The first 90 days in a new job and setting yourself up for success

Starting a new job can be both an exciting – and daunting! – time. You’re trying to remember your co-workers’ names while also memorising all the bits and bobs required for your new role. So, what can you do to ensure you set yourself up for success?

We’re glad you asked! Here are our top tips to help you nail the first 90 days of your new job.

1. Set up a meeting with your boss

You aced the interview and accepted the offer – but now the actual work begins. And calling a meeting with your superior in your first few days on the job is a great opportunity to demonstrate that you’re proactive and have a good work ethic.

At the meeting, you’ll want to establish expectations and any performance goals you need to take on board. You might want to ask any questions you’re unclear on in regards to your job responsibilities, and also find out how the company’s goals relate to your specific role.

2. Put faces to names

One of the best things to do in the first 90 days of a new job is to get to know the people you’ll be working with. Hopefully, your superiors will introduce you to the team or send a formal announcement about your arrival, and you can follow this up with more casual introductions when you bump into people in the kitchen, stock room or before a team meeting.

Make an effort to remember names by repeating the person’s name back to them, and perhaps writing it down along with their job title when you’re back at your desk. It’ll make it much easier if you have to go to that co-worker with specific questions, and using people’s names at work also shows good people skills and helps when building relationships.

3. Adopt the buddy system

Yep, it may be something you’d be more likely to find in a primary school playground, but why not in the workplace, too? You may find when meeting people that you naturally click with a fellow co-worker – someone who’s happy to dig out the IT department’s number or walk you through the coffee machine’s weird quirks.

Setting up a coffee or lunch with your unofficial buddy can help you get to know them better and also ensure there’s someone to steer you through the awkwardness of learning the ropes in a new workplace.

4. Make your mark

The team is sure to cut you some slack for a while as you navigate the learning curve that is a new role. To get your new responsibilities down pat, now’s a great time to ask any questions that might help you do things faster or more efficiently.

Once you’ve mastered the role for the most part, though, you’ll want to look for opportunities to demonstrate your abilities, skills and knowledge – and the value you bring to the role. Taking the initiative and making suggestions in meetings can all help you establish yourself as a valuable member of the team.

5. Think and act positively

When you start a new job, everyone will be naturally curious about who you are, where you’ve come from and what you might bring to the company. Being approachable and friendly is key; but don’t be too familiar as it can be annoying to some, and make you seem unprofessional.

As your co-workers will be forming first impressions of you in the coming months, be as positive and solution-focused as possible – negativity, complaints and pushiness won’t get you far. Similarly, it’s never a good look to badmouth your previous company or colleagues as it can reflect badly on you.

Want more advice on nailing a new role? Talk to our recruitment consultants

It’s a fact that the most successful employees are the ones who are proactive, adaptable, friendly and able to seamlessly become part of the team.

And sometimes, it helps to chat to professional recruitment specialists about how to navigate a specific role and what might be expected of you. If you’re in that position, or have found a role through us, don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re always happy to help.

Before you go… our comprehensive New Year New Job Guide is now available and it’s a super useful resource for job-seekers. Download your free copy today!