30–60–90 is the new 36–25–36 measurement that every new employee must need to know

I can still remember my first few months as a fresh graduate embarking at my first job.

It was a series of new ropes that I had to learn; and a lot of new people, new processes and new perceptions that I had to meet, follow and absorb.

As much as I want to say that my first tries were flawless, there are things that I would definitely say that I could have done better. I can also write a list of “mistakes” that I made as a new developer: from build errors, incomplete workflows and even lacking file submission. Nevertheless, I was given corrective action (explaining what should have been done, how to stop that from happening again and most importantly, getting that presence of mind to do things with consistent accuracy the next time around), patience and understanding in my time as a “newbie”.

For most of the companies here in the Philippines, a contractual employee is given 6 months to show his skills, his talent and his attitude towards work before he will be regularized or absorbed and become a permanent member of the company.

Now, where does the 30–60–90 figure come in? Normally, evaluation-wise, a contractual employee is assessed in the middle of his 6-month trial. This is the 90 days’ mark which the manager gives his impression and observation with the output that one is giving. Should your evaluation be unsatisfactory, it’s a bit harder now (not impossible though :)) to bounce back and secure your slot as a regular employee.

So before you go through your first evaluation, here’s a 30–60–90 plan that you can follow and internalize during the beginning of your journey in a new company.

A little background for the 30–60–90 plan for those who just heard about it; this usually comes up in the interview process asking about your goals when you get hired. This is also asked in your first weeks from your hiring manager or supervisor as they discuss your tasks. However, in case it was never asked or brought up, you can do a 30–60–90 plan for yourself to keep your goals on track during the first months: getting to know the company, the job and the people; as well as setting realistic goals along the way that can help you advance in your current position.

Without further ado, let’s begin. I’ll be giving a summarized plan that gives out the general idea. You can update this according to your need, position or experience.

30 days

Whether you’re an experienced programmer or a fresh graduate from college, you’re first 30 days should always start with you getting the feel of the environment. Get to know the people in your batch when you’re deployed, the people in your team and most importantly the general background of the company. This includes rules and regulations, knowing the upper management and coming in on time (should you have a time shifting period). This is also the perfect time to understand the culture. A good employee observes and hopes to adapt in the next few weeks. When you’re applying for a development position, be aware of the tools and languages used. The first 30 days will also be your time to make a good first impression.

Main Goal: Be Aware and Be Observant about the environment

Personal Goal: Get to know people. Make a friend.

How to determine the level of success: The first 30 days primarily rely upon one’s skill to interact with people. It does give an edge to people who can freely express themselves or approach someone and start a conversation. For shy persons, this can be challenging, but as long as you made a friend and did not break any company policies, you’re safe.

60 days

After you have been oriented about the entire company, and have established a sort of homey feeling, the next days are more focused on putting your skills into work. Training and learning on the processes that your assigned team is following and doing. This may be the time you are given your first task outside of training and is required to release to the market. The 60-day mark is a slightly safe time to make mistakes (we all make them. But as much as possible, let’s avoid them). Your trainers or direct superior will give you a leeway to understand and get a hang with the work they do. When you have something that you don’t quite get or understand, check it first and make notes. It’s best to ask “smart” questions when you’re at this period. I say smart because spoon feeding is not good when you’re starting. Use that learning curve to understand the work that they do, that you’re supposed to do and apply it when you’re given the chance. It also shows your initiative and level of understanding when you’re able to do it on your own after a certain period of time.

Main Goal: Give Attention to Training with the end goal to learn and understand

Personal Goal: Take notes for reference (include training materials, syntax, location, and bookmarks)

How to determine the level of success: The next days are gearing towards the 60-day mark is purely concentrating on one’s ability to listen, repeat and apply what was discussed in the training. As what you’re starting work space is new; it’s the perfect time to get organized! Create your own checklist, your cheat sheets for any of the new processes or methods used. Also, when you’re deployed as a team, help each other. It’s always better to work hand in hand especially when you’re new. It makes the load lighter and easier.

90 days

This is the part when it gets a bit more interesting. You have already been informed, you have already have understood and had started to apply the processes with your skills. Now, this is the time to perform. The first 2 months will serve as your pre-training ground for the main assessment of your skills. This also shows your talent. As you approach your first 90 days you also get to learn a couple of your own tricks. You discover a way that would make your job a bit easier, you have adapted already to the habit of doing compiling or building your code. Your plan at this point is to deliver work with quality and with minimal supervision. Yes, you may still have confusing points or parts that you don’t know yet how to solve on your own, it’s okay; as long as you can show that you at least have a grasp of everything that’s going on.

Main Goal: Apply what you have learned and work with accuracy and quality

Personal Goal: Continue working on building your skill and on building a good rapport with your team.

How to determine the level of success: Whether you’re finishing your 3-month or 6-month mark, 90 days will show how much you’ve grown and proved yourself to be as cliche as it is, to be more than a newbie. The best tip here is to apply what you have learned for the past months. If you felt that the first months were hard, expect that it will become more challenging. Keep that burning fire to succeed growing as you face each step at a time.

The final thing to take note during your first days in a company:

HARD WORK + ATTITUDE = SUCCESS

Most companies value attitude more than skills. They want to know that you’re teachable and trainable but they also want to know if you are a team player. No matter how prepared you are or how good you are, it’s the good behavior and attitude that goes through in the end.

Good luck to your career journey! Always remember that in the midst of everything, don’t forget to have fun and love what you do. As Mark Anthony puts it, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”