Career Advice

The First 90 Days: How to Make an Impact in Your New Job

You’ve landed the job—congratulations! But your journey doesn’t end here. The first 90 days in a new role are crucial. It’s your chance to prove you were the right choice for the job and to set the foundation for success. The way you approach this period can shape how your colleagues and managers perceive you, and it can set the tone for your long-term career at the company.

Think of the first three months as your “honeymoon period”—a time when people expect you to learn, adapt, and make an impact. So how do you make the most of it? In this article, we’ll cover exactly how to hit the ground running and make a lasting impression in your new job.

1. Set Clear Goals and Expectations Early On

Before you can start making an impact, you need to know exactly what’s expected of you. Don’t assume that your responsibilities are the same as the job description. Often, the reality of a role evolves once you’re in it. Take the time to sit down with your manager within the first week to discuss expectations, priorities, and key goals.

Ask questions like:

What are the top three priorities for this role in the next 90 days?
What would success look like at the end of this period?
Are there any immediate challenges that I need to focus on?

Pro tip: By setting clear expectations early on, you can focus your efforts on what really matters and avoid spending time on tasks that won’t move the needle.

Action step: Schedule a one-on-one meeting with your manager in your first week to discuss goals and clarify expectations for the role.

2. Learn the Company Culture

Every company has its own unique culture—how people communicate, make decisions, and work together. Understanding the culture is key to fitting in and being effective. Some organizations are more formal and hierarchical, while others are laid-back and collaborative. Knowing how things are done around the office will help you build relationships and avoid stepping on toes.

Here’s how to get a feel for the culture:

Observe: Watch how people interact in meetings and around the office. Do they communicate via email, Slack, or face-to-face? How do they handle disagreements or challenges?
Ask: Don’t be afraid to ask colleagues about the company culture. Questions like “What’s the best way to communicate with [specific team]?” or “How do decisions typically get made here?” can give you valuable insights.

Action step: In your first few weeks, pay attention to how communication flows within the company. Identify key norms, such as how meetings are run, and adjust your style to fit.

3. Build Relationships With Key Players

Your technical skills and experience got you the job, but your ability to build relationships will help you thrive. The first 90 days are a great opportunity to get to know the people you’ll be working with—not just your immediate team, but also other departments or stakeholders who impact your work.

Make an effort to introduce yourself to people outside of your direct team. Building these relationships early on will make it easier to collaborate later and help you get the support you need to succeed.

Here’s how to get started:

Set up informal meetings: Reach out to key colleagues for a coffee or lunch. This doesn’t need to be formal—just a casual conversation to learn more about their role and how you’ll be working together.
Show interest: Ask questions about their projects and challenges. This shows that you’re invested in the bigger picture and not just focused on your own work.

Action step: Identify three key stakeholders within the company and set up informal meetings with them during your first month. Ask about their role, their goals, and how your work will overlap.

4. Create Early Wins

The first few months of any job are about proving your value. One of the best ways to do this is by delivering early wins—small, impactful achievements that demonstrate you’re capable of making a difference right from the start.

Look for quick wins that align with your role’s objectives. This could be solving a lingering problem, streamlining a process, or delivering a key project on time. These wins don’t need to be massive—they just need to show that you’re contributing and moving the needle in a meaningful way.

Pro tip: Don’t try to overhaul everything at once. Focus on areas where you can make a noticeable impact without overextending yourself.

Action step: In your first 30 days, identify one or two projects where you can deliver an early win. Focus on projects that are visible to your manager and team.

5. Seek Feedback Regularly

One of the best ways to ensure you’re on the right track is by seeking feedback early and often. Don’t wait until your first performance review to find out if you’re meeting expectations. Regular check-ins with your manager and colleagues will help you course-correct if needed and ensure you’re aligned with the team’s goals.

Here’s how to make feedback a regular part of your routine:

Schedule regular check-ins: Set up weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with your manager to discuss your progress, ask for feedback, and adjust your approach if necessary.
Be open to constructive criticism: Feedback isn’t always easy to hear, but it’s essential for growth. Keep an open mind and look at feedback as an opportunity to improve.

Action step: During your first month, ask your manager for feedback on how you’re doing. Make it a habit to check in regularly to ensure you’re meeting expectations.

6. Focus on Long-Term Success

While the first 90 days are about getting up to speed and making a good impression, don’t lose sight of your long-term career goals. Use this time to understand how your role fits into the company’s broader strategy and start thinking about how you can continue to grow and add value over time.

Here are a few ways to set yourself up for long-term success:

Identify opportunities for growth: Look for areas where you can develop new skills or take on more responsibility. This could be learning a new tool, leading a project, or mentoring a junior team member.
Stay proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Be proactive in seeking out new challenges or ways to contribute beyond your immediate tasks.

Action step: By the end of your first 90 days, identify one area where you’d like to grow or take on more responsibility. Discuss this with your manager during your next check-in.

7. Show Your Work Ethic and Commitment

Finally, let’s talk about work ethic. The first 90 days are your chance to show your manager and colleagues that you’re not only qualified for the job, but that you’re fully committed to delivering results. This doesn’t mean working late every night or burning yourself out. Instead, it’s about demonstrating a consistent work ethic, reliability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Simple things like showing up on time, delivering work ahead of schedule, and keeping a positive attitude go a long way in building trust and credibility within your team.

Action step: Set personal productivity goals for your first 90 days, such as meeting deadlines early, keeping communication clear, and offering help when needed.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your First 90 Days

The first 90 days in a new job are an exciting but critical time. By setting clear goals, learning the company culture, building relationships, and delivering early wins, you’ll make a lasting impression and set the stage for long-term success. Remember, it’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about showing that you’re invested, adaptable, and ready to contribute.

With the right approach, you can transform these first 90 days into the launchpad for a successful and fulfilling career at your new company.

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