Navigating Your First 90 Days on the Job

Black Collegian, Apr 2005 by Faulkner, LaCarole

How excited you must be now that you are about to graduate and start work! When you start work, your first 90 days on the job will be very important Even though no official laws say that your first 90 days are probationary, you would be wise to consider them so. Employers approach probationary periods differently. Some offer retreats for new workers during which they introduce new employees to their new environment. Others expect a full day of work your first day. One accountant said that on his first day of work he was given a stack of papers and told that he was six months behind and that his boss was on maternity leave. With or without a stack of papers awaiting him on his first day, his first 90 days were probationary. So how can you prepare for a probationary period? Let's take a reality road trip through your first 90 days on the job.

First, we, you and I, need a plan of action, a good set of directions, and perseverance to survive this 90-day probationary road trip. Though the trip can be physically and emotionally exhausting and though it can be over-whelming at times, it is unavoidable. Let's begin by mapping out our course of action.

The first point on the map says that you are no longer a student or intern; you're an employee. You must get organized! Invest in a notebook and a conservative briefcase. There will certainly be numerous documents from the Human Resource Department and valuable materials and notes from your new boss, co-workers, and, in some cases, subordinates. In any event, this paperwork needs to be reviewed and stored, for future use.

Let's travel a little further up the road. Hopefully, you've done your research on the attire for your new employer. Fitting in with the appropriate attire is important because your attire leads your bosses and co-workers to their "first impressions." To save you time and frustration, try and plan out what you will wear for the first week. Start off by locating the dry-cleaner and laundry service closest to where you will be staying. Doing so will bring some calmness to your already hectic and demanding first days on the job.

Now let's assume that you did further research, before your start-date. When you show up for work the first day, you should be knowledgeable of the employer's services and products. You should be somewhat familiar with the company's philosophies and corporate culture.

The next point shows a left turn! According to the directions, you will have a week or two of company orientation. I cannot stress enough how getting the proper rest the night(s) before these days of orientation will help you in the long run. You cannot doze off and catch the test notes later. Being alert and tentative at company orientation can be a matter of you sinking or swimming, before you even get to your new work location. As the new kid on the block, you have not formed any allegiance or friendships with anyone yet. Therefore, being present and alert at orientation can be quite "critical" for a new employee. It would surely be obvious that you're the one who cannot distinguish the company CEO from the tenured mailedroom supervisor.

The next directions say something about security. Can you walk company halls without a badge on? If sleeping through orientation leaves you clueless and you find yourself being tackled to the ground by security, because you didn't know a badge was required "at all times," let that be a lesson!

As you see, your next 90 days of survival with any employer require a clear and concise plan of action. That plan includes taking the right directions and knowing your purpose for being with the company. The directions for your road trip indicate the following:

* Get a copy of your company's most recent annual report and read it thoroughly.

* Take the time to understand your company's benefits plan. (Don't wait until you need to use one of the benefits to understand it.)

* Personalize your work area, but keep it simple. Get a nameplate so everyone will know who you are.

* Remember the names of those you are introduced to.

* (Jotting down names could be useful.)

* If your employer provides the option, have your paycheck set up for direct deposit. It will save you time and hassle of depositing each paycheck and will give you quicker access to your money.

* If you take public transportation to work, here is a great opportunity to go over work notes and the daily paper, instead of a quick doze. (Also, an ideal time to rehearse what you need to accomplish for the day.)

* Punctuality is vital! Allow yourself time for the restroom, coffee/tea time and greeting co-workers, before the actual start of your day.

* Always carry a notepad or pocket organizer with you. Get in a routine of writing down thoughts, ideas, and information from others. Before you forget!

* Develop a good daily routine of what needs to be done regularly.

* Greetings in a company environment is a part of protocol, a simple "hello" or "good morning" is all that's necessary. (Please do not start off your day or anyone else's with what you did the night before or how uncontrolled and stressed out you're feeling, being new on the job.)