How to excel in a new marketing role (first 90 days)

Congratulations, you just landed a new role! Now, what next? The first 90 days of a new job are the standard probation period, during which an employer retains the right to terminate a new employee's contract if they are not performing to the required standard in their role. If you want to stay with the organization long term or see if they are a good fit for you, you must pay close attention to the first 90 days. You are learning about your new company, responsibilities, and colleagues, and they are learning about you. Impressions are formed based on relatively limited information in both directions, and as a new starter, it is easy to conclude that your first 90 days set the tone for your experience in this new role. 

We don’t want to leave you nervous though, this period could be tricky but also very satisfying. Keep reading to see 7 tips to ensure you excel during the first 90 days in your new marketing job.

1. Arrive prepared: Research your industry and function

   The first day on your marketing job does not have to be the first time you interact with your new team. Take the initiative to contact your new employer in the weeks/days before you start and ask for information about your new role and how it fits into the existing team and business goals. Arriving on your first day with a desire to participate and prepare for your new role is sure to impress, but it also puts you in a position to perform right away, and you may already be quite knowledgeable in your field. However, every company has its own quirks and ways of doing things. Investigate industry trends and use online peer groups to learn what your industry or function is most concerned about (check out communities like Superpath or Smarketers Hub). Keep an eye out for new tools that can help your team work more efficiently. Are there any trends or regulations that you believe will have an impact on how your industry operates? Keep an eye on LinkedIn and other relevant social media for marketing trends and new tech: you can see patterns emerging from what people are posting and discuss them with your team. See what they think: this will tell you whether your new team or organization is motivated by new opportunities or primarily by new challenges.

   
   2. Be inquisitive, listen, and learn

   Learn everything you can about your coworkers, their roles and responsibilities, and how the company works. Your ability to recall this information can be an important factor in demonstrating to your new employer that you are invested in your new role. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions about the industry, trends, department, teams, and most importantly, start digging to figure out who knows what. This will hasten your integration into the company while also demonstrating that you are engaged, curious, and eager to make a difference. This is like self-induction and shouldn't be delayed: you still benefit from the "newbie" label and will more easily be forgiven for "not knowing". Additionally, It will also allow you to form meaningful personal and professional relationships with your new colleagues, an important step in settling into any new role.

   
   3. Be proactive

   During your first 90 days, you will almost certainly have a lot on your plate, a lot to learn, and a slew of new challenges. However, it is critical that you are not overly passive in your approach to new tasks; do not simply wait for things to be handed to you. There is always a tendency to underwork new employees, which can be a good way to allow them to settle in; however, there is a risk that you will not get to show what you are capable of, and being too passive can make it difficult to make your mark. You were hired for a specific reason, and you have a job description. Great. Take this as a starting point for what the company anticipates. Unless you work in highly political areas where overstepping your boundaries is frowned upon, you should always identify areas or skills that are not covered in your team or organization. This will benefit you in the long run because you will hone new skill sets and get access to increased responsibilities. If you can close some of these gaps in the first three months, you will be well on your way to completing your probation period.

4. Take the time to form connections with your new teammates & stakeholders

Getting involved in activities outside of your day job is just as important as demonstrating your willingness to take on more work and be a team player. Many organizations have lunchtime and after-hours activities, which can be formal or informal. This is a fantastic way to get to know your coworkers, for them to get to know you, and for you to enjoy your job. Workplace satisfaction and performance are about more than just finishing tasks; they are also about collaboration and working relationships. Getting to know people outside of the workplace can be extremely beneficial. Developing soft skills and getting to know the people you'll be working with, including their strengths, skills, experience, and motivation, is critical for establishing trust and empathy.

5. Secure an “early win”

Proving your worth early on is a great way to establish your reputation with your employer and coworkers. Securing an early victory is an excellent way to demonstrate to others that you are capable of bringing positive change to their marketing efforts. The first win does not have to be massive; it simply has to be a tangible indication that you are capable. This could include completing a task ahead of schedule, collaborating on a task, or achieving a positive outcome.

6. Ask for feedback 

The first 90 days are primarily intended to determine whether you are a good fit for the company. Don't be afraid to solicit feedback on your performance. Being open-minded and coachable will make you appear approachable, and people will be more likely to give you honest feedback. Also, if you have discovered flaws in the way the team or company operates, consider how you bring that up with your boss; most of the time, they will simply ask you and you will respond with kindness. Take the time to learn why your company operates in this manner and make suggestions for incremental improvements. You will be perceived as rational and empathetic.

7. Show and tell: Pitch your new ideas

Sometimes you just can't help but speak up because you've identified a problem that you know how to solve. In this case, I recommend that you pitch your ideas like you would do for an investor, by telling a story. Maintain neutrality, explain what you see, how you've approached the problem in the past, and present the results. Look for credible case studies or marketing campaigns to back up your pitch. Allow your team and manager time to process the information. Check in again in a few weeks, but respect the team's or your manager's decision, whatever it is. Consider whether you can live with rejection as well.

In conclusion

The first 90 days will most likely fly by, and you'll be settled into your new role before you know it. In addition to the tips above, don’t forget to also take stock of your experience within your new company during the first 90 days: does the company live by its own values? Do these values permeate their operational teams? Is the company right for you? Will you be positively challenged, or will your ideas be stampeded? If you have followed all of the tips, you should have a good idea of what's in it for you at the end of three months and be able to decide whether it’s the right job for you or not. 

We hope this helps! If you’d love to learn more about building a successful career in Marketing, check out more posts on the blog.