The First 90 Days on the Job
The first few weeks in a new job are a whirl-wind, and having a game plan going in can make all the difference! From your first day, to your 90 day review here are some ways to start off on the right foot.
Accepting the Offer
Before your first 90 days officially begin, you accept an offer letter. While you're looking for the right job, they're looking for the right employee and if they're offering you the position, then congratulations— you're that employee! With this knowledge, you have negotiating power. Even if the company is offering you an acceptable amount, negotiate!
The amount you make can determine your salary trajectory as most raises are based off of the amount you currently make. If you negotiate up now, it will bring you more money later too!
I'm not saying to ask for a million dollars right out of the gate, but counter their offer with a 10-20% increase. If they offer 50K as a starting salary, and you ask for 55, there are three outcomes. Worst comes to worst, they say no.
No, we are only able to offer 50K for this position.
No, but we can offer 52-53K.
Yes, we can make that work with our budget as we really want to have you in this position.
You can work hard all day long, but a company does not want to give you more money out of the kindness in their heart. You need to know your worth, and ask for it!
First Day in the Office
Know Before You Go:
Welcome to the job! If you did not have an interview in person at the office, make sure you know exactly where you're going your first day, where to park, and if someone will meet you at reception.
Dress to Impress:
If you were able to do an in-person interview, make a note of the company attire. If not, ask about the expected dress code. For your first day, go for a more business professional look. You're looking to put your best foot forward, and if it happens to be in a fabulous shoe it can't hurt!
Walk the Walk:
With your coffee in one hand, and endless confidence in the other, bring your positive attitude and walk-in with your head held high! Now is the time to make a first and lasting impression. As you meet new members of the team, repeat their names and take note of what you talked about and something memorable so you are able to remember them after the whirl-wind of the week.
First Few Weeks
Write-it-Down:
While you have your notebook out, take notes on what's expected of you in your new role. Everything from projects you're taking lead on, the company structure, to navigating a new system set-up. This will help you as you find your day-to-day routine moving forward without having to repeat questions.
Work Friends:
Making friends at work might seem like a difficult task, especially when you first start. Keeping an open mind will help you find people in and out of your department to socialize with—no these people do not need to be your new bffs! If your new work doesn't take you out to lunch on your first day or the first week (so rude) don't worry—making friends takes time, and you can set yourself up for success by eating in the office common areas you first few weeks and inviting others to join you. If you're working remote (thanks Covid) set up zoom lunch calls with different people you'd like to get to know. Be the office butterfly!
First Week Thoughts:
The first week will fly by and at the end of the week take five and reflect on the overflow of information you took in. Write down a few end of day takeaways, identifying key players, areas of opportunities you can address in your job and anything else that may be helpful in your next 90 days in the office.
Setting Goals
#BossBabe lets get this show on the freaking road! You're ready to knock it outta the park at your new job and show your worth. Setting goals for the first 90 days (and beyond) with actionable items and metrics you can measure will let you know what to focus on, as well as give proof of your value and insight to the higher-ups. If you have a 90-day interview these goals will be a great jumping off point in that conversation showcasing what you accomplished and any issues you identified and corrected.
Some personal goals may include:
Getting to know and work with your team members, through lunches or work meetings.
Understanding and identifying with company values and using those as your guiding principles in your initiatives.
Maintaining clear expectations of your role throughout the training process, and keeping an eye out on ways to grow your position and be seen as an essential employee.