Your first 100 days in a new job
Make a good impression and you’re destined for success
Starting a new job? As leading politicians know, the first 100 days in your new role can be crucial to long-term success. From CEO level down everyone gets one chance to make a great first impression when they start. What you do and how you act early on will lay down the foundations for achievements later on, so make sure your early days are a success by following our tips below.
- Prepare for success before day one
Do your research. You will have no doubt prepared for interview by fully researching the company, but take time to learn more about the ins and outs – how is it organised, who does what, any jargon used, who are the key stakeholders etc?
Make sure you show your best side by conducting an honest SWOT analysis on yourself. List your strengths and identify opportunities to play to these whilst avoiding weaknesses and consider any threats to your success and ways to deal with this.
- Manage expectations in the first week
It’s important to talk to your boss about their expectations of you and what success looks like a year from now. Try to chat every week about what you’ve accomplished, what you’re working on, how you’re managing with keeping things on schedule and how to fix any issues. Include some milestones you want to achieve in your first 100 days so that you will be able to measure your success.
- Get to know people
Career success isn’t just about doing the job well, it’s enjoying the experience and getting on with your co-workers. Get to know as many colleagues as possible early on and develop positive relationships. Listen to the gossip but don’t contribute to it and don’t get involved in any office politics. If you manage a team make sure you meet all your direct reports early on and find out how you can best help them to be successful.
- Observe and learn
Even if you think something could be done differently based on your prior career success, avoid making judgements too quickly. Wait until you’re an integral part of the team with a better understanding of the business before making any radical changes.
- Look for quick wins
After a month try to add value wherever you can in non-controversial ways and you’ll soon be appreciated. Plus, this will help you gain support for bigger ideas later on. Look for opportunities to lead as this will likely help you gain future promotions.
- Look to the future
After two or three months (or when you feel experienced and confident enough to evaluate your team) discuss your long-term plan for success with your boss to show your leadership potential and highlight any suggestions for improvements.
- By day 100
Show your boss that you have achieved some significant wins and met some of the milestones in the plan you put forward to be considered successful in your first 100 days.
Check out our other blog articles for more advice on how to succeed at work. And remember if you’re looking for a new challenge or you need to enhance your team please get in touch to see how Ocean Edge can help.