The first 30 days: a downloadable template and guide

You have secured a new job, and you are ready to start work. Starting a new position can be an exciting and stressful time. You will be learning new systems and processes, getting to know new people and navigating your way around a virtual workspace. The first 30 days are also when you demonstrate the experience and skills you sold to your new employer during the interview.

The first 90 days are crucial. You are still being assessed on whether or not you are a good fit for the job, and depending on your role, it is often expected that you hit the ground running in terms of implementing change and driving improved processes or results.

To ensure you impress when you start a new role, whether you are working remotely or on-site, we have put together a customisable template for planning the first 30, 60, and 90 days in your new role.

Here is a guide to utilising our template and planning your first 30 days.

The first 30 days plan

Step 1. Check in with your manager

It is essential when you first start your role to have a meeting with your manager. While in the current landscape, this process is likely to be virtual, this is the time for you to better understand the business and how your role fits in with the team's overall priorities. Be sure to ask about any upcoming projects you might be involved with, discuss your goals, and establish what outputs are expected from you over the first three months.

Step 2. Establish your priorities

To ensure you can get stuck in and make tracks in the business, you must identify and fully understand its priorities and how your role supports them. When first starting, mainly if you are operating remotely, this might simply be ensuring you have access to and can acquire all of the equipment you might need in the role.

Step 3. Plan the actions you need to take

In the first month, meet with your manager to discuss these priorities and get an overview of all projects that require your involvement. Following this, meet with any colleagues you will be working with to better understand how you will work together. As you learn about the ongoing and upcoming projects, your colleagues’ roles and responsibilities, and your place in the team, start identifying areas where you can add value that will positively impact the business.

The more you meet with your colleagues, the faster you will get to know the office's team dynamics and culture, which is vital for building strong professional relationships early. Find out who is who quickly, and schedule informal catch-ups to get to know your team.

Step 4. Determine your deliverables

Analyse your current situation. Do you see any existing or potential problems you can influence or that you can contribute to solving? Based on these observations, create a list of your key deliverables to resolve these issues and highlight any opportunities to make a positive change within the team.

Use these deliverables to build a plan for your first 30 days. Create steps to achieve them, set delivery dates, and create milestones to help track your progress.

Step 5. Identify your development needs

As a new starter, you may need extra training or guidance when it comes to the specifics of the business. Key areas to consider when you first start include the marketplace your company operates within, the current customers and target audiences, the products and services being delivered, and key systems and processes for your role.

Click below for our example of a 30-day plan template and a blank copy to plan for success in your new role.