First 3 months in a new job

 18 Apr 2021

It’s Day 1 of your new job and you’re raring to go. You want to make a good impression and build credibility from the start. Not to mention smashing through your probation period like lightening.

So, what should you be doing in your first three months in the role to maximise your impact? Specific actions will of course depend on your level of seniority, however there are common areas that transcend grade.

Agree Objectives

Have an early sit down with your boss and set out your goals and requisite action points so you can start to achieve what you’ve been brought in to do. Ensure you are clear on your employer’s expectations and work out what you need to do and any resources you will need to do it.

Frequently revisit your goals to make sure you still are on track or consider what needs tweaking. Seek regular feedback.

Observe the Culture

Take your time. Be respectful of how things are and how things work. Observe who exerts influence, and remember this can be subtle as well as overt, but no less powerful.

If you can offer a different perspective or see opportunities for improvements and efficiencies, communicating this is best delivered tactfully, taking everyone along with you, rather than alienating them.

Who’s Who

Get to know and understand the team dynamic. Learn who does what and who can make things happen. This can be anyone from the CEO to the post room, so watch and learn; it may not be immediately apparent. Some PAs wield a sword of influence to make the most robust of us shudder!

Ask questions. Keep notes – you will be absorbing a vast amount of new information to process, so it will be useful to have something to refer back to.

Develop relationships

Meet regularly with the colleagues you will be working most closely with. This will likely include those more senior and more junior to you, as well as your peers.

Discuss key clients and establish those working relationships that will be critical to your success. Introduce yourself as soon as possible, make yourself available and maintain appropriate levels of contact.

Be visible and accessible. This is equally possible, no matter your working arrangements; it will just be achieved using different mediums.

Be proactive. Reach out to colleagues. How can you help others achieve their objectives, as well as progress your own? Where can you add value? Or lend support?

Do engage in social activities, if at all possible. You will often learn things outside office hours that may have taken you an age to work out for yourself, if at all. Plus, you will hopefully make friends and even allies for the future.

Build your Network

Firstly, establish the scope of what your network should look like for optimum success. Gather information, ask colleagues, do your own research and use your initiative. Which of the other departments in the firm will you / should you interact with? Will you need contacts in overseas offices and if so, which ones?

Seek regular feedback so you know you’re on the right track.

And finally…

Your first 3 months will no doubt be a steep learning curve. You may wish to research things you don’t know in your own time, as you find your feet and settle in. The extra hours will be worth it to expand your knowledge base and strengthen your position.

Identify some early wins to build your confidence and demonstrate how much value you have to offer.

Spend time getting to know your team and nurturing positive relationships.

Be open minded and flex as needed.

You’re off to a great start!