A new job is exciting and terrifying. The first 90 days are critical — they are going to shape the success, reputation, and future of your career. While most people are aware of the basics (such as showing up on time and being professional), there are some overlooked things that can help you rise to the top and succeed.
The vast majority of new hires feel pressure to prove themselves right away by speaking up a lot in meetings or having big ideas. But the smartest approach? Listen more than you speak.
- Watch team interactions, company atmosphere, and the unwritten rules.
- Observe how choices are reached.
- Instead of jumping to conclusions, ask meaningful questions.
This will help in trading credibility for more survival and avoiding early mistakes.
2. Get a Cultural Mentor (Not Just a Work Mentor)
Plenty of companies will assign an official mentor, but if you really want to thrive, seek out an unofficial “cultural mentor” — someone who gets office politics, the unspoken rules and how the organization functions.
- Find a respected colleague who’s been at the company for a while.
- Ask them for a coffee and put their brain to work on:
- “How, exactly, should things work here?”
- “Who are the decision-makers that I need to know?”
4. The 30-60-90 Day Plan (But Keep It Flexible)
While a structured plan is generally a good thing, if you’re not perfectly attuned to whims of the human motivation cycle, rigidity can backfire on you. Instead:
- First 30 Day: Learning, watching, and building relationships.
- The Next 30 Days: Begin Depositing Little Victories.
- Last 30 Days: Become the key owner of a project.
New employees generally feel that they’re on track unless they’re told otherwise. Wrong. Keep your manager updated:
- E-mail weekly summaries of your progress in bullet point form.
- Ask, “How am I doing so far? What should I be doing differently?”
- Set the stage early to lessen confusion.
5. Quick wins (but not just any wins)
Winning at the beginning creates credibility, but not all victories are equal. Focus on:
- Projects that fall under your boss’s key priorities.
- Problems nobody else cares about that you can take on.
- Contributions which are high leverage but low effort (such as fixing a process).
6. Establish Cross-Team Relationships from the Start
You win not on your own but in partnership.
- Arrange for chats with colleagues in other departments.
- Be helpful before asking for favors.
- Atend company events (online ones count, too).
It makes you a go-to person instead of just another hire in the door.
7. Understand the Company’s “Hidden Scorecard”
Unofficial metrics for success Everyone has them at a company, and they go beyond your job description.
- Is leadership willing to prioritize one or the other — innovation or efficiency?
- Are staff members recognized and promoted for their teamwork or their individual stars?
- What are the behaviors that lead to a promotion?
Model top performers and apply their style.
8. Strategically Say No (But Not Be A Jerk)
You want to be helpful, but overcommitting in the early days is risky.
- If you’re put in a position of being asked to do too much, say:
- “I’d really like to help, but I just want to do it right. … should we focus on this instead of [current task]?”
- Politely postpone non-pressing requests
9. Save Everything (CYA: Cover Your Ass)
New employees are frequently given vague instructions. Protect yourself:
- After meetings, follow up with a confirmation email: “To confirm, next steps are X and Y.”
- Maintain a record of your accomplishments (helpful for reviews).
- Hold on to your positive reviews for when you might need them.
10. Don’t Fall into the “New Job Honeymoon” Trap
Some new hires get comfortable after they complete the first month and feel like they’ve “made it.” Big mistake.
- Remain proactive — never stop learning and adding value.
- Seek feedback, even when you think things are going well.
- And also – networking at your team level.
Final Thoughts
These first 90 days is a test period — a time for the company to see whether you bat as well in a game as you did in the pregame warm-ups, and to see whether you want to show up for the games you have to play here, or go someplace else to play. Utilize these 10 surprising secrets to:
- Create strong relationships, fast
- Get early successes without burning out
- Set the Stage for Long-term Success
If you follow these maneuvers, you’ll make yourself noticed, win trust, and put yourself in line for promotions, not mere survival
What is your best tip for excelling in a new job? Share in the comments! 🚀
