The first week is behind you. The initial uncertainty has faded, but now the real work begins: finding your place, building trust, and demonstrating your value. In this follow-up, we share how to navigate the critical first month like a pro.
Weeks 2-3: From Survival to Contribution
Map Out Processes
Create a “Who/What/How” overview:
- Who are the key people? (e.g., the budget approver)
- What are the main workflows? (e.g., project initiation)
- How is success measured? (KPIs, reports)
- – Tip: Ask your manager for a “30-60-90 day plan” for clear objectives.
Expand Your Network
- Meet with at least 3 colleagues outside your immediate team (e.g., IT, Finance).
- Golden question: “What do you wish you’d known when you first started here?”
- Participate in informal gatherings (coffee breaks, Friday drinks).
Deliver a usable Quick Win
- Identify a small, achievable task (e.g., streamlining a troubleshooting procedure).
- Example: A new hire at a logistics company saved 20 minutes daily by optimizing an Excel template – and was immediately recognized.
Week 4: From Contributing to Adding Value
Give (and Request) Feedback
After 3 weeks, request a brief meeting with your manager: “Am I focusing on the right priorities? Do you have suggestions for improvement?”Share 1-2 observations (e.g., “I’ve noticed Y frequently fails – may I propose a solution?”).
Be Visible Without Overstepping
Contribute in meetings with 1 sharp question or idea per session. Don’t: Criticize everything. Do: “At my previous company we did Z – could that work here?”
Anticipate Unwritten Rules
Observe subtle cues:
- Do colleagues work strictly until 5 PM, or is flexibility common?
- Are decisions made in meetings – or elsewhere?
Key Lesson Learned
“During my first month at a Logistics Service Provider, I discovered – contrary to what I’d been told – that the threshold for approaching a director of this company to gather information was much lower than expected. This allowed me to gain valuable insights about business strategies.”
Pitfalls to Avoid
• Changing things too quickly: First understand, then improve.
• Overwhelming colleagues with questions: Bundle them in a weekly email.
• Comparing yourself to others: Your learning curve is unique.
How N&J Connect Supports You
Our guidance continues beyond day one. We offer:
• Check-ins after 1 and 3 months to discuss your progress
• A handbook with real-world case studies from other new hires
• Customized training (e.g., managing resistance to change)
Question: What tip do you wish you’d received when starting out? Share it with us – we’ll include it in our next update!
Coming next: How to secure your place in the team after 90 days. Stay tuned!
Practical Checklist for Your First Month:
- Schedule 3 introductory meetings with colleagues
- Identify 1 quick win to achieve
- Request feedback after 30 days
You’ve got this!
Do you want to receive a usable template? Send an e-mail to: in**@*******ct.nl with the following subject ‘’’30-60-90 plan’’.
