Good Luck in your New Job – Part 1

Congratulations, you got a new job! It’s a huge accomplishment, but the journey doesn’t stop here. This is just the beginning…

How you approach your first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job can shape your success and future growth in the company. This plan, inspired by Michael D. Watkins’ book The First 90 Days, provides a framework to help you make the most of your early days and build a strong foundation.

Whether you’re a fresh graduate or transitioning to a new role, it is important to have a clear plan, which will not only make a great first impression, but also set you up for long-term success. Here’s how you can navigate the first months with confidence.

The first 30 Days – Learning and building relationships

1. Build relationships and start networking early

The first month on the job is all about getting to know your colleagues and understanding the dynamics of your new workplace. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to everyone, from fellow team members to people in other departments. Building relationships early will help you establish a support system and make collaboration easier down the road.

One of the most important things you can do is show that you’re open to teaming and collaboration. From my own experience, being willing to help others, showing eagerness to learn, and being open to feedback leaves a lasting impression. People remember team players who are ready to jump in, assist others, and contribute to shared goals. Asking questions and acting on feedback is not just about personal growth; it shows you’re invested in the team’s success.

• Introduce yourself. A simple “Hi, I’m [Your Name], and I’m new here!” can break the ice.
• Understand your colleague’s roles. Understand what your colleagues do and how your role fits into the bigger picture. This will help you work more effectively within the team.

2. Schedule time with your line manager

It’s important to align with your manager as soon as possible. Ask for a 1:1 meeting to discuss expectations, priorities, and success metrics. Show that you’re proactive about your role and willing to hit the ground running.

• Set clear goals. Sit down with your manager, to define what success looks like in the first three months, this will help you stay focused on the right priorities. 
• Ask where you can help. Once you understand your role, ask your manager where you can support them or the team in broader projects. This shows initiative and eagerness to contribute.

3. Ask lots of questions (But be resourceful)

Curiosity is crucial for a successful start, but being strategic about it. It’s equally important. 

From my experience, one of the most impactful ways to make a strong first impression is to show curiosity, while also being resourceful. 

Before asking questions, make sure you’ve done some digging on your own, explore the company’s intranet, team’s shared resources, or employee resource groups. This will not only help you avoid unnecessary distractions, but also demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.

• Be curious. Ask thoughtful questions about the company’s processes and key challenges to ensure you are connecting the dots. 
• Be innovative. Offering fresh perspectives early on can be highly valued. Managers appreciate it when new employees spot opportunities for improvement, so don’t be afraid to share your ideas after doing your research. For example, if you see a process that could be more efficient, ask why it’s done a certain way and share your ideas for possible improvements. Showing innovation and critical thinking is one of the best things a new starter can offer.

4. Be present, and go to the office

In this era of remote work, it’s tempting to stay home, but as a new hire, there’s immense value in being physically present. Going to the office allows you to accelerate your learning, build relationships much faster, and observe company culture firsthand.

• Meet people face-to-face. You’ll build stronger connections and learn faster when you’re physically present.
• Observe the culture. Understanding how people communicate, how decisions are made, and how teams collaborate can help you integrate smoothly.

5. Be prepared for meetings

Even in the early days, meetings are a great opportunity to make a solid impression. For any meetings you schedule, like 1:1s with your line manager or introductory meetings with colleagues, arrive on time, prepared with a clear agenda or key points to cover. This shows you’re organized and thoughtful about everyone’s time. Use tools like OneNote to take organized notes.

While you’re not expected to be the team admin, if you notice no one is assigned to take notes in larger meetings, it’s a good idea to offer. This shows initiative and engagement. 

However, if there’s already a note-taking process in place, such as Zoom or Teams transcripts, it’s okay to skip this step.

Part 2 coming soon….

Key Questions To Ask When Starting A New Job

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