How to Nail Your First 100 Days in a New Job
Focusing on how to navigate the newness of a new position at a new company can be extremely overwhelming.
There are SO many changes that come along with getting a new job. You want to put your best foot forward, of course. But you’re also just trying to figure out how to use the phone system, check your email, and learn where the closest bathroom is to your office.
Instead of going into a new gig blind on how to manage your first impression (aka the first few months in your new job!), I encourage you to look at it in a different lens:
Set the right expectations in the beginning: When you are in negotiations with the company, work with them to set clear guidelines for what they expect from you within the first 3-6 months.
Meet with your managers regularly: Schedule an appointment with your mentor or manager. I recommend meeting weekly or biweekly to ensure you are both on the same page.
Get an onboarding plan: A lot of startups and small companies these days do no have an onboarding plan. Make sure you have an idea of who you will be learning the ropes from in the beginning. Ask management specifically about who your go-to person will be.
Take a pulse: Before you dive in and try to switch everything up, keep in mind there is a culture that has been set before you started in this role. Learn the reasoning behind their processes before you try to fix and change everything.
Give yourself some leeway: Adopt the mindset that you are not expected to know everything. You are new! Give yourself some grace when it comes to learning new policies, dynamics, and office politics.
Level up your confidence: Starting a new job is a great time to minimize that “imposter” feeling. You have the skills they were looking for or else they would not have hired you!
Learn the ins and outs: The first few months of working at a new company should be a huge period of growth. Ask questions and dedicate yourself to learning the ins and outs of the role.
Get a career coach: When you start a new job, you may struggle with knowing that you are handling things the right way. Get someone with an objective “no skin in the game” opinion to help you sort through what is important and how to approach colleagues.
Ask for support early on: Odds are that this company is investing in your for the long term. Unless it is a contract-position, the company wants to see you win! They want to support you, so don’t feel like you need to handle everything on your own. Get help before you are too deep into feeling overwhelmed.
Being successful through your first 100 days at a new job is dependent on communication, confidence, and growth. Don’t let negative feelings hold you back! Remember, if they did not like you or your skills, they would not have hired you! 👏 YOU 👏 GOT 👏 THIS 👏
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