Many career experts believe that your first 90 days on the job are the most important to set the tone and become a trusted voice. So how can you make sure you get off on the right foot? A little bit of planning will show your new colleagues that you’re a rock star. It’s important to note that these steps are pretty much the same no matter where you are in your career, so make some notes for yourself! This info will help you when you’ve just gotten a promotion, as well as when you’re just starting your first Real Job.
The first month:
Your first month in the new role is all about learning the basics and settling in. Is there new tech to learn? Who are the most important players? What’s the culture? Are there any resources you need, and who can give you those? What does your boss expect you to accomplish, and when? I find it useful to put this all into a spreadsheet with the date you’d like to accomplish each thing, who to talk to, what kind of impact it will have, and anything else you find helpful.
The second month:
Keep building on those relationships, and identify any areas where you’re having a harder time. Who are the people who can help you overcome the difficulties? How will you know when you’ve managed the difficulty? Check in with your boss to make sure you’re making adequate process, and ask how you can take it to the next level. Keep a list of what you’ve accomplished (remember that spreadsheet?), both for your own sake and to show to your boss.
And what about that third month? Check in on Thursday.