I start a new job tomorrow — what's 1 thing I absolutely need to do in the next 30 days?

11 Comments

1. Kris Mertins-ElliottFebruary 6,2022 at 1:08PM UTC

   There's going to be a lot of information to take in and you're going to feel overwhelmed at some point. Just take it one day at a time.

2. Tanika (Nika) Vasquez - (she/her)February 6,2022 at 1:31PM UTC

   I would say within the first 30 days identify the key players and their attributes. We hate to say it, but organizational politics can play a key role in career success. Observing the people in your organization and noting who has influence over who, who makes the decisions, etc. will help you navigate your organization's landscape. If nothing else, I would identify who your allies are.

3. AnonymousFebruary 6,2022 at 1:43PM UTC

   Speak less, listen more. Be friendly, but don't share too much about yourself or your personal life. Remember, these people are not your friends.

4. Allison LaRockFebruary 7,2022 at 3:27AM UTC

   Take notes!! Write everything down

5. Meredith SwainFebruary 7,2022 at 1:27PM UTC

   Build a diverse network within your new company. This group will be able to help you figure out how to get things done within the company culture besides just your boss and direct teammates.

6. AnonymousFebruary 7,2022 at 2:23PM UTC

   Before I started a new job, I always go back and read. “The First 90 days”, or a book like it. You can skim it. The most important take away was to attack the low hanging fruit first so you prove your worth really fast and easy. I have done this now at a few different places and it seems to make my 90 day reviews go great.

7. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachFebruary 7,2022 at 8:29PM UTC

   Congrats! Have a meeting with your manager to discuss the most important learnings for you to grasp in your first 30/60/90 day plan so you can start contributing quickly. I'd come with what you think you need to learn, share it with them, and let them edit/make changes as they see fit. This will start you out on the same page with them with a habit of open communication.

8. Eva SteortzFebruary 7,2022 at 9:34PM UTC

   Google the book THE FIRST 90 DAYS. There are tons of free infographics and cliff notes. If I had to pick one thing, it would be clarifying my role and what success looks like. I am torn, as I think meeting people and finding your allies are equally important.

   Good luck! Hope you have fun, learn a lot and make many new friends.

9. Linda Grace SolisFebruary 8,2022 at 2:33PM UTC

   Find the restroom! Then meet with your supervisor to define roles and tasks and to share your strengths and what you bring to the role (even though you most likely had that conversation during your interview(s). If you are a team lead, meet with your team and have the same conversation from the other direction.

   I think it's also important to just walk around and say hi to your new colleagues!

   All the best in your new role!

10. Sarah Johnson, Ph.D.February 8,2022 at 3:52PM UTC

    Try to determine what really needs to be done, as far as your boss is concerned, asking something like, what will the most successful version of this person have achieved 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 6 months, 1 year in. That way you can focus on the things your boss sees as most critical and succeed!

11. Ruth A. Ford, PHRFebruary 8,2022 at 5:51PM UTC

    Whenever I've started a new job, the first thing I do is find out who I'll be working with the most and/or who the important stakeholders are. Then, I reach out to all of them and schedule a quick (15 - 20 minutes) meeting. The meeting is usually a blend of "getting to know you" and finding out a bit more about their priorities, their day-to-day work and how we'll be working together in the future. This is a great way to start relationship building with the people you'll be working with the most. Wishing you all the best with your new role! :-)