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Writer's pictureMartin Hill

6 Proven Tips for Your 1st 90 Days in a New Job

Updated: Oct 23, 2024

Starting a new role as an can be both exciting and daunting. The first 90 days in a new job are crucial for setting the tone and building the foundation for your success. Here are 6 essential tips to help you hit the ground running and make a significant impact from day one


Leading a new team
Leading a new team

6 Proven Tips for Your 1st 90 Days in a New Job 1. Understand the Company Culture 

Before making any changes, take the time to immerse yourself in the company culture. Attend meetings, interact with employees at all levels, and observe how things are done. Understanding the existing culture will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that any initiatives you introduce are aligned with the company's values. 2. Build Relationships Forming strong relationships with key stakeholders is vital. Schedule one-on-one meetings with senior leadership, department heads, and team members to understand their expectations, challenges, goals and learn about the business. Building trust and rapport with the CFO & CEO early on will make it easier to secure your HR budget, collaborate and drive HR initiatives forward.

3. Assess Current HR Practices 

Reviewing HR Policies
Reviewing HR Policies

Conduct a thorough review of existing HR policies, procedures, and systems. Identify what is working well and what needs improvement. This assessment will provide a clear picture of the current state of HR within the organisation and help you prioritise areas that require immediate attention.

4. Identify Key HR Metrics

With a comprehensive understanding of the company and its HR landscape, set clear and achievable priorities for your first 90 days. Identify the key HR metrics that will help you measure success and track progress. Metrics such as employee turnover rates, time-to-hire, employee engagement scores, DE&I and performance indicators are crucial for making data-driven decisions. Regularly reviewing these metrics will enable you to adjust your strategies as needed and demonstrate the value of HR initiatives to senior leadership.

5. Communicate Your Vision

Communication vision in a meeting
Communication vision in a meeting

Share your vision and goals with your team and the broader organisation. Clear and transparent communication helps to align everyone with your strategic direction and fosters a sense of shared purpose. Develop a HR road map that outlines your strategic goals, initiatives, and timelines. This road map will serve as a guide for you and your team, ensuring that everyone is aligned and focused on achieving the same objectives. Regular updates on progress and milestones will keep everyone informed and engaged.

6. Foster a Continuous Learning Environment 

Encourage a culture of continuous learning and development within your HR team and the wider organisation. Have career development plans for your team and Invest in training and professional development opportunities that align with the company’s goals. By fostering a learning environment, you can enhance the skills and capabilities of your team, driving overall organisational growth.

Starting a new role as an HR Director is a challenging yet rewarding journey. By using these 6 Proven Tips for Your 1st 90 Days in a New Job. Through understanding the company culture, building strong relationships, assessing current practices, setting clear priorities, identifying key HR metrics, and communicating your vision through an HR road map, you can start you new job in the best possible way. For more insights on leadership check out our articles on 6 Essential Skills for Effective Management in the Workplace and 6 Tips - How to Handle Difficult Conversations & Conflict in the Workplace


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1st 90 days in a new job
1st 90 days Cheat Sheet


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