Your first 90 days at a new job are crucial. This is when impressions are formed and expectations are set. Here's how to make them count.
The 30-60-90 approach
Break your first three months into phases:
Days 1-30: Learn
- Absorb information about the company and role
- Meet your team and key stakeholders
- Understand processes and tools
- Ask many questions
- Listen more than you talk
Days 31-60: Contribute
- Start taking on real responsibilities
- Apply what you've learned
- Seek feedback actively
- Begin building your network
- Identify quick wins
Days 61-90: Add value
- Take ownership of projects
- Propose improvements
- Demonstrate your unique value
- Set goals for the next period
- Have a formal review with your manager
Key success factors
Build relationships
- Have coffee with colleagues
- Remember names and roles
- Be friendly and approachable
- Join social activities
Understand the culture
- Observe how decisions are made
- Notice communication styles
- Learn the unwritten rules
- Adapt your approach accordingly
Communicate proactively
- Ask for regular check-ins with your manager
- Share progress and challenges
- Clarify expectations early
- Ask for feedback, don't wait for it
Manage expectations
- Under-promise and over-deliver
- Be honest about what you don't know
- Ask before making big changes
- Document your wins
Common new-job mistakes
- Trying to change everything: Understand first, then suggest
- Being a know-it-all: Respect existing knowledge
- Staying isolated: Relationships matter
- Not asking questions: It's expected when you're new
- Comparing to old job: "At my last company..." gets old fast
In the Danish workplace
Danish work culture has some specifics:
- Flat hierarchy: Speak up, but respectfully
- Work-life balance: Don't overwork to impress
- Informal communication: First names are normal
- Consensus building: Decisions often involve many
- Friday bars: Join social events to build relationships
Your first week checklist
- Complete all administrative onboarding
- Set up your workspace and tools
- Meet your immediate team
- Schedule a 1-on-1 with your manager
- Understand your first key tasks
- Find a lunch buddy
Try it yourself
- Write down 3 goals for each 30-day phase
- List 10 people you need to meet
- Prepare 5 questions for your first week
- Plan how you'll track your progress
Congratulations!
You've completed the "After the offer" module and the Job Academy journey from application to new job success.
Go back to the Job Academy to explore other modules, or start using what you've learned in your new role. Good luck!