THE 30-60-90 DAY PLAN

This will show a job candidate or new hire what they should achieve in the first 90 days of hire or promotion. 

FIRST 30 DAYS – UNDERSTAND

Be clear about what you intend to accomplish during this first stage within the organization. Here are things you should learn during this time:

1. What you will do for the company
2. Why you are a good fit for the organization
3. What have you done in the past, and how it relates
4. The company, culture, products or services, industry, competitors, and customers
5. How success is measured of you and your team
6. Who is who in the company, and who does what

The first 30 days are a learning curve for you. People don’t usually pressure the newbie, so use this time to gain insight into the organizations, the customers, and the culture.

SECOND 30 DAYS – EVALUATE

In the first 30 days, you did more listening more than talking. Now you are contributing to the conversation by being open.

This next step is where you add your strengths to the process. This is where you put your own personal brand within the team by displaying your strengths to accelerate your value.

At this point, you should evaluate current processes and procedures, identify strengths and weaknesses of team members/stakeholders, and determine how best to allocate resources for optimum impact. (SWOT Analysis)

Now, it is important to become more versatile by taking on some tasks outside of your set responsibilities. This will show that you are part of the team. Always be mindful of the boss’s expectations has for you. 

1. SWOT
2. Personal brand the value you bring to the job
3. Contribute
4. Find opportunities to show versatile skills
5. Be mindful of the boss’ expectations and why you were hired

 THIRD 30 DAYS - THE TRANSFORMATION STAGE

You should know the role you play in the company. The first 60 days added to your confidence, and the leadership qualities that made you attractive candidate are now ready for action. Now you can be proactive without needing to be told what to do.

Your boss will expect you to be attentive and aware of new projects. Be sure you come ready with possible solutions as it is important to avoid novice mistakes. It’s time to analyze the growth of your network. In addition, keep looking for people you can add to your network, as they are great resources that will make you stronger at your position. 

It is a big world, and you need to broaden your horizons. This means getting more involved by joining a club, board, or committee. An example might be Toastmasters to enhance public speaking.

Remember, the Plan has to be SMART. S-Specific M-Measurable A-Achievable R-Relevant T-Time Bound. This how to make yourself stand out to your boss. This will help you prove your value to the organization

Celebrate how far you come in 90 days, and reward yourself for your progress. Next, take a deep breath and set some new goals for yourself:

1. Be proactive so that your boss does not have to tell you what to do.
2. Remain attentive and aware of new projects.
3. Come prepared with possible solutions.
4. Keep building your network.
5. Get more involved.

 At this point, if you are a new hire, you understand the role in the organization the environment where you will work. As a job candidate, if you have properly prepped the 30-60-90 day plan, you cannot help but stand out in the interviewer’s mind as the ideal candidate.

Peter Titlebaum, Ed.D, is a professor at the University of Dayton.

Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.