The First 30 Days: What You Should Accomplish

Previously published in the Times Beacon Record Newspapers, Employment Section, October 3, 2007.

by Laura Smith Dunaief

Whew!  You’ve landed that new job.  Take some time to congratulate yourself.  Then start thinking about what you need to accomplish once you start. 

Sure, you need to fill out paperwork and learn the job, but there’s more you need to do to set the table for success.  Here are the six of most important items to focus on in your first thirty days.

#1: You never get a second chance…

The old adage about making a good first impression is true; people often form an opinion of you, personally and professionally, in the first few days.  Make sure you dress appropriately, arrive on time, are polite to the folks you meet, and avoid the office water cooler gossip. 

Be friendly, but be wary of disclosing too much personal information.  Do your coworkers need to know about your ex or your roommate’s annoying habits?

Establish your credibility and professionalism early.  It’s a lot easier than digging yourself out of a hole later.

#2: Listen more, talk less

This is your opportunity to absorb the company culture and personalities.  Keep your eyes and ears open, and ask questions.  What important things are going on?  How do people really get things done – not the official written procedures, but the behind-the-scenes processes? Who has the power?  This goes beyond how the company’s organizational or management chart.  Who really calls the shots?  How do people communicate in the organization?  Is it by email, telephone, or face-to-face?  You may need to adjust your own style to make sure you’ll be heard when you need to get someone’s attention or simply get things done.

#3: Network, network, network

Even though you’re the newbie, it’s never too early to start building relationships.  With your coworkers.  With your boss.  With the folks two levels above and below you.  These are often the people you’ll need to get things done in the future. 

Participate in extra-office activities, when available.  Join people for lunch and take an interest in them.  Find out what industry groups people participate in and join them.  What do people read – especially those more senior to you?  Become involved and stay on top of what’s going on.

But never forget #1.  Don’t overdrink at social functions or join in bad-mouthing others.  And don’t be overly competitive at the company softball game.

#4: Meet with the boss

Beyond the “nice to have you on board” conversation, many bosses don’t set clear expectations for new employees.  Get yourself on his or her calendar and have a clear agenda for the meeting. 

There are a few things you want to be sure to cover.  What do they expect of you?  On what will your performance be measured?  What do you need to do to be considered a success?  Are these things quantifiable? 

At the end of the meeting, offer to write up what you discussed and return a copy to the boss.  Then, set a date to discuss how you’re progressing. 

#5:  Take notes

It’s frightening how many people wander through their first several weeks without a notebook and pen in hand.  Whether you’re meeting with the boss or sitting with the receptionist, you need to take notes.  It’s incredibly frustrating for those around you to continuously answer the same questions over and over.  Show that you’re paying attention and that what they say is important to you.

And don’t forget to keep notes on your own progress and accomplishments [see “Keeping a Work Journal,” June 21, 2007].  They’ll come in handy when you have your second meeting with the boss.

#6:  A simple “thank you”

Face it: it’s hard for everyone when someone new starts, regardless of how excited they may be to have you there.  It means spending time answering your questions and showing you the ropes.  Sincerely thank everyone who helps you along the way, from the bottom to the top of the organization.  You will reap the benefits of this simple gesture tenfold.

The first thirty days can be stressful for everyone involved.  By focusing on these six items early on, you’ll lay the foundation for success.

Laura Smith Dunaief is a principal of LASD Resource Development, which provides individual career coaching and corporate training and development programs.