Management Tip of the Day: Communicate What You'll Accomplish in Your First 90 Days

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JUNE 6, 2013 Communicate What You'll Accomplish in Your First 90 Days As a new hire, you'll have 90 days to make an impact. So it's not surprising that many interviewers ask the question: "What do you hope to achieve in your first three months?" Have a thoughtful answer ready — one that helps people envision how you'll work with your team, present to your boss, and talk to customers. Start by describing the role in big-picture terms. Say briefly how you think the position fits into the larger organization. Then define the challenges you would face. Draw on perspectives from outside the organization, like what industry experts say, or how you've seen similar challenges dealt with at other companies. Lastly, offer clear recommendations. Avoid giving a bland, predictable answer like "I wouldn't make any changes before learning more." But don't promise more than you can deliver either. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Getting the Right Job. Buy the book and learn how to find a career that fits » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Getting the Right Job HBR Press Book Trying to figure out where you want your career to go — and get a job that'll take you there? That's no easy task in a fiercely competitive market. How do you clearly and convincingly define what you've got to offer to an organization? And how do you dig up realistic opportunities that match your skills and passions? Even if you've discovered exciting possibilities, you may face other obstacles: Perhaps you're finding it difficult to compete with more-seasoned professionals. Or maybe you're struggling to show a logical progression in your job history because you've hopped around. With challenges like these, it can be hard to get any job at all, let alone something that's satisfying, stable, and a good fit. But you can find and land the right job for you, even in a tough economy, with help from the experts in this guide. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Think Positively About Stress Give a Meaningful Apology Make Your Slides Memorable Want the Job? Do a Project Don't Schedule That Meeting Choose Connection Over Conflict Take a Weekly Technology Break Storyboard Your Presentation Know When to Forgive 4 Things Every Team Needs All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done The First 90 Days App MAKE YOUR NEXT CAREER TRANSITION A SUCCESS. Download The First 90 Days App today to help you stay ahead of the game. » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)