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What actions would you take in your first month on the job?
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16 answers
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Chris’s Answer
In my first month on the job, I would try and identify both formal and informal mentors - I would look for more than one: One that has direct experience/line of sight into my current duties; One that is in an altogether different area that I can learn expansive/different things from. I would also 'soft interview' my colleagues - learning not just their thoughts about the tasks at hand, but about them as well. Showing interest (and not faking it) will go a long way in creating a more pleasant experience for yourself and will also make those around you more willing to guide and assist. Finally, don't hesitate to talk to those up the chain about questions or expanding on the basics. Remember they want you to succeed - replacing people takes time and money!
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Chris recommends the following next steps:
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Mansi’s Answer
There are lots of ways you can socialize with your peers at work—having lunch together, walking during a break, mingling during company team-building events, or even making small talk can help you learn about the job and the company culture. Also just be you and try to be productive.
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Kat’s Answer
- Meet as many people as you can!
- Form relationships with your team and those outside of your team that you may be working with
- Learn about the company
- Learn about the industry
- Find a mentor/ally that can help you navigate the company/new job and answer questions
- Meet with your manager and team regularly
- Ask questions!
- Form relationships with your team and those outside of your team that you may be working with
- Learn about the company
- Learn about the industry
- Find a mentor/ally that can help you navigate the company/new job and answer questions
- Meet with your manager and team regularly
- Ask questions!
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Lauren’s Answer
Your first month should be dedicated to learning and creating your priority list.
First and foremost, sit down with your manager and ask as many questions as you can such as:
1. What your role description is (sometimes this can change, so keep this description in mind and be open to adding / shifting items as you learn more)
2. What is expected of you on a daily / weekly / monthly basis
3. What your success metrics are (how you'll be evaluated against the expectations)
4. Who you will work with
5. Who your best points of contact are internally / externally to help you accomplish each expectation
6. What resources are at your fingertips
7. What extracurriculars (ie. clubs / volunteer opportunities) you could get involved in at the company that are outside of your daily job
Once you have a clear understanding of these items, start to do your own research. Ask for time to sit down with your co-workers, especially those who will help you do your daily job, and get to know them / what they do. Explore your resources and ask questions about anything you don't understand. Attempt your daily / weekly / monthly tasks, and compile a list of questions you have as you work through. Bring those questions to your manager (or internal resources) ahead of deadline, so you can still make sure you're delivering on time. If you encounter any challenges in getting things done, make sure to voice those issues as well.
Your first month can be stressful, so above all, try not to feel overwhelmed. Stay focused and confident, and most importantly, curious!
Establish a regular touch base with your manager, where you can ask questions and bring up challenges / successes
Reach out to your colleagues and introduce yourself - make sure they know what your role is and if you'll be working together, how they can help you
Explore your resources and compile a list of questions about how to use them
Join a club! Try to branch out beyond your immediate work group so you can learn more about the company overall, and how all teams contribute to the company's goals
Most importantly, take notes! Write down everything you can - you never know what you'll want to remind yourself later on.
First and foremost, sit down with your manager and ask as many questions as you can such as:
1. What your role description is (sometimes this can change, so keep this description in mind and be open to adding / shifting items as you learn more)
2. What is expected of you on a daily / weekly / monthly basis
3. What your success metrics are (how you'll be evaluated against the expectations)
4. Who you will work with
5. Who your best points of contact are internally / externally to help you accomplish each expectation
6. What resources are at your fingertips
7. What extracurriculars (ie. clubs / volunteer opportunities) you could get involved in at the company that are outside of your daily job
Once you have a clear understanding of these items, start to do your own research. Ask for time to sit down with your co-workers, especially those who will help you do your daily job, and get to know them / what they do. Explore your resources and ask questions about anything you don't understand. Attempt your daily / weekly / monthly tasks, and compile a list of questions you have as you work through. Bring those questions to your manager (or internal resources) ahead of deadline, so you can still make sure you're delivering on time. If you encounter any challenges in getting things done, make sure to voice those issues as well.
Your first month can be stressful, so above all, try not to feel overwhelmed. Stay focused and confident, and most importantly, curious!
Lauren recommends the following next steps:
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Larry’s Answer
First and foremost I would say very simply, don't be late. Plan to be there 10-15 minutes early and if something causes you to be late, leave even more time. It may sound overly simple and basic, but showing up late is an easy way to be noticed in a negative light.
Next, I would say try to get to know the people around you, who's who and who does what. Keep your eyes and ears open and observe to get a lay of the land, so to speak. Try to understand how you fit in, what is needed most from you and how you may learn from and help others. For example, I was an accountant at an investment firm and I sat next to operations people and became friendly with them. I helped them whenever I could and learned a lot of things outside my assigned duties that helped get me my next job and a big step up in the business.
