In Michael Watkins’ book - The First 90 Days - he states that “The actions you take during your first three months in a new job will largely determine whether you succeed or fail”. So, why do so many people go into this period of time so unprepared? Better yet, just what can one do to best prepare for their first 90 days?

For the purposes of this particular blog post let’s focus in on some tips for those who are beginning a job with a new company – unfamiliar territory.

Here are five tips to get you off to a good start:

Prior to your first day: Make sure you research your new company; its products, competitors, news releases, staff. Read up on anything and everything you can find about the company. Much like you would have done before heading in to the interview. Review all your research and any new materials you can find. If this is the first time you have performed the position you have been hired for, take more time to research information about the position and check your network for anyone who currently performs a similar position – ask questions and get informed. Don’t take on a ‘sink or swim’ attitude, leave sinking out of it all together and plan to ‘swim’ – keep your mind focused on success.

Build your network: Introduce yourself to everyone you come across in the organization – don’t isolate yourself expecting others to take the first step. You must take the first step. The sooner you get to know people the sooner you can begin to build your ‘internal network’ and gather allies to your success.

Orientation: If your company has an orientation process that’s great. Write down questions you may have come across in your research and get them answered – either by the HR team or your manager. Make sure you find out what departments you will be interfacing with and who the management teams are. Make a point to introduce yourself to these people specifically.

Image: Take time to acquaint yourself with what’s expected with regard to dress and image. Don’t make drastic changes from the ‘you’ they got to know during the interview process. Although you may not need to don a suit daily, stay on the conservative side. Let them notice your work and your success before they notice a change in your appearance.

Side note: this reminds me of the time that I was hiring an administrative assistant. She was the epitome of professional – interviewed in a conservative navy blue suit, very polite and soft spoken; a real gem. She was hired. Within the first week I was in total shock – she cut her hair into a version of a Mohawk – with one bald side and one shaggy. She came in wearing huge baggy overalls rolled up to the knee to show her multi-colored striped socks, which rose above her army boots. A real shocker – to say the least.

Listen and discover: Make sure that you are a listener and not always the one jumping in with the answers. Show respect to your team members by listening to all they have to say. Don’t take on a ‘been there, done that’ attitude. Get to know what your coworkers are doing and the challenges they face.

These are just a few tips for you to incorporate. The list is numerous and you should research and consider all the points you want to put into action during your first 90 days. Create a success plan and check list to be sure you stay on track.

Good luck!

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

Visit us and get your ‘free’ report – while you’re there take a peek at our new ebook: MatchMining around YOU.