Good Luck in your new job – Part 2

60 Day mark – Adding value, increasing visibility and seeking feedback in your new job

1. Seek out a mentor

Many companies offer mentorship programs or informal networks, where you can find a mentor. Having someone to guide you through the company’s nuances, team dynamics, or even your role can be a game-changer in your new job.

From my own experience, mentors have accelerated my career in ways I couldn’t have imagined. They’ve helped me achieve things I didn’t think were possible, structured my approach to working with managers and teams, and refined how I present my personal brand. 

I can’t imagine delivering my best performance without the guidance of a mentor. So, find a mentor!

• Use internal mentorship programs. Ask HR or your manager if there’s a formal mentoring program.
• Consider informal mentorship. Even if there isn’t a program, you can still reach out to a more experienced colleague and ask for their guidance.

2. Increase your visibility

Now that you’ve settled in, it’s time to make sure people know who you are and what you’re capable of. 

Continue building relationships and seek opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways, even outside of your immediate role.

• Take initiative. Volunteer for new projects or offer to help a colleague with something they’re working on.
• Speak up in meetings. Start contributing ideas during team meetings, showing that you’re engaged and think strategically.

3. Help your team

In addition to aligning with your manager, take the time to ask your immediate team members if they need help with their projects. Depending on the nature of your role, offering support allows you to learn different aspects of the business and strengthen your working relationships.

• Collaborate. By assisting your teammates, you’ll gain exposure to different areas of the business, which can help you grow and learn more quickly.
• Build trust. Helping others builds trust within your team and shows that you’re a reliable team player.

4. Track your progress

By the 60-day mark, you should have a better understanding of your role and how it fits into the larger team. Take time to review your progress, reflect on what’s working well, and identify areas for improvement.

• Adjust your goals. Based on feedback and what you’ve learned, fine-tune the goals you set with your manager.
• Self-assess. Reflect on what skills or knowledge gaps you may still need to fill and create a plan to address them.

5. Seek regular feedback

It’s crucial to seek feedback from your manager and peers during this phase. Watkins emphasizes that gathering feedback regularly will help you adjust your performance and ensure you’re on the right track. 

Don’t wait for formal reviews, ask for informal check-ins to gauge how you’re doing and where you can improve.

90 Day mark- Demonstrate impact and plan for the future

1. Deliver results

By the time you hit the 90-day mark, it’s important to demonstrate tangible results. This doesn’t mean delivering major projects, but you should be able to point to specific achievements that show you’ve been contributing value.

• Showcase your work. Compile a list of your accomplishments and share them with your manager during your next meeting.
• Meet expectations. Ensure you are meeting the expectations outlined in your initial conversations with your manager.

2. Expand Your Network Further

Now that you’re feeling more comfortable, take networking to the next level. Reach out to people outside of your immediate team or department, especially those who are key decision-makers or influencers.

• Focus on cross-departmental networking. Try to build relationships with people in different areas of the business, as they may offer new perspectives or future collaboration opportunities.
• Attend company events. If your company hosts social or learning events, make an effort to attend. These informal settings are great for networking.

3. Plan for long-term success

With your first 90 days behind you, it’s time to think bigger. Start looking at how you can continue to grow within the company and develop your career. Discuss long-term career goals with your manager. Identify any skill gaps and look for ways to gain experience that aligns with your growth.

• Stay curious. The learning doesn’t stop after the first three months. Stay up-to-date with industry trends, and keep asking questions as you go.

Final Thoughts

Starting a new job is one of the most exciting chapters in your career. The key to successfully navigating a new job from the get-go is to have a plan and stay intentional with your actions. 

When you focus on building relationships, asking the right questions, and staying open to feedback, you set yourself up for long-term success. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, whether it’s offering a fresh idea, volunteering to help a teammate, or asking for guidance. No one expects you to know everything immediately, but people will notice if you’re curious, engaged, and resourceful. 

Take full advantage of being in the office, and don’t underestimate the value of finding a mentor to help guide you along the way.  Also, never overlook the power of attention to detail. Whether you’re sending an email, writing a report, or working on a project, always triple-check your work. It’s those small things that leave a lasting impression and build the trust you will need to grow in your career.

By the time you reach that 90-day mark, you’ll not only have built a strong foundation and feel confident in your role, but you’ll also have shown that you’re committed to learning, growing, and contributing to the team. 

Good luck and embrace every step of your journey!

Good Luck in your New Job – Part 1

Share this article