Starting a new job is like stepping into uncharted territory. It’s exciting, full of opportunities, and maybe just a little intimidating. You want to make a stellar first impression, prove you’re the right person for the role, and hit the ground running. But how do you balance learning the ropes with delivering results? The secret lies in adopting habits that set you up for success from day one.
Let’s dive into nine actionable (and totally doable) habits that will help you not only survive but thrive in your new role.
1. Understand the Bigger Picture
When you’re new, it’s tempting to dive straight into your tasks and focus solely on ticking off your to-do list. But successful professionals know that understanding why your role exists is just as important as knowing what you need to do.
Your job isn’t happening in a vacuum—it’s part of a larger ecosystem. Understanding how your work fits into the company’s overall goals will help you prioritize effectively and show that you’re thinking strategically.
Start by asking questions like:
- What are the company’s top priorities this year?
- How does my team contribute to those goals?
- What does success look like for my role?
This isn’t just about impressing your manager (though it definitely will); it’s about giving yourself clarity so you can focus on what truly matters.
Pro Tip: If your company has annual reports, strategic plans, or even recent press releases, take the time to read them. They’ll give you insight into the company’s direction and priorities.
2. Craft and Execute a 90-Day Plan
The first 90 days in any job are critical—they set the tone for your performance and relationships moving forward. Think of this period as your chance to build momentum and prove yourself as a valuable asset. But instead of winging it, create a clear plan with specific goals.
Your 90-day plan should include three key areas:
- Learning: What do you need to know about the company, team processes, or industry trends?
- Relationships: Who are the key stakeholders or colleagues you need to connect with?
- Impact: What small wins can you achieve early on to demonstrate value?
For example, maybe your goal is to streamline a process or contribute fresh ideas during team brainstorming sessions. Whatever it is, make sure your plan is realistic and aligned with your manager’s expectations.
Pro Tip: Share your 90-day plan with your manager during an early check-in meeting—it shows initiative and opens the door for constructive feedback.
3. Build Genuine Relationships
Let’s face it: No one succeeds alone. Building strong relationships with your colleagues isn’t just about being liked (though that helps!); it’s about creating a support network that will make your job easier and more enjoyable. Take time to introduce yourself to people across departments—not just those on your immediate team.
When meeting someone new, don’t just stick to work-related topics. Ask about their career journey, what they enjoy most about working at the company, or even their favorite coffee spot near the office (or their go-to snack if you’re remote). These small conversations can lead to meaningful connections.
Pro Tip: Keep track of who you’ve met and what you’ve learned about them—whether it’s their role or their favorite hobby. This makes follow-up conversations more personal and memorable.
4. Learn the Company Culture
Every workplace has its own unique vibe—its unspoken rules, traditions, and ways of doing things. Some companies thrive on formal processes and structured meetings; others are more casual and collaborative. The sooner you understand these nuances, the easier it will be to navigate your new environment.
Pay attention to how people communicate (Slack messages vs. emails), how decisions are made (collaboratively or top-down), and even how people dress (business casual or jeans every day?). If you’re unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask—most people will appreciate that you’re trying to adapt.
Pro Tip: If there are internal events like team lunches or happy hours, make an effort to attend—even if they’re virtual! These gatherings are often where cultural norms become most apparent.
5. Balance Listening and Contributing
It’s natural to want to prove yourself right away by sharing ideas or jumping into projects headfirst—but there’s power in pausing to listen first. Observing how things work before making suggestions shows respect for existing processes and helps you avoid stepping on toes.
That said, don’t be afraid to contribute when appropriate! The key is finding the balance: Listen carefully during meetings, ask thoughtful questions, and offer ideas when they align with what’s being discussed.
For example: Instead of saying, “Why don’t we do it this way?” try framing it as, “I noticed X—have we ever considered trying Y?”
Pro Tip: Take notes during meetings or conversations so you can refer back later—this shows attentiveness and helps reinforce what you’ve learned.
6. Be Proactive Without Overstepping
One of the fastest ways to stand out in a new job is by being proactive—but there’s an art to doing this without coming across as pushy or overstepping boundaries. Start by identifying areas where you can add value without disrupting established workflows.
For instance:
- Offer to take on smaller tasks during team projects.
- Volunteer for initiatives that align with your strengths.
- Share resources or insights that could benefit others (e.g., “I came across this article that might help us with X”).
The key is framing your contributions as collaborative rather than critical—no one wants a newcomer who acts like they know better than everyone else!
Pro Tip: Before suggesting changes or improvements, spend time understanding why things are done a certain way—it’ll help you avoid stepping on toes unnecessarily.
7. Stay Organized and Manage Time Effectively
Starting a new job often comes with an overwhelming influx of information—new tools, processes, deadlines… it can feel like drinking from a firehose! Staying organized is essential not only for staying on top of tasks but also for projecting reliability.
Use whatever system works best for you—whether it’s digital tools like Asana or Google Calendar or good old-fashioned pen and paper—to keep track of deadlines, meetings, and priorities.
Pro Tip: At the end of each day, take five minutes to review what you accomplished and set three priorities for tomorrow. This simple habit keeps you focused and prevents things from slipping through the cracks.
8. Embrace Feedback as Fuel for Growth
Feedback can feel intimidating—especially when you’re new—but successful professionals see it as an opportunity rather than criticism. Actively seek feedback from your manager or colleagues early on so you can course-correct if needed.
When receiving feedback:
- Listen without interrupting.
- Ask clarifying questions if something isn’t clear.
- Thank the person for their input—even if it stings!
Most importantly, act on the feedback! Nothing builds trust faster than showing that you’re willing to learn and improve.
Pro Tip: After implementing feedback, follow up with whoever gave it (e.g., “I tried X based on your suggestion—thank you again!”). This shows initiative and reinforces positive relationships.
9. Cultivate a Success Mindset
Adjusting to a new role takes time—it’s normal to feel out of your depth at first! Instead of letting self-doubt creep in, focus on cultivating a growth mindset: See challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles holding you back.
Celebrate small wins along the way—whether it’s mastering a new tool or getting positive feedback from a colleague—and remind yourself that no one expects perfection right away.
Pro Tip: Keep a journal where you reflect weekly on what went well, what didn’t go as planned, and what lessons you can take forward. This practice helps build confidence while keeping self-improvement front and center.
Success Isn’t About Being Perfect…
Starting a new job is one of life’s great transitions—it’s exciting but also full of unknowns. By adopting these nine habits early on, you’ll not only navigate those first few months with confidence but also lay the foundation for long-term success in your career.
Remember: Success isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being intentional in how you show up every day! So take a deep breath—you’ve got this!
Emily Sprinkle, also known as Emma Loggins, is a designer, marketer, blogger, and speaker. She is the Editor-In-Chief for Women's Business Daily where she pulls from her experience as the CEO and Director of Strategy for Excite Creative Studios, where she specializes in web development, UI/UX design, social media marketing, and overall strategy for her clients.
Emily has also written for CNN, Autotrader, The Guardian, and is also the Editor-In-Chief for the geek lifestyle site FanBolt.com
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