In your first days on a new marketing job, there’s a lot to learn, even if you’re a seasoned professional.  You’re meeting new people, learning which relationships will help you the most, absorbing company policies, and scrutinizing the workflow.

With so much going on, it’s easy to let your drive toward success take a backseat.  But the first few weeks in your new job are the best time to set yourself up for success later on.  Here’s how:

1. Create a 30-60-90 day plan. A 30-60-90 day plan sets out your goals for the first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job. In the first thirty days, focus on learning: attending training, meeting key people, learning the company’s systems, products, or services, reviewing procedures and getting to know clients.  In days 30-60, focus on setting goals, getting feedback on your early work, building relationships with colleagues and mentors and visiting other departments.  Spend days 60-90 on items like gathering additional feedback, suggesting or implementing new processes or strategies, and setting longer-term goals.
2. Never skip onboarding. Onboarding, training, orientation…. Each session has a different focus, but they’re all intended to get you up to speed on how this team and this company want you to do your work in order to succeed with them.  For longtime marketing professionals, it can be tempting to cut this phase short in order to dig into a new project.  Resist the temptation.  During this phase, your new employer is giving you everything you need to succeed – so take it.
3. Make yourself helpful. During your first few weeks, volunteer to contribute to at least one project that isn’t directly on your plate. Spend some time finding out what your team or department are working on, and volunteer for something that interests you, leverages your strengths, or fits into your overall career plans.  Even if the person or team handling it declines, you’ll demonstrate your willingness to help out and your interest in particular projects or topics.

At SMR Group Ltd, our recruiters help sales and marketing professionals connect with the best jobs in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries.  Contact us today to learn more.