors. Ask if they observed any areas where you could improve your learning or skill development.
• Shadowing Feedback: Following a shadowing experience, debrief with the colleague you shadowed. Ask for their insights on your observations and if they have any specific feedback on how you can approach your role more effectively.

• Regular Check-ins with Manager: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your manager (at least once a week during this initial phase). Come prepared with specific questions about your tasks, challenges you might be facing, and areas where you’d like additional guidance.
• Focus on Specific Skills: During your check-ins, identify a specific skill you’re working on developing and ask your manager for targeted feedback on your progress. This demonstrates your commitment to growth and allows your manager to provide tailored advice.
• Provide Feedback (Constructively): New perspectives are valuable. If you have suggestions for improvement in processes or workflows, share them constructively with your manager.
• Stay Organised: Managing your time and tasks effectively is essential during the first 90 days. Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and project management software to stay organised and prioritise your workload. By staying on top of your tasks, you’ll demonstrate your ability to handle responsibilities and meet deadlines.

Weeks 5–8: Taking Ownership and Delivering Results

• Apply Your Learning: Start putting your newly acquired skills into practice. Take on assigned tasks with confidence and demonstrate your ability to complete them efficiently and effectively.
• Develop SMART Goals: Work with your manager to establish SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) for the next 3–6 months.
• Specificity is Key: Clearly define each goal, outlining the exact deliverables or outcomes expected.
• Quantify Your Success: Whenever possible, set measurable targets for your goals. This allows you to track progress and demonstrate the impact of your work.
• Align with Company Objectives: Ensure your goals are relevant to your role and contribute to the company’s overall objectives.
• Set Deadlines and Milestones: Establish clear deadlines for achieving each goal, and break them down into smaller, achievable milestones to maintain momentum.
• Proactive Problem Solving: Don’t just wait for instructions. Anticipate potential challenges, take initiative to research solutions, and present your findings to your manager. This showcases your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Weeks 9–12: Building Visibility and Long-Term Success

• Go Beyond Your Role: Take initiative. Show your willingness to learn and contribute beyond your specific job description. Volunteer for cross-functional projects or offer to help colleagues in different departments.
• Become a Resource: As you gain experience, share your knowledge with others. Offer to mentor new hires or present on topics related to your expertise. This establishes you as a valuable asset to the team.
• Self-Evaluation and Future Goals: Reflect on your progress and areas for improvement. Discuss your career aspirations with your manager and explore opportunities for professional development within the company.
• Become a Brand Ambassador: Enthusiasm is contagious! Share your positive experiences about the company culture and your role on social media platforms (with permission, of course).

Keep in Mind

• Maintain a Positive Attitude: A positive outlook goes a long way. Be a team player, offer support to colleagues, and cultivate a professional demeanour.
• Find a Work-Life Balance: Prioritise your well-being. Set boundaries, take breaks, and maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.
• Reflect and Adapt: Periodically reflect on your experiences during the first 90 days and identify areas where you can improve. Be open to feedback, adapt to changes in priorities or processes, and continuously strive for growth and development.

As mentioned, the first 90 days are a two-way street. While you’re learning and proving yourself, you’re also evaluating the company culture and fit. Use this time to ask yourself if this role aligns with your long-term career goals.