Once the job search is over, most job seekers collapse in exhaustion and happily log off LinkedIn for a while.
The time spent crafting the latest version of their resume is swapped for onboarding plans and a jam-packed training schedule.
Besides the few awkward weeks of feeling like a new person, it feels good to be able to relax for a bit and not feel the need to hustle so much.
While this is perfectly understandable, be sure to not relax too much. It might not be the best use of this valuable time.
How to make the best first impression at your new job
The first 90 days are looked upon as a grace period to give you time and space to get properly onboarded before higher expectations are placed on you.
This becomes the perfect circumstance to set your reputation internally and tee yourself up for a not-too-distant promotion.
The 90-day plan for your new job
In the first 90 days, create a plan to deliberately network with your colleagues. This plan should include going beyond your immediate team.
Connect with your teammates and your boss
In these one-on-one meetings use the time to introduce yourself. Share some of your work history, and a bit about yourself personally. But most importantly use the time to ask questions.
Ask about:
- Their work history
- Their story of how they came to the company and and how they progressed
- Their suggestions for best ways of working
- Their advice on anything or anyone to consider
- Any advice for being successful in the role
- Who else you can meet to get a better sense of the company
This last question will give you an opening to meet others outside your department or team. Ask for one-on-ones with executives plus support team members who work closely with your team.
The benefits of networking up, down, and sideways
The point of doing this is to help you get acclimated much quicker to the role. You will learn more about your job, the team, and the company by conducting these meetings than you will by reading docs or listening to training.
Secondly, this gives you an opportunity to set your own reputation. People far and wide within the company will appreciate the proactivity, curiosity, and professionalism of this effort.
You will become a known name in record time.
How I used this strategy
In my current role, which I found through networking, I decided to network intentionally as soon as I got there. This was easy enough since, as a project manager, it’s my responsibility to build relationships with my stakeholders. But really, my nine-month job search scared me straight. The economy was uncertain and I was concerned they might turn to layoffs.
So I knew I needed to set my reputation.
In my first year, I networked with over 80 colleagues. I met Senior VPs and built a mentor relationship with an intern-turned-new-hire.
I believe because of this intentional outreach, I was given a high profile project early on. I was selected over many other project managers who had years of experience. I ended up being successful in it partly due to the resources and advocates I had nurtured within the company.
And almost one year to the day, I was promoted to a senior role. I believe my networking in the first 90 days led to that happening.
Wrap-up
The first 90 days are a unique opportunity to learn and develop in your role. You’re given grace and a hearty welcome by your new colleagues. Don’t let it be just that. How you go about your first 90 days can dictate how quickly you will become knowledgeable in your role and company but also how you are known with many of your new colleagues.
It takes deliberate effort but the payoffs sets you up for many wins in a relatively short period of time. So use your first 90 days wisely.
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