Whether you’re making a career switch, getting a promotion, or starting a new role, changes are the only constant in life and your career too. There’s a lot of uncertainty that comes with a new job. You’ll encounter new people, a new environment and a new set of responsibilities. Regardless of your situation, it’s a crucial time.
The first 90 days in a new job are largely viewed as a proving period. A time to get to know the team, the culture and – crucially – demonstrate that you are the right fit for the job. However, starting a new role can be tricky for some and challenging for others. You’ll likely have lots of questions and concerns running through your mind: will I be able to manage the workload? Will I fit into the team? Am I going to be able to learn the ropes quickly and effectively? So how can you ensure this important period is a success?
Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as it sounds, if you know how to make the right impression using your skills and following some tips that I am giving you soon.
Starting a new job
Studies have shown that anxiety in new situations can come in part from not feeling confident in how to introduce ourselves. It’s a natural feeling—when you’re new, you don’t necessarily want to call attention to yourself. But in the first days of a new job, you want your enthusiasm to shine through. So, find the timing that feels right and give a quick but energetic introduction to the people you don’t know yet.
Here are some ways to ease into your introductions:
- Prepare ahead of time.Prepare your opening lines ahead of time so you have a script at the ready when you encounter a new face.
- Pay attention to your surroundings and other people. Don’t interrupt a meeting to introduce yourself or speak too loudly in communal spaces. As you’re introducing yourself, take note of how the other person is reacting. If they seem distracted, keep it short. If they seem receptive, you may want to get to know this person better. You can make a great first impression by making someone else feel heard.
- Do your best to remember names. You can do this by saying the person’s name back to them and writing down a quick note about them when you part. Don’t get overwhelmed by needing to remember everyone’s name, though. If you forget someone’s name, honesty is the best policy: “I’m sorry, I’ve been taking in a lot of new information over the last few days. Could you remind me of your name?
Once you’ve made some introductions and have a sense of who you’ll be working with, ask a new colleague for lunch or coffee. It could be the person sitting next to you or another newcomer who started at the same time. Developing a trusted relationship will make you feel more comfortable as you’re getting to know this new workplace. In fact, research has shown that having social ties at work can make us more productive.
During this first week, you may not find your best friend or develop a deep relationship with anyone. But seeking out someone you can relate to even in the short term will provide some needed stability.
Also, during the first week, you may want to experiment with your commute: finding the right times to leave home and testing different routes or transportation methods. Identifying and establishing the routines early on will give you peace of mind.
5 tips to consider during your first 90 days
Most likely, your job was open and you were hired because there is a lot of work to be done. Then your first months are crucial, your main priority should be to soak up information but consider challenging yourself to add value in ways big or small. Here are 5 tips to consider:
- UNDERSTAND EXPECTATIONS
Ensure you are in receipt of all the information you need about what your Manager expects of you. Take the time to sit down with your boss to discuss what their expectations are in your first week. While you may have a job role on paper – talking it through will not only demonstrate that you are eager to understand what is required of you, but it might also bring to light anything else that your employer expects from you. Crucially, don’t make the mistake of over exaggerating your expertise if asked – be honest and open about where you might need extra training or support. This will show your superior that you are keen to develop your skill sets.
- GET TO KNOW THE CULTURE
A big part of your first few weeks and months will be getting to know the company, its people and demonstrating to your peers that you a good cultural fit. Take the time to get to know people, the values and ethos of the company, so you can ensure you are a perfect match. While it stands to reason that you got the job, in part, because the hiring Manager saw something in you that matched their culture, be sure to prove them right.
- AVOID POLITICS
While it pays to be sociable at work and make efforts to get on with your colleagues don’t make the mistake of getting involved in office gossip and politics. Your first three months is a time to demonstrate your expertise – not to become known or associated with gossip.
- ASK FOR FEEDBACK
It always pays to be proactive in getting feedback and constructive criticism from your superiors. Be one step ahead of your manager by asking for feedback before they offer it. Not only will this help your professional development, but it will demonstrate that you are keen to make a success of your role. Don’t however, go too far by asking if you are doing things right on a near constant basis.
- SHOW ENTHUSIASM
Perhaps an obvious one, but ensure your show enthusiasm, positivity, and a desire to learn new things during your proving period. Despite how busy you are, or if your day hasn’t gone to plan, projecting a positive image is crucial. The first 90 days in a job aren’t all going to be easy – it’s a big transition – but by showing positivity, they will be that much easier and your peers will warm to you far better.
Three months may seem like a long time, but they will fly past. And this is particularly the case in a fast-paced environment. Make them count by following these tips and you’ll be well on your way to passing your proving period with flying colours. Good luck!