Starting a new job can feel like stepping onto a moving treadmill—fast, unpredictable, and slightly intimidating. The first 90 days are critical, not just for proving yourself but also for setting the tone for your long-term success. Most people focus on doing their job well (which is important), but the real game-changer lies in what nobody tells you.
- Build Real Relationships
Success isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about who knows you and trusts you. Instead of just networking for the sake of it, focus on genuine connections. Schedule casual coffee chats with colleagues across different teams. Listen more than you speak because people appreciate feeling heard. Show real curiosity by asking thoughtful questions beyond work topics. Strong relationships will make your job easier and open doors you didn’t even know existed.
- Master the Unwritten Rules
Every workplace has its own culture and politics, and they don’t always appear in the employee handbook. Observe how decisions are made, whether through consensus, hierarchy, or informal chats. Notice what gets rewarded, whether it’s speed, innovation, or teamwork. Understand how information flows—are updates shared in meetings, emails, or Slack messages? Your ability to decode and adapt to these rules will be your secret weapon.
- Get Crystal Clear Expectations
Never assume what success looks like—ask. Within your first few days, have a conversation with your manager about what success looks like at 30, 60, and 90 days. Ask what the top priorities are and how progress will be measured. Then, document those expectations and work toward exceeding them.
- Secure Quick Wins
First impressions stick, and early wins can build credibility and momentum. Look for opportunities where you can make an immediate impact. Solve a problem no one has had time to tackle. Help a colleague with a task. Deliver something valuable before it’s even expected. Even small wins create big confidence—both for you and for your team.
- Chase Feedback Relentlessly
Don’t wait for the formal performance review to know how you’re doing. Ask for feedback weekly by inquiring about what’s working well, what could be better, and where you should be focusing more. The sooner you correct mistakes, the faster you grow.
- Understand the Bigger Picture
Your role isn’t just about completing tasks—it’s about contributing to something bigger. Take time to understand how your work aligns with company goals, what your team’s objectives are, and how your efforts impact customers or clients. When you see the bigger picture, your work becomes more meaningful and strategic.
- Listen More Than You Talk
In your first month, resist the urge to impress everyone with how much you know. Instead, take notes in meetings, ask thoughtful questions, and pay attention to patterns in conversations and priorities. People who listen well make smarter decisions.
- Show Strategic Initiative
Anyone can follow instructions, but leaders think ahead. Beyond just doing your job, ask why your tasks matter and how they could be improved. Spot inefficiencies and suggest small fixes. Anticipate what’s coming next and prepare for it. Showing initiative positions you as someone ready for bigger responsibilities.
- Build Your Brand
Every email, meeting, and project is a chance to establish your personal brand. What do you want to be known for? If it’s reliability, always deliver on time. If it’s positivity, bring good energy to discussions. If it’s problem-solving, be the person who finds solutions rather than just pointing out problems. Your reputation is built on everyday moments—make them count.
The first 90 days aren’t just about proving you can do the job. They’re about setting yourself up for long-term success. Build relationships that matter, learn the unwritten rules, seek feedback and show initiative, deliver early wins, and understand the bigger picture. If you focus on these nine things, you won’t just survive your first 90 days—you’ll thrive.
