Starting a new job is exciting but can also be highly overwhelming. The first 90 days are crucial for setting the tone, proving your value, and establishing yourself in your new role.
A well-structured 90-day plan can help you:
- Learn quickly and adapt to company culture
- Build strong relationships with colleagues and leadership
- Set clear goals and track progress
- Make a meaningful impact early on
If you’ve just landed a job (hopefully with our help!), this guide will help you create a step-by-step 90-day plan to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success.
What is this “90-Day Plan”?
A 90-day plan is a structured roadmap that outlines your key goals and priorities for the first three months in a new role. It focuses on three phases:
- Days 1–30: Learn and Observe
- Days 31–60: Contribute and Build Relationships
- Days 61–90: Lead and Make an Impact
Each phase has specific objectives to help you integrate smoothly and deliver results.
The First 30: Learn and Observe
The first month is all about understanding the company, team, and role expectations.
Key Goals:
- Get familiar with the company’s mission, values, and culture
- Understand the team structure and key stakeholders
- Learn about systems, tools, and processes
- Observe workflows and team dynamics
Action Steps:
- Meet with your manager: Get clarity on expectations, success metrics, and priorities. Ask questions like: What are the top priorities for this role? How does success look in 90 days? What are the biggest challenges the team is facing?
- Review company materials: Read internal documents, reports, or product guides to understand the business.
- Shadow colleagues: Observe how your team works, key processes, and decision-making styles.
- Take notes and ask questions: Don’t rush into making changes — focus on understanding before acting.
Pro Tip: Keep a learning journal to track key insights, challenges, and opportunities.
Days 31–60: Contribute and Build Relationships
Now that you have a solid understanding of your role, start contributing value and building relationships!
Key Goals:
- Apply your skills and deliver early wins
- Strengthen relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
- Identify areas for improvement
- Get feedback on your progress
Action Steps:
- Take ownership of small projects: Look for quick wins that showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
- Schedule check-ins with key colleagues: Build relationships by understanding their goals and challenges.
- Offer solutions and suggestions: If you spot inefficiencies, propose small process improvements without disrupting existing workflows.
- Seek feedback from your manager: Ask:
- What am I doing well?
- Where can I improve?
- Are there any adjustments I should make?
Pro Tip: Show initiative by volunteering for projects that align with your strengths.
Days 61–90: Lead and Make an Impact
By now, you should feel confident in your role and ready to take initiative and make a lasting impact.
Key Goals:
- Lead a project or take on more responsibility
- Improve efficiency in your role or team
- Strengthen your visibility within the company
- Develop a roadmap for long-term success
Action Steps:
- Take on a leadership role: Whether it’s mentoring a new hire, improving a process, or leading a meeting, step up and show leadership.
- Demonstrate problem-solving skills: Identify gaps or inefficiencies in your role and propose actionable solutions.
- Expand your internal network: Connect with leaders or cross-functional teams to broaden your influence.
- Discuss long-term goals with your manager: Align on career growth opportunities and potential next steps.
Pro Tip: Document your accomplishments and present them in a 90-day review meeting with your manager.
General Tips for Success
Do:
- Be proactive – Take initiative, don’t just wait for instructions.
- Ask smart questions – Show curiosity and a willingness to learn.
- Be adaptable – Every company has a different culture; adjust accordingly.
- Communicate effectively – Keep your manager updated on progress and challenges.
- Stay organized – Use a task list or planner to track milestones and follow-ups.
Don’t:
- Try to change everything too soon – Focus on learning first.
- Isolate yourself – Build relationships early on.
- Ignore feedback – Use it to improve and grow.
- Overcommit – Take on tasks strategically instead of saying yes to everything.
Example of a 90-Day Plan
Days 1–30: Learn and Observe
Objective: Understand the company, team, and expectations.
- Read company materials, policies, and reports.
- Meet with your manager to discuss goals and priorities.
- Shadow colleagues and attend team meetings.
- Learn internal tools and systems.
Days 31–60: Contribute and Build Relationships
Objective: Start making an impact and develop relationships.
- Take ownership of a small project or contribute to team initiatives.
- Build relationships with key team members and stakeholders.
- Provide feedback or suggestions for process improvements.
- Request feedback from your manager to adjust and improve.
Days 61–90: Lead and Make an Impact
Objective: Take initiative, showcase leadership, and set long-term goals.
- Lead a project, initiative, or cross-team collaboration.
- Identify an area for efficiency improvement and propose a solution.
- Discuss long-term career goals and growth opportunities with your manager.
- Prepare for a 90-day performance review to showcase your achievements.
A well-planned 90-day strategy ensures you transition smoothly into your new job and make an early impact. By focusing on learning, building relationships, and contributing value, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.
