Whether you are starting a new position with your current company or starting completely fresh with a new company, the first 90 days are critically important. To say the least, you are being monitored. With some companies, you actually begin your job on probation. In other cases, your performance is being measured against Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) that predict success.
Start With the Basics
Be the first one in and the last one out until you have established yourself as a top performer. It’s important you are perceived as someone who is willing to make an outstanding effort. Pay close attention to instructions from your management team. Be on time for meetings. Ask good questions. Learn everything you can. Have a great attitude. Push not only to learn and perform, but to excel.
Review the Job Description Weekly
Take a close look at the job description at least once a week during your first 90 days. Are you delivering on all the aspects of the job that were discussed during the interview process? Companies are usually pretty good about making sure you are on target and developing in the areas and at the pace they expect. In some cases, however, feedback can be limited, and it is up to you to make sure you are giving the company what they expect. Aside from your manager, the job description is your best guide.
Before you started with the new company, the job description was valuable in helping you prepare for the interview. Now it is an outline of what success looks like.
Show You Are Taking the Job Seriously
It is always difficult to be the new person in just about any setting. Most companies have experience assimilating you into the mainstream, but other companies make it more difficult. For example, many remote workers feel a bit more isolated.
It is up to you to show your co-workers and managers you are taking the job seriously, have the skills to do the job, and are motivated to succeed. It is easy to make friends when you are performing. When your co-workers see you have the skills to help the company and the department you work in, they will be more open to making you part of their daily lives.
Build the Right Network
Building the right network can be a critical part of your success. Every company has top performers, and it is advisable to find connections and common ground with them. Conversely, it would not make any sense to build a network of marginal performers or worse, troublemakers. Be careful who you make part of your network and remember, you are being observed.
Raise Your Hand
During your first 90 days, volunteer for projects. Perhaps your company offers special training. Volunteer. Perhaps the company is participating in a food drive or other charitable work. Volunteer. Keep on demonstrating your willingness to go the extra mile. Volunteering for projects and training is also a great way to make new friends at the company. People are more relaxed and less guarded when they volunteer.