Your First 90 Days in a New Job (UK): A Practical Plan to Settle In and Make an Impression
You have the job. The first three months are where trust is built and habits formed. A little planning makes a real difference. Here is a simple 30-60-90 day approach.
First 30 days: Learn
Ask your manager what success looks like and how they like to communicate.
Learn names, roles and how the team works.
Understand the main processes, systems and tools.
Listen more than you talk. Take notes.
Complete your induction and compliance training promptly.
Days 30 to 60: Contribute
Take ownership of tasks and deliver reliably.
Look for a small, practical improvement you can make.
Build relationships beyond your team.
Ask for feedback and act on it.
Days 60 to 90: Add value
Share ideas, supported by what you have learned.
Take on a bigger piece of work.
Agree objectives for the next six months with your manager.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not criticise how things are done before you understand why. Do not pretend you understand if you do not. Do not isolate yourself. Do not take on too much too soon.
Look after yourself
A new job is tiring. Keep a routine, eat properly and get enough sleep. If you feel lost, say so. Most managers expect questions.
Keep a record
Write down what you achieve each week. It helps in your probation review and your next appraisal.
Everyone in this situation feels alone at some point, and you are not. If this helped, share it with someone who is job hunting, and tell us in the comments what has worked for you.
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