Introduction

Starting a new job is exciting, nerve-wracking, and overwhelming, all at the same time. The first 90 days are crucial as this is the time when you make an impression on your colleagues, prove your worth, and get up to speed. It’s important to establish realistic expectations about what you can achieve within this time frame. While you may be tempted to hit the ground running and tackle everything at once, it’s easier said than done. The key is to set achievable goals and prioritize tasks. By doing so, you can build a solid foundation and set yourself up for long-term success. So buckle up and get ready, the first 90 days are going to be a wild ride!

Key things to prioritize during your first 90 days

In the first 90 days, you'll have the chance to establish yourself as a valuable member of the team and show your colleagues and managers what you're capable of. This initial impression can set the tone for your entire time at the company, so it's crucial to make it count. Here are some key things to prioritize during your first 90 days to set yourself up for success.

Build relationships

Building connections with your coworkers and supervisors during the first three months is crucial. Find out who the stakeholders are and establish confidence with them. Get acquainted with your team and manager, and understand their expectations. Take an initiative to understand your colleagues on personal and professional levels. Creating relationships requires time and effort, but its benefits are immeasurable. A healthy relationship with your manager and colleagues can lay down a strong foundation for your prosperous career.

Accelerate your learnings

Create a learning plan that aligns with your role and responsibilities. Utilize the onboarding checklist if the company provides one. Understanding the company's culture and how it affects the way you work is important to navigate the work environment successfully. Ask for feedback, and be open to constructive criticism. Learning from your mistakes and acting on the feedback will demonstrate a willingness to improve and grow.

Secure early wins

Be proactive, search for things to improve, and take ownership of your work. Building credibility by delivering results can gain trust and respect from your colleagues and managers. Seek noticeable impact by taking on challenging projects, delivering high-quality work, and contributing to the company's goals. Promote yourself by sharing your achievements with your colleagues and managers. Securing early wins can demonstrate your capability and credibility quickly.

Shape yourself for success

Set mutual expectations with your manager, establish SMART goals for your onboarding, and create a long-term career plan. Communicate your career aspirations, identify development opportunities, and seek mentorship from colleagues and managers. By keeping these aspects in mind, you can ensure that you are well-equipped to achieve your career goals and reach your full potential.

Before You Start: Preparing for Your New Job

Before your first day, start with a plan. This will help you feel more organized and prepared, and give you a clear idea of what to expect during your first few weeks. Think about the people you will meet, the projects you will work on, and the goals you want to achieve. The plan should have more details for the first two weeks and be more flexible for the next months. Gradually expand it and adjust it as you spend more time with the company.

To help you get started, here's an example plan template that you can customize to your needs:

Managing Your Time Effectively

Let's be real for a moment: starting a new job can feel like being thrown into a pool of sharks. And with heaps of tasks and responsibilities piling up, it's easy to feel like you're drowning. The trick here is to learn how to properly manage your time. Staying organized is the first step to time management. Keep a to-do list, prioritize tasks, and stay focused.

Dealing with Job Stress and Burnout

A new job can be stressful. Between the new faces, new responsibilities, and new systems to learn, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. And while a bit of stress is normal, you want to recognize the warning signs before it becomes overwhelming. Symptoms such as frequent headaches, stomach aches, and difficulty sleeping should be taken seriously. If you experience these symptoms, it's time to take a break.

Taking breaks when necessary is key to preventing burnout. You can try going for a walk, meditating or practicing some yoga. Research has shown that taking a break and switching tasks can improve productivity, reduce stress levels and prevent burnout. Remember, the best way to handle stress is to take a break and come back refreshed.

Another way to manage stress is to talk to somebody about how you feel. Sometimes, all you need is a good chat, a friend or even a good counselor to speak to. There's no need to keep your feelings and concerns bottled up. Speak to your supervisor and let them know you are struggling. They might be able to provide you with some resources that can help you get through it.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the first 90 days in a new job are crucial to establishing yourself and setting the foundation for a successful career. By combining the tips we've discussed with the onboarding plan provided by your company or manager, you can hit the ground running and make the most of your first few months.

Remember to regularly seek feedback from colleagues and managers to ensure that you are meeting expectations and making progress towards your goals. It's okay not to know everything from the beginning, so be open to adjusting and refining your plan as you learn more about the company and your role.

Finally, prioritize building relationships, accelerating your learning, securing early wins, and shaping yourself for success. By following these key priorities, you can make a positive impression and establish yourself as a valuable member of the team. Good luck with your new job and congratulations on this new chapter in your career!