Congratulations – you landed the job! After successfully navigating the application and interview process, you’re ready to embrace your new role. As you prepare for your first day, consider ways you can establish yourself as a high-value member of the team early on. Here are four tips to make the most of your first 90 days and set yourself up for long-term success within your new company:
- Be an active participant from the start. During onboarding and training, stay engaged by paying close attention, taking notes, and asking questions to best understand the new systems and processes you’re learning. While the first days and weeks will likely feel overwhelming as you train and get to know your new team, do your best to absorb the information and remain proactive. Show your commitment by arriving on time, prepared, and ready to make the most of each day.
- Inquire thoughtfully. Freely ask questions as you take on your new responsibilities, especially if you’re unsure of the next step. It’s better to seek clarification ahead of time than risk making a mistake. When asking for help, show initiative by including your proposed solution alongside the question. This demonstrates critical thinking and preparation. For example, you might say, “I’m working on a client inquiry, and their digital product is unusable. Based on what I can see, the order hasn’t been approved in our system yet. I believe verifying their account and manually approving the product will resolve the issue and allow them to start using the product. Is that correct?”
- Engage with your colleagues. Building relationships with your coworkers is important, whether you’re on-site, hybrid, or fully remote. Start with the members of your direct team—introduce yourself via email, chat, a call, or in-person, and take a few minutes to learn about their role and responsibilities. If appropriate, ask about their family, hobbies, or interests outside of work to connect on a personal level as well. Even if it’s just a 5-10 minute conversation with each person, a little effort goes a long way in fostering camaraderie and trust. Once you’ve gotten to know the members of your direct team, it can be beneficial to connect with members of other teams as well, especially if you will be working in tandem with those teams. This also allows you to get a more comprehensive view of the organization and the people within it.
- Communicate openly and seek feedback. Clear communication is essential to your success in a new role. Early on, engage in candid conversations with your manager to understand their expectations and establish how your performance will be measured. Regularly check in, ask for feedback, and clarify priorities to help you stay on track. Open communication shows your commitment to growth and ensures you’re aligned with your team’s goals.
Approaching your new role with intention and openness sets the stage for long-term success and meaningful professional relationships. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to make a strong impression and thrive during your first 90 days.