New Job? 11 Tips to Get Past the First 90 Days

By: Gwen Baker-Lassiter
President, Divine Inspirations, Inc.

You have made all the right moves and done all the right things you needed to in order to get your job! You prepared your resume; you landed the job interview; you dressed for success; and showed off your great interviewing skills; and you asked the right questions. You have arrived and now you are at the job you sought so aggressively to get!

So now what?

So many people have asked that question and have found the answer to be so encrypted that only a few can decipher it. Now the real question is can you keep it the job? You have been selected, they had a welcome aboard party for you, your employer has now handed you the bible of the organization (employee manual), taken your picture for your ID badge and has given you the keys to the front door. Now you are expected to jump in and perform without a running start. Is that fair? Most employers think so. But they do allow you ninety days to get your feet wet, and hope that you make all of your mistakes up front. But in actuality it takes about six months to really learn a job. So don’t feel bad, after all The President of the United States gets 100 days to prove himself. [1]

The actions you take during your first three months (90 days) in a new job will largely determine whether you succeed or fail. This transition period is considered a period of opportunity, a chance to start afresh and make needed and necessary changes in the organization or position. But it is also fair to say that it is also a period of acute vulnerability, because you do not have any established working relationships with co-workers, or a detailed understanding of your new job.[2] If you fail to establish good working relationships, (greeting co-workers in the mornings with a smile, going out of your way to assist with work especially time sensitive projects, asking questions, etc.) with co-workers from the beginning, it can be an uphill battle for you if you don’t. Failure to do well during this transition time can mean career failure or loss of the new job. So during this 90 days period, it will be more about “succeeding well or failing miserably.  “It is very critical to understand the importance of your first 90 days on the job, or as I like to call it, your under-warranty period. But here are some key things that you can do that will help you to be successful at keeping your new job.

1. Know What Is Expected of You
When you start your new job, know what is expected of you. Make sure you get a written copy of your job description. It is crucial for your future success with them. Meet with your supervisor to establish goals for yourself whether they are daily, weekly, or monthly. This may sound tedious; however it is an excellent way to track your performance when it is time for your performance evaluation.

2. Be on Time
Whether or not anyone else is on time is irrelevant. The spot light is on you right now. Although you may see others come and go, don’t ever think that you have the same privileges, especially now. By being punctual, you set a positive opinion of yourself to others. For example, if you find yourself running late due to no fault of your own, or circumstances beyond your control, immediately call your supervisor and make them aware of your circumstances. They will appreciate that. This makes them quickly realize that you are dependable.

3. No Absences
Do not miss any days from the job during this time. It is crucial that you come every day regardless if you are not feeling well, or tired. This is your opportunity to show off for your new employer. If you have to be absent, make sure it is truly an emergency.

4. Be Positive and Self-Confident
Make sure you show self-confidence in your abilities, and a positive can do attitude toward your supervisor or co-workers. Since you are new to the organization you are in no position to criticize. There will be high expectations of you and your capabilities. Since you have marketed yourself during the interview phase as “the best person for the job because …” you will be expected to perform.

5. No Cell Phone
If you carry a cell phone with you put it on vibrate or silence while you are at work. Some employers are very strict about cell phone usage, and ask that you do not use it during business hours. Some employers have very relaxed attitudes. Your best bet is to assume that your employer will frown on its usage at work. If you must take a call, let them leave you a message, politely excuse yourself if you can and pick up your messages and return calls outside. You can always set an appointed time aside to return calls.

6. Work Hard
Make sure you work hard and give your best efforts. Ask for more work if you have completed assigned tasks.

7. Take Notes
It always helps to take notes because you can’t remember everything. Also notes will help you refer back to procedures, information, important names, etc., that you may need access quickly.

8. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS!
I can’t stress this enough to you. Many organizations are expecting you to ask questions; the more questions the better. If you are not sure about a procedure, a plan, or whatever, make sure you get a good understanding to this problem. This allows them to teach you their way of doing the job, and it makes you look eager to learn.

9. Admit Your Mistakes.
If you make a mistake, please let your supervisor know immediately. By doing this you can avoid costly mistakes that could have been changed because you let them know in a timely manner. Don’t blame someone else! If you do you are guaranteed to make serious enemies.

10. Proactively Request Face Time with Your Supervisor
This tip is important enough to repeat. Meet with your supervisor often to establish goals for yourself whether they are daily, weekly, or monthly. This may sound tedious; however it is an excellent way to track your performance when it is time for your performance evaluation.

11. Be Detail oriented!
There are so many more tips that can help with your success on your new job, but for now here’s my last one. Pay attention to what you are doing. Read everything twice for spelling and grammar mistakes. Always double check mathematical figures, and accounting tasks. Make sure you take good notes from meetings, or conferences.  These little details can work for any job title you can hold. Taking time to pay attention to details can lengthen or shorten your stay at the organization.

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[1] The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels by Michael Watkins, copyright Michael Watkins 2003 

[2] The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels by Michael Watkins, copyright Michael Watkins 2003