Beyond that, the biggest piece of advice I like to give to young people is to act like you are an owner, not like someone who is owed something. If you see something wrong or that needs to be done, try to make that happen. For one, helping the company helps you in making your job more secure, and two, anything you learn, especially outside your particular job description, makes you more valuable. People who look to be like their superiors instead of just what is in their job description or the person sitting next to them, go much farther in the world. Aspire to be an owner, not the same as everyone else.
Next, I would say try to get to know the people around you, who's who and who does what. Keep your eyes and ears open and observe to get a lay of the land, so to speak. Try to understand how you fit in, what is needed most from you and how you may learn from and help others. For example, I was an accountant at an investment firm and I sat next to operations people and became friendly with them. I helped them whenever I could and learned a lot of things outside my assigned duties that helped get me my next job and a big step up in the business.
Beyond that, the biggest piece of advice I like to give to young people is to act like you are an owner, not like someone who is owed something. If you see something wrong or that needs to be done, try to make that happen. For one, helping the company helps you in making your job more secure, and two, anything you learn, especially outside your particular job description, makes you more valuable. People who look to be like their superiors instead of just what is in their job description or the person sitting next to them, go much farther in the world. Aspire to be an owner, not the same as everyone else.
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Sarah’s Answer
• Find resources in different departments/teams that are most relevant to your role and make them your best friend.
• Find out what is expected from you – particularity from your manager.
• Form a good relationship with your manager.
• Learn and understand the metrics that your role is being measured on.
• Prioritize what is most important for you to learn and start doing.
• Ask a lot of questions. Be curious and be honest if you do not know something because there is A LOT you won’t know.
• Learn as much as you can about the company – their mission, their culture, etc.
• Plan your month, week, day.
• Be flexible and open-minded – especially if it is a big change or different from how you have operated before.
• Find a mentor.
• Own your mistakes and learn from them.
• Find out what is expected from you – particularity from your manager.
• Form a good relationship with your manager.
• Learn and understand the metrics that your role is being measured on.
• Prioritize what is most important for you to learn and start doing.
• Ask a lot of questions. Be curious and be honest if you do not know something because there is A LOT you won’t know.
• Learn as much as you can about the company – their mission, their culture, etc.
• Plan your month, week, day.
• Be flexible and open-minded – especially if it is a big change or different from how you have operated before.
• Find a mentor.
• Own your mistakes and learn from them.
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Nick’s Answer
Hey Jessica,
I like starting a job with a 30-60-90 day plan - always keeping in mind that you are going to make changes and adjustments to the initial framework.
Secondly, learning how to listen is important for a good start. Something I have consistently messed up when starting a new job is getting deeply involved too quickly. Being able to sit back and observe can be hard, but is so valuable when crafting your future approach. This observation time affords you the capability to take swift action with the best people and in the right direction once you get hands-on.
Just a thought...
-Nick
I like starting a job with a 30-60-90 day plan - always keeping in mind that you are going to make changes and adjustments to the initial framework.
Secondly, learning how to listen is important for a good start. Something I have consistently messed up when starting a new job is getting deeply involved too quickly. Being able to sit back and observe can be hard, but is so valuable when crafting your future approach. This observation time affords you the capability to take swift action with the best people and in the right direction once you get hands-on.
Just a thought...
-Nick
Updated
Michael’s Answer
This is an excellent question, and I think there has been some great advice provided in the responses. My recommendations for what actions to take in your first month on the job:
- Have clear expectations on what your responsibilities are and what you need to achieve those goals.
- Seek out a mentor. Mentorships not only provide you opportunities to develop your skill sets - they provide a constant feedback loop and help you grow and develop your knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Ask questions! Being new to an organization, it's good to ask questions...take notes...and follow through on action items you may have.
- Be cross-functional - being new to an organization, it's easy to get into learning your role and responsibilities, but it's equally important to learn how other departments operate. For example - if you're working in business development, get to know and understand the finance department, billing, customer service, etc. This will make your background well rounded and provide you the knowledge to be successful in your new position.
Thank you for the question, hope this helps.
- Have clear expectations on what your responsibilities are and what you need to achieve those goals.
- Seek out a mentor. Mentorships not only provide you opportunities to develop your skill sets - they provide a constant feedback loop and help you grow and develop your knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Ask questions! Being new to an organization, it's good to ask questions...take notes...and follow through on action items you may have.
- Be cross-functional - being new to an organization, it's easy to get into learning your role and responsibilities, but it's equally important to learn how other departments operate. For example - if you're working in business development, get to know and understand the finance department, billing, customer service, etc. This will make your background well rounded and provide you the knowledge to be successful in your new position.
