10 Commandments for First 90 Days of Your New Job

Congratulations! You made it past the interview process and landed the new position you’ve been eyeing. Now that JW Michaels has connected you to your new company, it’s time to create a notable first impression and set up habits that will lead to ongoing opportunities within the company. Although the following tips are crucial the first few months on the job, carrying them through beyond 90 days is just as important.

1. Seek a Mentor

A mentor is a valuable asset to have when learning the ropes of a new company culture. Seek a mentor who has once held the position you’re in now, and they can help guide you. Gracefully accept their tips and advice on how they did things in the position, then make the position your own and leave your own mark on the company. The most important aspect of a mentor is forming a long-lasting bond that is mutually beneficial.

2. Be Willing to Go the Extra Mile

It goes without saying that showing your employer you’re willing to go the extra mile for the greater good of the team will get you noticed. By establishing your willingness to stay late, take control on projects, be a team player and prove your worth in the first few months on the job, it will be clear you’re someone they want on their team in the future.

3. Avoid Office Cliques

Office cliques and office politics can sometimes lead you down the wrong path. It’s never good to be associated with any kind of negativity, so avoid it at all costs. Be polite and friendly when confronted with gossip, but always decline to participate.

4. Participate in Team Bonding

Participating in team bonding will allow you to form relationships and comradery with your colleagues, proving further that you’re a team player in all aspects. If invited to an office kickball game or even an after work happy hour, join in and put your best professional foot forward.

5. Be Accountable for Mistakes

Mistakes are inevitable, especially the first 90 days on the job. The best way to recover from them is to be accountable and learn from them. There’s always a learning curve associated with a new job, so don’t be too hard on yourself when mistakes are made.

6. Make Short-Term Goals

Make short-term goals for yourself starting on the very first day. By the end of your first 90 days, your career path should be clear to you. Do you want to stay in this position for the long-term, or work towards climbing up the ranks? These are questions you should have answered 90 days in.

7. Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask too many questions. The clearer your job description is to you, the more you can excel at it. No one will assume you have all the answers right away; it takes time to get adjusted to a new role and new companies. Stay on your toes and ask the questions you need to be great at your job.

8. Get Involved

Get involved. Introduce yourself. Stay motivated, learn, listen, observe and perform. The first 90 days on the job is the time to form team bonds, show what you have to offer and let your hard work and talent speak for itself. Remind your employer why they wanted to hire you in the first place.

9. Stay Organized

Organization is a large factor in achieving success. Without staying organized, you can get in your own way and sabotage yourself on deadlines or other commitments. Find a rhythm and keep yourself accountable, especially in the first few months while you’re just getting started.

10. Leave Your Comfort Zone

This is one of the best pieces of professional – and personal – advice. Get uncomfortable and push yourself to be the best you can be.

At JW Michaels, our Executive Recruiters combine practical expertise, industry intelligence, and a passionate commitment to source the finest candidates who meet – and exceed – the exacting requirements of our clients. We’re all about helping our clients become smarter, stronger, faster, and more profitable, by providing them with the most valuable asset a company has – intellectual capital. And we help our candidates find career opportunities, and make smart decisions, to facilitate their professional and personal growth.