Navigating the First 90 Days of a New Job

Starting a new job is never easy. Change is always challenging! Don’t let this fear of a new job deter you from taking a chance. Here are a few simple steps you can take to make the transition to a new job easier and less intimidating, especially during your first 90 days.

Assess why you were hired. You were hired for a reason; determine what that reason is. Once you do, you will gain a better understanding of both the job and the company. This will make you a little more comfortable while learning the ropes at your new job.

Do not be afraid to ask questions! Whether you are in charge of others or others are in charge of you, ask questions. It is not expected that you know everything. Not asking questions could lead to miscommunication and mistakes. Learning is part of your new position!

Learn how to communicate within your new company. Different companies use different means and styles of communication. Does your company rely on email for communication or do they value face to face interaction? Are they more formal or more conversational? Once you discover the best way to communicate with others, use it!

Do not try to do too much at once. You may feel like you need to take on all your new tasks at once, but give yourself some time. Learning the ropes of the new position and company is essential. Pace yourself and use the assignments to learn more about your position and the work you will be doing. Be confident in your work, but don’t try to prove yourself just yet. There will be plenty of time for that down the road.

Ask for feedback. Be open to criticism and do not take it personally. You want to know how well you are doing, and without feedback you are working in a vacuum.

The first 90 days on a job are significant to your success…use them wisely!


Leave a Reply

  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Frustrated

    Dear Dr. Mimi, I trained a new employee about a month ago, but they still don’t seem to be getting it. They mess up almost every task I give them. What can I do to fix this? Should I just fire them? —Frustrated Dear Frustrated, It can be tricky working with new employees. If you…


  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Overwhelmed

    Dear Dr. Mimi, My spouse and I now both work full-time jobs and have a three-year-old. I had been home full-time while my spouse worked. Our son is in day care and seems to love it, but I am unsure how to balance having a family, being an employee, and doing well in both jobs.…


  • Monitoring Productivity

    It may be daunting to look at your schedule for the coming months. Here are a few tips to help you stay on task and monitor your productivity: Clarify the vision. What do you hope to achieve? How will you accomplish this? Get specific! Define the milestones you aim to reach. Sit down and devote…