5 Tips For Making Your First 100 Days In A New Job A Success

Starting a new job can be daunting - even more so if this is your first job since leaving the military. Taking on new responsibilities, meeting new colleagues, learning a new way of working and being immersed in a different culture can be overwhelming. To help you we’ve got 5 top tips so you can hit the ground running and make the first 100 days in your new job a real success.

TIP 1: PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST WEEK IN YOUR NEW JOB

The first day, week and month will be challenging - you have lots of information to process so it is important to try and be as prepared as possible. Follow the steps below to ensure you remain on the ball:

• Research and revise
  Before your first day, go over all the research you did about the job role and the company before your interview. Get to know the culture of your organisation.

• Take notes!
  Your first week is about absorbing a lot of information - make sure you jot everything down so that you can refer back to your notes rather than ask questions about things you’ve already covered.

• Be friendly and make introductions
  Your new workplace should have a structured on-boarding process and you should be introduced to your co-workers and perhaps a mentor, on your first day. But if no such introductions take place, request your manager set up a meet and greet or simply try and grab a coffee or lunch with your co-workers to find out more about them and your new workplace.

• Ask questions
  If you’re unsure about some of your responsibilities, a colleagues role, or any query about the business - don’t be afraid to ask. Everything is new to you and remember everyone has been in your shoes. It’s better to be clear and to set things straight from the beginning rather than suffer in silence.

TIP 2: BE PROACTIVE IN YOUR NEW JOB ROLE

You don’t need to go in like a whirlwind and demand to make big changes - but as the weeks go on, it is important to be proactive. Here are a few things that you should tick off the list during your first few weeks on the job:

• Keep up-to-date with what is going on in your new workplace

  Make sure you read any newsletters, check the business social media account and read annual reports. It also might be worth setting up a Google alert so it is even easier to stay in the loop with business news too.

• Update your LinkedIn

  Update your LinkedIn profile and share the news of your new role with your network. You never know who may be able to help you to advance in your new position or give you industry advice.

• Bring in ideas!

  It’s important to get the balance right and not tread on any toes early on but, it’s equally important to show initiative. The third month is a good time suggest making any changes (if appropriate to your job role) as you will have gained valuable experience in those first 12 weeks.

TIP 3: TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR OWN TARGETS AND DEVELOPMENT

Although your employer will set personal targets and review your performance regularly - take ownership of your own personal development. Here are a few ways that you can develop your professional skills:

• Subscribe to relevant blogs or website to keep you up-to-date with any industry news.

• Identify any training you might need.

• Join a professional organisation.

• If the business has an internal military network, get involved.

• Request a three-month review with your manager – if this is not in place. This will be a great way to find out about your performance and receive feedback.

• Create a personal development plan for yourself – this will show great initiative.  

TIP 4: BUILD YOUR OWN INTERNAL NETWORK AT WORK

Networking is an important part of finding a job - and it will continue to be an important part of making this new job a success.

Just as it is important to establish a strong network of external contacts - don’t forget about establishing an internal network within the business. This internal networking starts on day one. Make sure within your first week, you have a a list of people who can help you with each individual situation.

Also, take time to further invest in your co-workers and external stakeholders and focus on developing your relationships with them.

And finally….

TIP 5: GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK!

The first 100 days can be challenging. Starting any new job – particularly if it is your first after leaving the military – is a huge change and it will take time to settle in. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, it’s natural to get a little frustrated if you want to start making changes immediately - or you may have a few confidence wobbles as your adjust to your new role and responsibilities. Those first few months can be quite intense and stressful - but equally you need to remember it is the start of an exciting new chapter in your career.

For further tips on how to develop your career, why not check out our article on Success Beyond The Military. Or, if you’re keen to keep learning new skills as progress in your career, why not sign up to Skillsbuild - our online training platform – and develop your skills set throughout our extensive collection of online courses.