So you got the job. YEAH!!! Celebrations abound. You lay out your nicest clothes and shine your shoes for your first day of work. Now what?
Finding the job is only the first step in establishing a career with a new employer. You still have work to do. Your next challenge is proving yourself worthy of the job. The first 30 days are critical. You want to take steps to demonstrate your value and fit into the new team.
Success in the first 30 days depends on the impression you make. Here are some tips to make the most out of your first 30 days:
- Have a plan. What are the big problems and issues that you are meant to address and what steps do you plan to do first, second, and third? What kind of outcome do you hope to achieve at the end of the first 30 days? Don’t wait for someone to tell you what the plan is. Show initiative. Of course you will receive direction and instruction but you should have a good idea what your focus will be from the information you gleaned in the interview process.
- Put your plan in writing. This is for your own use and guidance. You can always change it but having a plan at the beginning means you won’t wander around aimlessly.
- Start meeting people you work with. Begin to understand the lay of the land. Who are the movers and shakers? Who can help you? Who should you stay away from? Who can you have lunch with? Be open and friendly.
- What are your responsibilities, deadlines, projects? How does new information fit with the initial plan you created based on your expectations. Adjust your plan to accommodate your new projects.
- Who do you have to please? What do they expect? This is critical. It is hard to make up for a miscalculation regarding who you have to please.
- How does your boss expect to be communicated with? Does she prefer email, voicemail, or something else? Should you set up regular update sessions or will a quick pop-in work better?
- Solicit feedback from the people you serve about what they need and expect from you. Incorporate this information into your plan.
It is difficult to recover from a misstep in the first 30 days. Be aware and keep your eyes open. Have a plan and work it.
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