How to survive your first ninety days on a new job
Welcome to your new job! You’ve successfully navigated the hiring process and landed the position you’ve been dreaming of. While this is an exciting time, it’s also natural to feel a bit anxious about what lies ahead. Starting a new job can be overwhelming, and the first few months can be especially challenging as you navigate new processes, people, and expectations. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can not only survive but thrive in your first ninety days on the job. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the best of your first ninety days and lay the foundation for a successful career. So, let’s dive in!
Understand the Company and Its Culture
One of the most important things you can do in your early days on the job is to get to know the company you’re working for. Spend some time researching its history, the products or services it offers, its competitors, and its overall mission and values. This will give you a better understanding of the organization’s culture and how your role fits in. Additionally, try to get a feel for the company’s work environment and expectations. Is it a formal or casual setting? Are there any traditions or norms you should be aware of? By understanding the company and its culture, you’ll be better equipped to assimilate and thrive in your new job.
Set Clear Goals and Expectations
Before starting a new job, you likely had an idea of what your responsibilities and tasks would be. However, it’s important to clarify expectations and goals with your manager in your first few days or weeks. This will help ensure that you’re aligned on what’s expected of you, and it can also prevent any misunderstandings down the road. Additionally, setting clear goals will give you something to work towards and help you stay motivated.
Tip: Ask questions and seek clarification if you’re unsure about anything. It’s always better to ask for clarification upfront than to make assumptions that could lead to mistakes later on.
Absorb Information and Ask for Help
During your first ninety days, you’ll likely have a lot of information to take in – from learning about the company’s processes and systems to understanding your role and responsibilities. While it may feel overwhelming, try to approach it with a positive mindset and see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Take notes, ask questions, and seek out resources to help you absorb the information. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help! Your manager and colleagues are there to support you, and it’s better to ask for clarification than to make mistakes because you were too afraid to ask.
Connect with Your Team and Building Relationships
Just as important as understanding the company’s culture is building relationships with your team members. Take the initiative to introduce yourself and get to know your colleagues. Building positive relationships with your team not only makes work more enjoyable, but it can also improve communication and collaboration. It’s also a great way to learn from your new colleagues and gain insights into the company and its processes.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and join in on team activities or social events. It’s a great way to bond with your team members outside of the office and build stronger relationships.
Stay Organized and Manage Your Time Effectively
The first few months on a new job can be hectic, and you may find yourself overwhelmed with tasks and deadlines. To stay on top of your workload, it’s important to stay organized and manage your time effectively. Keep track of your tasks and deadlines, prioritize your work, and ask for help if needed. With good time management and organizational skills, you can avoid falling behind or feeling overwhelmed.
Be Open to Feedback and Keep Learning
Your first ninety days on the job are a learning experience, and it’s natural to make mistakes. What’s important is how you react to those mistakes. Be open to feedback from your manager and colleagues, and use it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Also, take advantage of any training or development opportunities offered by the company. The more you continue to learn and grow, the more valuable you’ll become to the organization.
Stay Positive and Be Patient
Last but certainly not least, it’s important to stay positive and be patient with yourself during this transitional period. It takes time to adjust to a new job, and there will be challenges along the way. But by staying positive and focusing on your goals, you’ll be able to overcome any obstacles and successfully navigate through your first ninety days.
In Conclusion
The first ninety days on a new job can be tough, but with the right mindset, strategies, and support, you can make the best of it and lay the foundation for a successful career. Start by understanding the company and its culture, setting clear goals and expectations, absorbing information, building relationships, staying organized, being open to feedback, and staying positive. By doing so, you’ll not only survive but thrive in your new job. Congratulations on this new chapter in your career, and best of luck on your journey!
