Your first 90 days in a new role: a plan and English phrases

Short answer

Use the first month to listen and learn, the second to take full ownership of your main tasks, and the third to deliver one visible improvement. Agree early with your manager what a good first three months looks like, and check it at the end of each month.

Step by step

  1. Days 1 to 30: learn: Meet the people you work with, learn the processes, and ask your manager what a good first three months looks like.
  2. Days 31 to 60: own: Take full ownership of your main tasks and start one small improvement.
  3. Days 61 to 90: deliver: Finish the improvement, ask for feedback, and agree goals for the next months.
  4. Every week: keep notes: Write down what you learned, new names, and words or abbreviations you heard.

Worked examples

These examples are invented to show the structure in different jobs. Keep the shape and use your own true details.

Agreeing expectations with your manager (newly promoted logistics supervisor)

I would like to make sure I focus on the right things. What would a good first three months look like for you? … So, to check: the main priorities are the new driver rota and reducing missed collections. Could we meet at the end of each month to review how it is going?

Introducing yourself to a new team (scientist joining a new site)

Hi, I am Leila, and I have just joined as the new senior scientist. I worked in microbiology for five years before this. For the first few weeks I am mainly learning how things work here, so please tell me if I do something differently from your process.

Asking for feedback after two months (project coordinator)

I have been here two months now, and I would value your feedback. Is there anything I should do more of, or do differently? I would rather know now than wait for my first review.

What non-native speakers often get wrong

  • Not asking questions because you worry your English will be judged. In the first weeks, questions are expected, and a manager may notice more if you do not ask.
  • Not asking people to repeat their names. "Sorry, could you tell me your name again?" is completely normal.
  • Avoiding small talk at work. Prepare two or three easy topics, such as the weekend, the journey to work or food.
  • Guessing what abbreviations mean. Keep a list and ask: "What does … stand for?"

Phrases to use

Finish each one with your own details.

  • What would a good first three months look like for you?
  • Could you show me how you usually …?
  • What does … stand for?
  • I would value your feedback on …
  • Is there anything I should do differently?

Common mistakes

  • Changing too much in the first weeks, before you understand why things are done that way.
  • Waiting for the first formal review to find out how you are doing.
  • Talking only to your manager and not to your peers.
  • Not writing anything down, and asking the same question twice.

Questions people ask

Is the first 90 days different after an internal promotion?

A little. You already know the people and the processes, so the main change is your relationship with former peers and the new decisions you make.

Do I need a written 90-day plan?

It is not always required, but a short written plan of one page helps you and your manager agree priorities and check progress.

What if my new role has a probation period?

Ask early what will be checked at the end of probation, and use your monthly reviews to see how you are doing against it.

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