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Starting a new job is exciting but also stressful. You want to get off to a good start, to hit the ground running, and make a good impression, while also laying the foundation for a productive career.

The first 90 days are especially important for getting yourself established in a new job. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of this time.

1. Get clear on performance expectations
During the job interview, you probably discussed the general expectations of the job. But now is the time to make sure you know what is expected of you. Don’t assume, but meet with your supervisor to clarify performance expectations and set some goals for your first weeks on the job.

2. Become familiar with the company culture
Learn how the company operates, how things are done. Are decisions made in a collaborative fashion or are they more top down? How do people generally like to communicate – by email, phone, in-person? Do employees socialize together after work or during lunch?

This is the time to observe how people interact, what their personalities are like and what their priorities are.

3. Make connections
When you begin a new job, other employees don’t know much about you. It might help if you have a little elevator pitch prepared so that you can tell people a little about your background and why you came to the company. But this is a time more for listening and asking questions to learn about the people you will be working with, how things are done at the company, and building trust.

Try to learn a little about their lives outside of work as well, whether they have a family and what their interests are. This may help you to connect also.

4. Look for ways to make an impact
Look for opportunities where you can contribute, even if they may be minor ones. Offer to help other team members or share insights from previous work experiences that may help your teammates.

Naturally, at this point you are not looking to solve any major problems, but instead looking at little things that need attention. Taking care of these minor problems and annoyances will help to build your reputation with other workers and lay a foundation for tackling bigger issues down the road.

Winston Resources is a staffing agency dedicated to working with job candidates and finding them jobs that fit their backgrounds and interests. We find people jobs; we make an impact. Give us a call today.


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