You got the Job? Hooray! What’s next?

At last it’s happened! You’ve persevered through all the ups and downs of your career crossroads and you’ve been successful in securing your ideal role!

Congratulations! You’ve negotiated well and you’ve accepted an offer that’s a win-win for both sides. I’m thinking champagne celebrations and big, big smiles all around! (My clients know how excited I get for them when they reach this stage.)

So now what? If you’ve got time, take a little break, relax, enjoy and recharge your batteries before starting the new role. Get all your paperwork in order, clear the clutter in your home environment, have the coffee catch-ups and lunches or dinners to celebrate and prepare yourself mentally for the exciting new challenges ahead!

Most large organisations have on-boarding processes to assist you to transition smoothly into your new role. Each process can vary greatly from a quick tour and introduction to team members to a week long (or longer) on-boarding process for you to become familiarised with the systems, personnel and location. How the first 90 days go in this new role are crucial for your reputation and also your self-esteem.

Give yourself a head start by starting the process yourself. Here are my suggestions for on-boarding success:

1. Take the first steps to success in a new job begin before the first day. Once you’ve accepted the role, contact the hiring manager and your human resources contact. Let them know you are looking forward to getting on board and convey your enthusiasm for the new role.

2. Connect with those you’ve met during the selection process on LinkedIn. Make sure your profile is as strong as it can be as others within your team will probably check out your profile before you turn up on your first day.

3. Create a 30/60/90 day plan with your new manager. This will give you a map to follow during your initiation into the company and the expectations of your role. Having measurable benchmarks developed with the organisation’s business goals in mind will assist you greatly with clear direction.Ensure you understand how your success will be measured so you will know where to focus your attention initially and in the longer term.

4. Identify the resources you need to do your job early on. This will be anything from office supplies, phone and mobile connection to the technology required to get things done. Get to know the administration and technical support team as you will need them! There are always individuals within any company that can help you get things done because of their workplace knowledge or their relationships with key people within the organisation. Find out who those people are and develop a relationship with them as they will be the people who can assist when you are stuck.

5. Look for ways to make a difference even in the early days. Of course it’s important to develop good working relationships very early on; however, while you are doing so, see where you can pick the low hanging fruit and get some wins on the board. After the first 30 days it will be time to demonstrate the value that you bring.

6. Always show respect for the people and events that have come before you. It’s wise to ask questions that show appreciation for current employees and respect for those who came before you. Be very tactful, especially in the early days even if you believe you completely understand the political landscape of the organisation. You won’t really know who's who in the zoo until you’ve been there a while.

7. Check in with your manager every week or two to make sure you are on track. As you learn more from your stakeholders you will be able to manage expectations and always be willing to ask for your manager’s assistance if required.

8. Stay positive. There will be good days, better days and some days when you may feel a little disappointed. The first couple of weeks will see you transitioning from excitement about the new role to the reality of the day-to-day routine and challenges. Displaying energy and enthusiasm for the role will benefit your reputation amongst your colleagues. A new role can be quite stressful, so give yourself time to settle in and know that no one is perfect. Give yourself time to understand the way things work and always be willing to ask questions and listen to the answers.

I’d love to hear what worked for you during the first 90 days of your new role. There are so many variables – every comment will be helpful to everyone else on the cusp of accepting an offer.