Your first 90 days at a new job: a practical plan

Why the first months matter

Your first three months shape how your manager and team see you. Many companies also have a probation period during this time. You do not need to be brilliant from day one. You need to be reliable, curious, and steadily improving.

Days 1 to 30: learn

• Meet your manager and agree on what success looks like in the first three months.
• Learn the tools, processes, and who to ask for what.
• Take notes and build a personal guide to the team's systems.
• Introduce yourself to people your work touches.
• Finish small tasks well and on time.

Days 31 to 60: contribute

• Take ownership of a small piece of work from start to finish.
• Ask for feedback after each deliverable: what went well, what to improve.
• Start helping others where you can, even in small ways.
• Share a short weekly update with your manager.

Days 61 to 90: own

• Handle a larger task with less guidance.
• Suggest one improvement to a process you have noticed, with a simple plan.
• Review your progress with your manager against the goals set in month one.
• Agree on goals for the next quarter.

Habits that help in any role

• Confirm instructions in writing after meetings.
• Flag problems early instead of hoping they go away.
• Be respectful of everyone's time: arrive prepared to meetings.
• Keep learning outside work hours for a few hours a week, if you can.
• Look after your health. Long hours every day are not sustainable.

Passing probation

Ask HR how probation reviews work and when they happen. Before your review, list what you delivered, feedback you acted on, and what you learnt. If you are unsure where you stand, ask your manager directly a few weeks before the review.

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Frequently asked questions