Making the Most of Your First 100 Days on the Job

So you’ve just accepted a new job offer. Congratulations! This is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit intimidating. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make the most of not only your first day and week but your first 100 days on the job. Here are a few tips.

100 Days to Get to Know Your Role

You’re starting with a basic job description, but so much of what’s important in a role is unwritten. In the first few days, ask a lot of questions. Find out who you report to, how you get work assignments, who’s on your team, when to take lunch, and even where the bathroom is.

As you settle in, keep a running list of contacts that you can approach with new questions as they arise. Then shift your focus to digging deeper into your new position. What are the processes and procedures, and how can you improve them? Why does your role exist, and how can you add more value to it? Can you find ways to work smarter, not harder? Your first 100 days should be about truly taking ownership of your position.

Build Relationships with Coworkers

Your coworkers are like your work family. You might not always get along, and there may even be some dysfunction. But you’re with them eight or more hours per day, and at some point you will need their help. So start building relationships right away. In your first few days, they’ll probably be eager to take you to lunch or out for after-work drinks. If you’re remote, they might send you a private message or invite you to a virtual watercooler hangout. Say yes as much as possible. Then over the next few months, work on deepening those bonds.

Bring New Ideas to the Team

You were hired for many reasons, but ultimately because you are uniquely you. So bring your new perspective to the table, and don’t hesitate to speak up. Your ideas may be just what the team needs to take projects to the next level. It also begins indicating you can accept more responsibility. Of course, in your first few days, you’ll want to listen more than you speak, to get the lay of the land. But within a week or so, it’s time to start sharing your thoughts.

Slow Down…but Work Hard!

You might have huge goals for your new career path, but don’t come in with guns blazing. Take a deep breath and slow down. Your first 100 days should be about the job you have, not the promotion you want. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t set goals, just that you should put them on a realistic timeline.

But don’t take this as an excuse to slack off. Show up, work hard, and find ways to shine. Making a great impression in your first 100 days can set you up for future career success.

If you’re new to the job market or right of school, you might consider these tips for finding a job with no experience.

Ready for a new job?

If you think a new role could be in your future, consider searching with SURESTAFF! We can help you find a light industrial position in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin.