It can be nerve-wracking to start a new job. You’ve made it through the interview process, but now the real work begins. You might be worried about making a good impression, doing your best, and getting to know your colleagues and bosses. No matter what, you want to prove to your boss that they made the right choice by hiring you.

Here are tips for what to do in the first week, month, and 90 days of your new job.

What to Do During the First Week of a New Job

During your first week, you need to cut yourself some slack and try not to hold yourself to unrealistic expectations – you’re just learning the ropes!

Introduce yourself

‍During your first week, you should enthusiastically introduce yourself to your new colleagues. Ideally, your manager will show you around and give you a quick introduction to the team. However, if they don’t, you should take the initiative and do so yourself. Afterwards, do your best to remember everyone’s names.

Take notes

‍Even if you think of yourself as having a brilliant memory, it’s always wise to take plenty of notes. This prevents you from having to ask the same question over and over again.

Don’t overload your manager with too many questions

‍However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask them! Think carefully about your questions to get the exact information you need. Also, consider if this is information you need right away – do you need passwords? Client information? Or do you have a question that can wait?

Pay close attention to the environment

‍Every office has its own workplace culture – pay attention and learn how to fit in. Pay special attention to the volume of the office, lunch break duration and timings, levels of formality, dress code, and tea break etiquette.

Set good habits and do your best work

‍Now is the time to start setting good habits – do things in the exact way you were shown to do them. You might be able to make them your own down the line, but right now is all about demonstrating you can follow instructions.

Don’t question established systems

‍You might notice some room for improvement within the first few days at your new job, but this is not the time to bring it up. Over time, you might find out why things are done this way. If not, you can bring it up when you have an established rapport and some experience with the company.

What to Do During the First Month of a New Job

You’ve been there a few weeks, and you’re getting into the swing of things. Here’s what to do in your first month of a new job.

Get to know your team better

‍Simply by working with your team for the past month, you’ll have gained insight into their working styles and how to best collaborate. You can do your best to match their way of working.

Show your manager they made the right choice

‍As your confidence grows, it’s time to determine exactly what your manager expects from your role and start delivering.

Continue asking questions

‍Those questions you had during the first week that weren’t time sensitive? Now is the time to ask them. Asking thoughtful questions about long-term projects and annual concerns can really show that you’re eager and attentive.

Ask for feedback

‍Now that your manager has seen your working style over the past month, it’s time to ask for specific feedback. Are you meeting their expectations? What can you do differently? Can they provide more training on certain topics?

What to Do During the First 90 Days of a New Job

You’ve crossed the one-month hurdle – now what? Here’s how to keep putting your best foot forward at your new job.

Challenge yourself

‍The first week was all about going easy on yourself, but now it’s time to start challenging your capabilities and doing your best work. Claim ownership of your role and begin to take accountability for your successes and failures.

Set boundaries

‍You’ve now seen how others take their lunch breaks and when they arrive or depart for the day. Perhaps these are asking too much (or too little) of your time. Now is the time to respectfully and professionally set your own boundaries.‍

Ask for a formal evaluation

‍You’ve already asked for informal feedback, but after 90 days it is a good idea to ask for a formal evaluation. This will ensure you’re working to your highest potential and progressing on track. It will also give you an opportunity to determine where you can improve.

With these tips in mind, your first few months at your new job should go smoothly and successfully. Good luck!