The Ultimate 30-60-90 Day Job Plan [Template + Examples]

Starting a new job can be overwhelming. I remember my nerves on my first day at HubSpot, filled with concerns about how quickly I’d adapt, manage my workload, and forge connections with my new teammates. Fortunately, having a structured plan can make a world of difference. Today, I’ll delve into crafting the best 30-60-90 day plan for your new job, using both templates and real-life examples to set you up for success.

To ease my transition into HubSpot, my exceptional manager provided a well-structured checklist tailored to each stage of the classic 30-60-90 day plan framework. Over time, this approach helped me thrive in my role.

Now, let’s explore how you can create the best 30-60-90 day plan for your new job, ensuring structured growth and success from day one.

Understanding a 30-60-90 Day Plan

Key Benefits of a 30-60-90 Day Plan

Meg Prater, HubSpot’s Senior Manager of Content, aptly states, “A solid plan gives folks a North Star to return to, with readings they can move through during slow periods, colleagues to meet, and training they‘ll receive. Setting clear expectations from an employee’s first day ensures alignment and focus, streamlining their initial weeks.”

• Define success parameters for the role
• Clarify expectations to streamline focus
• Empower new employees to manage workloads effectively

When to Develop a 30-60-90 Day Plan

There are two key scenarios for crafting a 30-60-90 day plan:

During the Interview Process

Some hiring managers ask candidates to outline a potential 30-60-90 day plan. This reflects your ability to organize, prioritize, and strategize based on the job description. Start with job responsibilities and qualifications to develop concrete goals.

During the First Week of Your New Job

If you’re not asked to create a plan, it’s still beneficial to develop one. This offers structure and helps you feel at ease in a new work environment. Collaborate with your manager to align your plan with company and personal goals.

Having a clear plan not only eases the transition into a new role but also lays the foundation for long-term career growth and success.

Elements of an Effective 30-60-90 Day Plan

An effective plan spans three phases—each with specific aims:

Primer

The primer provides an overview of what you aim to achieve during each 30-day period. Align this with both personal and organizational goals to set clear expectations.

Theme

The theme summarizes each phase in a sentence, such as “learn and absorb,” “take initiative,” or “lead.”

Learning Goals

Focus on acquiring or honing skills essential for your role. For content creators, this might involve mastering new SEO techniques or familiarizing yourself with company-specific writing styles.

Performance Goals

Set measurable objectives, like reaching a specific number of tasks or achieving certain performance metrics.

Initiative Goals

These goals encourage you to think outside the box and propose new ideas or take on additional responsibilities.

Personal Goals

These relate to how you integrate into the company culture, establish rapport with colleagues, and settle into your new team.

Creating Your 30-60-90 Day Plan

Understand Team Goals

Aligning your goals with your team’s objectives ensures mutual understanding and cohesive efforts.

Identify Top Priorities

Knowing what’s crucial for your team’s success helps you focus your efforts strategically.

Define Progress Metrics

Measure your success against clear, realistic benchmarks to track your development and productivity.

30-60-90 Day Plan Templates and Examples

For General Employees

Begin by absorbing company culture and procedures, gradually take on more responsibilities, and finally, aim to lead initiatives or improve existing processes.

For Managers

The focus lies on understanding team strengths, coaching direct reports, and improving budget management and operational efficiency.

Example Goals:

• Identify team strengths and weaknesses (first 30 days)
• Improve team performance through mentoring (next 30 days)
• Propose budget enhancements and strategic improvements (last 30 days)

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Initial Months

Developing a 30-60-90 day plan can significantly ease your transition into a new job, help you set and meet expectations, and lay the groundwork for career success. If such a plan guided me towards becoming a rockstar at my job, it can undoubtedly do the same for you.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in April 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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