You’ve secured a new job. It’s time to celebrate. However, the work’s not over yet. In fact, those first few weeks and months in your new role are going to be critical. They can set the tone for years to come, which is why there are certain steps that are important to take. How can you succeed in those first 90 days? By doing the following:
Find out who the key players are and meet them.
As you embark in your new position, you’ll be meeting many new people. Once you’ve gotten settled in, it’s time to find out who the key players are at the company and how you can meet them. This will help you gain visibility within the company, which is vital for long-term success there.
Avoid gossip, cliques and office politics.
This can be tricky when you’re the new kid on the block. You don’t yet know which co-workers are the hard workers and top performers and which are causing drama. It’s why it’s important to be diplomatic during the first weeks on the job. Be respectful of everyone you meet and duck out of the conversation if any gossip or backstabbing comes up.
Be prepared and ready to listen.
First impressions matter and you don’t want to come off as unprofessional or a loud mouth. Avoid this by being prepared and doing some homework before each meeting. Show up on time and take notes. Also, aim to be an active listener, asking questions when you need clarification. At this point, it’s less about contributing your opinion and trying to make changes and more about learning the business.
Keep an open mind.
It’s tempting to assess situations you have experience with. However, be mindful of saying anything negative or critical, at least in the beginning. Just because something was done differently at your past company doesn’t mean it’s the right approach for your new one. Instead, keep an open mind and be ready to adapt to different ways of doing things.
Focus on solving problems.
As you begin to learn more about the organization, its culture and the key players, you can start to see what the company’s challenges are. Focus on the big picture and ways you can help improve it. What are issues or concerns you have past experience solving? What areas can you lend a hand or some expertise to a co-worker in need? Is there a way you could make your boss’s job easier? These are just a few areas where you can begin to make your mark.
Ask for feedback.
You and your boss should both be on the same page in terms of short- and long-term goals. Once you’ve been on the job for a few weeks, ask him or her for feedback. It’s important to know from the start what you’re getting right and the areas that could use improvement. When you connect regularly with your boss, you’ll also foster a stronger, more productive relationship in the long run.
Need help finding your next job in Spokane, WA?
At Provisional Recruiting, we work with top employers across the area and can connect you with a great new opportunity. We’ll talk to you about your personality, background and career goals, all so we find a position that’s an excellent fit. Contact us today to search our jobs now.