Thank you for the question, hope this helps.
Updated
Sharool’s Answer
When you introduce yourself, talk about why you chose this job, or why you are passionate about the company or the field.
This will automatically make introductions more engaging and leave a positive and lasting imprint in people’s minds.
Ask people what they expect from you.
Understand how your manager is measured.
Ask a lot of questions.
Learn as much as you can about the organization.
Understand your performance metrics.
This will automatically make introductions more engaging and leave a positive and lasting imprint in people’s minds.
Ask people what they expect from you.
Understand how your manager is measured.
Ask a lot of questions.
Learn as much as you can about the organization.
Understand your performance metrics.
Updated
Greg’s Answer
Your first 30 days are very important in getting you off on the right foot and preparing you for success. Three things you should focus on are learning, developing a 90 day plan and delivering excellence from day 1.
Understanding
-Responsibilities, expectations, deliverables and how success will be measured
-Business culture, operating norms
-Knowledge & background needed for your job (industry, competition, functional partners
Establish 30-60-90 Day Plan
-How will you obtain above items in understanding
-Identify how you will 'Splash' (results / impact will you deliver within the first 90 days that will materially benefit your manager and company)
-Create professional development plan and have conversation with manager
Execution
-New job should be #1 priority for you
-Deliver excellence in every responsibility / task given (this will help you establish your reputation and brand as a top performer)
Understanding
-Responsibilities, expectations, deliverables and how success will be measured
-Business culture, operating norms
-Knowledge & background needed for your job (industry, competition, functional partners
Establish 30-60-90 Day Plan
-How will you obtain above items in understanding
-Identify how you will 'Splash' (results / impact will you deliver within the first 90 days that will materially benefit your manager and company)
-Create professional development plan and have conversation with manager
Execution
-New job should be #1 priority for you
-Deliver excellence in every responsibility / task given (this will help you establish your reputation and brand as a top performer)
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Hello! I would recommend meeting as many people in your organization as possible to learn the ropes and find mentors. Ask all for resources and advice, and follow up on those resources! Also set goals for yourself in a variety of areas so that you can make sure you know what you want out of (and what you want to contribute to) your organization.
Updated
Azeem’s Answer
Identify your stakeholders and setup meetings with them. Understand key metrics required to do a good job.
Setup 1x1 with team members if possible and learn little bit about org and how it functions.. Bring up concerns/issues with your manager and understand the role more broadly. Make sure get access to the tools and databases required for your job.
Get feedback from team members/stakeholders & customers.
Setup 1x1 with team members if possible and learn little bit about org and how it functions.. Bring up concerns/issues with your manager and understand the role more broadly. Make sure get access to the tools and databases required for your job.
Get feedback from team members/stakeholders & customers.
Updated
Blake’s Answer
Hey Jessica,
The most important thing during the first month on the job is to build relationships with your co-workers.
Thanks,
Blake
The most important thing during the first month on the job is to build relationships with your co-workers.
Thanks,
Blake
Updated
Clement Willard’s Answer
--> Get familiar with your team, tools and nature of work on high level.
--> take time to hear from different team members how they work.
Try to take down notes and do homework before you ask any question.
--> Make sure to request and get all the access that you need to have so that you can perform activities.
--> Take time to go through recurring activities that team does daily/weekly/monthly/yearly
so that you can have bird's view.
--> Have one on one session (frequently) with your manager to know his/her expectations
and note them down. Make sure to carry the notes for every one on one session (monthly ones might be good way to start)
--> take time to hear from different team members how they work.
Try to take down notes and do homework before you ask any question.
--> Make sure to request and get all the access that you need to have so that you can perform activities.
--> Take time to go through recurring activities that team does daily/weekly/monthly/yearly
so that you can have bird's view.
--> Have one on one session (frequently) with your manager to know his/her expectations
and note them down. Make sure to carry the notes for every one on one session (monthly ones might be good way to start)
Updated
Michael’s Answer
reflect the daily report every weekly, and ask the feedback with peers and manager. the first month in a company you need to make a good relationship with the teammates. it can help to development your career
Updated
Vikram’s Answer
Great question and most of us irrespective of what level we join a new organisation we end up doing many rounds wondering where to start. Ideally we should be spending as much time as possible with the immediate line manager to understand the core deliverables that you are hired for. Just by seeing the JD and running several rounds of interview you will still be left with many questions unanswered and the first few months are critical for an individual to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In addition familiarize with what the overarching organisation goals are, complete all the administrative activities, meet as many stakeholders as possible to be sure where you would be engaged with the stakeholders and how you will be effective with each one of them based on the priorities. Above all,please ensure that one gives ample time for personal engagements and do not get overwhelmed with the new office environment. Hope this helps.