What to Expect When Starting a New Role: The First 90 Days

Starting a new job is a milestone filled with excitement and anticipation. However, it’s also a period of adaptation and learning, where first impressions count and new challenges can arise. Whether you're starting fresh in a new company or shifting roles within the same field, the first 90 days are crucial for laying a solid foundation for long-term success.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to navigate those early weeks, avoid common pitfalls, and even handle situations where the job isn’t quite what you were expecting.

Day 1–30: Learning the Lay of the Land

The first month is your introduction to everything—from people and processes to culture and unspoken rules. These early days are critical for absorbing as much as possible.

• Listen and Observe: You may be eager to show what you can do, but the smartest first step is to pay close attention. Each workplace has its own pace, power dynamics, and cultural quirks. Observe how decisions are made, how your team operates, and the tone of communication. It's like learning the company’s “unwritten manual.”
• Introduce Yourself: Start building relationships from day one. Don’t wait for others to come to you. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to your team and colleagues in other departments. A warm introduction goes a long way, and a friendly face is always remembered.
• Ask Smart Questions: Never fear asking questions—especially in the early days. The more you know, the quicker you'll get up to speed. Ask about procedures, expectations, and even small things like where to find resources. Just ensure your questions are thoughtful, showing you’re eager to understand, not just ticking boxes.
• Set Short-Term Goals: It's easy to get overwhelmed at the start, so try setting a few personal milestones. Align these with what your manager expects of you, so you're both on the same page. These goals will help you feel more in control and give you wins to celebrate early on.
• Avoid Overloading Yourself: It’s tempting to want to impress by saying yes to every task thrown your way. But be mindful of not taking on too much too soon. Overpromising or rushing through things can lead to mistakes or burnout. Prioritise tasks and manage your time wisely from the beginning.

Day 31–60: Finding Your Rhythm

By the second month, you’ll have more of a feel for the job, and it’s time to start stepping up and showing your value.

• Take Initiative: Now that you’ve familiarised yourself with your role, look for areas where you can contribute more. Is there a project that could benefit from fresh eyes? A task that’s been lingering unfinished? Showing initiative signals that you’re ready to make an impact beyond the basics.
• Focus on Relationships: This is the time to strengthen bonds within your team and beyond. Seek opportunities for collaboration, and continue to engage with colleagues outside your immediate circle. Relationships are essential in every workplace, especially if you’re aiming to grow and take on more responsibility.
• Seek Feedback Early: Don’t wait until the 3-month mark for your first formal review. By week 6, request a check-in with your manager. Use this as a chance to ask how you're doing, address any challenges you’re facing, and discuss areas where you can improve. Being proactive with feedback shows you're committed to excelling.
• Sharpen Your Tools: Make sure you're completely confident with the software, systems, and tools you need. This might sound basic, but not mastering the daily tools of your trade can hold you back. If you're still unclear on something, now is the time to ask for training or help from colleagues.

Day 61–90: Making Your Mark

As you move into the third month, you should feel more established. This is when you can begin to deliver results and set yourself up for future success.

• Deliver Tangible Results: Focus on finishing a project or delivering measurable results that align with the company’s goals. Whether it’s a client win, improving a process, or making a contribution to a major project, this is your chance to show that you’re not just settling in—you’re driving value.
• Increase Your Autonomy: By this stage, you should be comfortable taking on more responsibility and handling tasks independently. Demonstrating that you can work with minimal oversight boosts your manager’s confidence in your abilities and shows you’re ready for bigger challenges.
• Cement Relationships: If you’ve been building strong connections, now’s the time to solidify them. Continue to cultivate relationships, whether through work-related projects or informal chats. These networks will be vital as you progress and face new challenges.
• Plan for the Future: Towards the end of your first 90 days, start looking ahead. What skills or responsibilities do you want to tackle next? Use this time to have a conversation with your manager about career development and the direction you see yourself heading in.

What to Avoid in the First 90 Days:

• Being Too Critical Too Soon: While it’s important to bring fresh ideas, avoid being overly critical of existing processes or colleagues early on. Establish your credibility first before suggesting major changes.
• Isolating Yourself: Whether you’re shy or just focused on doing your job, failing to engage with your colleagues can backfire. Not only does this make you seem uninterested, but it also prevents you from building the relationships needed for success.
• Ignoring Feedback: If your manager or team offers feedback, take it seriously. It’s easy to get defensive, but early corrections are designed to help you grow. Absorb the feedback and show you're capable of adjusting.
• Overloading Yourself: Trying to prove yourself by taking on more than you can handle often leads to mistakes and stress. It’s okay to say, "I’ll need more time for that" or "Can we prioritise tasks?"

What If the Role Isn’t What You Expected?

Sometimes, despite the best planning, the role turns out to be different than what you envisioned. Here’s what to do if that happens:

• Give it Time: The first few months can be overwhelming, and it might feel different than what you expected. Before jumping to conclusions, give yourself time to adapt. Sometimes what seems off at first becomes manageable once you understand the bigger picture.
• Communicate with Your Manager: If certain elements of the role are misaligned with what you expected, don’t suffer in silence. Have an open conversation with your manager to address your concerns. They might be able to offer clarification, adjustments, or a better understanding of how the role will evolve.
• Focus on the Positives: Even if the role isn’t perfect, find areas that align with your strengths and career goals. Is there something new you’re learning or a skill you’re developing that could benefit your future?
• Know When to Reassess: If, after the 90-day mark, the role still doesn’t meet your expectations or it’s taking a toll on your well-being, it might be time to reassess your options. However, leave no bridge burned—exiting gracefully will help maintain your professional reputation.

Your first 90 days in a new role are about more than just proving yourself—they’re about finding your place and laying the groundwork for future growth. By listening, observing, and taking small steps to integrate into the company, you’ll be on the path to making a positive, lasting impact.

Join Our Professionals Only Group Here

Join Our Professionals Only Group Here

Refer A Friend To Us!

Visit Our Website