There are few things more nerve-wracking than starting a new job. Your daily routine has changed, you’re working with people you don’t know and juggling all kinds of new responsibilities. It’s no wonder that the first 90 days of a new job are like an audition – your bosses and coworkers are evaluating whether they made the right decision in hiring you, and they’re watching to see how well you adjust.
It’s important to keep in mind that a few hiccups in a new job don’t necessarily mean you won’t find success. It’s normal to have a few bumps in the road, and if you’re having trouble adjusting, it’s worth taking a step back to determine what factors are most important to you. You may find that the commute is too long, or that you don’t get along with your boss, for example.
During your performance review, your supervisor or HR director will probably ask you how your new job is going and where you see yourself within the company in the future. This is a great opportunity for you to communicate what’s really important to you and how those factors are playing out in your career.
Your manager will also want to hear about any challenges you’ve encountered at work. It’s a good idea to be honest about what you’ve struggled with, but be sure to highlight your progress and how you’re working on solutions. This will show your new employer that you are a strong, resilient worker who takes initiative to resolve problems.
This is a great time to discuss any professional development opportunities that you’ve taken advantage of since starting your new role. It will show your new employer that you’re invested in the long-term success of your company, and it will give them an idea of how much you’re committed to learning and growing at work.
It’s also a good idea to talk about any major projects you’ve worked on since your first day in the role. This will demonstrate that you’re a proactive and dedicated employee, and it can be helpful for your future promotion.
When discussing your accomplishments, make sure to include how they’ve benefited your company and its employees. For example, if you’ve successfully completed an important project that will help your colleagues save time or effort, you should mention this in your performance review.
You’ll also likely be asked what your salary expectations are, and this is a great opportunity to clarify them with your new employer. Ensure that your expectations are aligned with what’s available at the company, and don’t forget to factor in any incentives you might receive in addition to your base salary.
The pandemic is slowing down, but it’s still a good idea to keep an eye out for new job openings as they arise. With so many people changing jobs during the pandemic, companies are more understanding of the reasons behind job hopping and are more willing to give new hires a chance.