Starting a new job can be both exciting and daunting. You want to hit the ground running, but you don't want to overstep your mark and upset the delicate eco-balance of the workplace. You want people to know who you are but only for the right reasons. These first three months at a new firm are crucial to ensuring success and progression further down the line. To give you an idea of where to get started, here are some vital tips on how to make an impact in your first 90 days in a new job. 

Be Prepared

There will be a lot of learning during your first 90 days at a new firm. However, just because you will have a lot to learn doesn't mean you can step into your first day knowing nothing at all. 

Before you get there, be sure to read up further on the firm's history, look at their successes but also their failures. Get an idea of what the culture is. Preparing for these things will give you a better idea of what to expect and will also save you from suggesting solutions to problems that have already been attempted. 

Listen to Learn, Learn to Listen

Your first day and your first week will be a baptism by fire. You'll be given so much information that it will feel almost impossible to remember it all. While this is understandable, it's still worth trying to retain as much of that information as possible. If you can produce this information when needed, you'll impress your new managers. 

You should also learn to listen, too, even if you think you already know what you need to do. All firms have different ways of doing things. Training yourself to take their practices on board will demonstrate a level of respect and prevent you from stepping on anyone's toes. 

Be Proactive

Another way to impress your new coworkers is to be proactive. Don't just wait for them to assign tasks, but instead seek them out. If you finish a project faster than anticipated, don't spend the rest of the time with your feet up, go and find more to do. 

Your boss may be underworking you to help you ease into your new job, but this comes with the risk of you not being able to show off your full range of talents. If you seek out additional tasks once you finish older ones, you'll demonstrate a willingness to keep busy and also show off precisely what you can do. 

Get to Know Everybody

Getting to know everybody sounds like a daunting task for many people, especially those who start work at large corporations. You don't need to get to know everybody, that could be impossible, but you can do what you can to introduce yourself to as many people as you can. 

From the cleaners to the receptionist to the hiring managers and their managers, getting to know everyone helps people put a face to your name. Focus more closely on those directly around you, including clients and partners. Don't be afraid to have a chat with those you don't recognise in the lift or the break room.

Prove Your Worth Early

Securing an early win is a superb way to put you at the forefront of everyone's mind, and it stands you in good stead for the future. This helps to improve your reputation with clients and colleagues and also demonstrates your abilities.

It does not need to be a company-changing win. You're certainly not expected to achieve any massive new successes. However, it should be something positive such as completing a project well ahead of the deadline while still being superb. 

Make Notes

As a tax specialist, you will need to deal with a lot of different, and sometimes conflicting information. This is why note-taking is crucial, even if the notes are not immediately relevant to you. 

It's essential to write down every musing, idea, and question you have so you can refer back to it later on. You might have a great solution to a problem, but that solution is not possible just yet. Making notes now to materialise later will prevent that horrible feeling of knowing you had a solution, if only you had written it down, to begin with. 

Follow Through With Commitments

Michael Watkins suggests in his book 'The First 90 Days' that self-management is crucial to making an impact, and following through with commitments is the best way to do this. If you say you are going to do something, then do it. Don't take on projects that are out of your comfort zone just because you want to impress and certainly don't over-promise the work you can do. 

The early transition period can be tricky. You are adjusting to a new environment and schedule. By ensuring you manage yourself properly, you'll have a better and more organised time delivering what you promised. 

Learn Patterns

While you may not understand everything about your new tax job immediately, you can start to look for patterns in the office. If you can start recognising patterns through selective attention, you'll understand which projects and tasks are most important. You'll also be able to anticipate when something demands your attention. 

Over time, these patterns will become second nature to you. You will not need to relearn them every week. You can take on new responsibilities with greater ease. 

In Conclusion - Make An Impact

Your first 90 days in any job will set the tone for the rest of your career. Whether you are making your first move or are experienced professional switching careers, it's essential to know how to make an impact. 

Creating a great impression with your new employer will guarantee you are first in line for interesting work and progression. 

Read the notes above and create a short plan of action for your first  90 days. 

Good luck with your new tax career and the next 90 days and beyond!