Master Your First 90 Days: The Ultimate 30-60-90 Day Plan for Career Success

What Is a 30-60-90 Day Plan?

Starting a new job can feel like drinking from a fire hose. There’s a lot to learn, new systems to navigate, and, of course, the pressure to perform. That’s where the 30-60-90 day plan comes in. It’s a structured roadmap designed to help new hires succeed by breaking down the first three months into manageable chunks.

Here’s the framework:

• 30 Days (Learning Phase): The first 30 days are all about absorbing information. You’ll spend this time learning about the company, understanding your role, and getting familiar with the team. This phase is crucial for understanding the culture and setting the stage for what’s to come.
• 60 Days (Planning Phase): Once you’ve absorbed the basics, the next 30 days are about planning. You’ll start setting goals, identifying areas where you can contribute, and building strategies for how you’ll tackle challenges. You’re no longer just learning; you’re starting to map out how you’ll make an impact.
• 90 Days (Execution Phase): By the third month, it’s all about execution. You’ll take everything you’ve learned and planned and put it into action. You’ll take ownership of projects, make decisions, and start delivering results. This phase is where you show what you’re capable of, driving value for your team and the company.

Why the 30-60-90 Day Plan Is Important

The 30-60-90 day plan helps set clear milestones and performance expectations right from the start. Instead of feeling lost or overwhelmed, new hires can track their progress and understand exactly what’s expected of them. It’s a powerful tool that allows for steady growth and development while making sure that the transition into the role is smooth and intentional.

For companies, it’s an investment in their new hires’ success. This structured approach ensures that employees aren’t thrown in the deep end without support. They’re given a clear progression path that helps them adjust and become productive quickly.

Adapting Quickly in Roles Like IT Manager or Sales

In roles like IT manager or sales, the 30-60-90 day plan is especially helpful. For example, an IT manager needs to quickly learn the systems and tools the company uses, assess the current state of IT infrastructure, and create a plan for improvement—all within the first 90 days. Similarly, a 30-60-90 day sales plan helps new salespeople get up to speed by setting clear goals for learning the product, understanding customer needs, and ultimately driving sales.

Whether you’re preparing for a new job or structuring your own team’s onboarding, having a 30-60-90 day plan template can make a huge difference. It’s a simple, actionable guide that keeps everyone on track while ensuring that no key tasks are overlooked.

In short, this plan isn’t just for the first three months—it sets the foundation for long-term success. Whether you’re preparing for an interview and want to showcase how you’ll approach your new role or you’re managing new hires, having a solid plan can ensure that everyone gets off to a great start.

30-60-90 Day Plan Template: A Universal Structure

A 30-60-90 day plan is a strategic framework that helps new hires transition smoothly into their roles by breaking down the first three months into clear phases. Whether you’re starting a new role or structuring onboarding for your team, this template can provide a universal structure that sets you up for success.

30 Days (Learn and Integrate)

• Focus: Understanding the role, company culture, and tools.
• The first 30 days are all about getting familiar with your environment. You’ll want to absorb as much information as possible about the company, your team, and the systems you’ll be using. This phase is about laying the groundwork for success by learning everything you can.
• Example Action Items:
  • Meet with your team to understand individual roles and responsibilities.
  • Complete the company’s onboarding process (HR policies, compliance, etc.).
  • Get hands-on with key software tools (project management systems, CRM, remote communication tools).
• Tip for Remote Workers: A good quality headset will ensure your virtual meetings and calls are crystal clear. Proper communication is key, and clear audio can make all the difference in a remote work setting.

60 Days (Plan and Engage)

• Focus: Start taking on more responsibility, implement minor improvements.
• After you've spent the first month learning, the next 30 days are about taking on more responsibility and actively engaging with your team. At this stage, you should start thinking about how you can add value and implement small improvements to your workflow. The goal is to move from observer to contributor.
• Example Action Items:
  • Begin handling key tasks and projects, gradually increasing your workload.
  • Collaborate more actively with team members and offer insights.
  • Present your initial plans or ideas to supervisors for feedback.
• Tip for IT Managers: At this stage, you’ll want to ensure your team has the right tech for communication. Video conferencing cameras can make virtual project meetings smoother and more effective, helping you lead more productive discussions.

90 Days (Execute and Deliver)

• Focus: Own key projects, show your impact, and set long-term goals.
• By the time you reach the 90-day mark, it’s time to own major projects and demonstrate your impact. This phase is about taking full responsibility for your work and driving results. You should start focusing on long-term goals and continue building relationships within your team.
• Example Action Items:
  • Lead team initiatives and take responsibility for major deliverables.
  • Review your progress with your manager and adjust plans as needed.
  • Set clear long-term goals based on what you’ve learned so far and where you can add the most value.

30-60-90 Day Plan for Interviews

When you're preparing for an interview, showcasing your ability to hit the ground running can make a lasting impression. A well-thought-out plan for interviews demonstrates your preparedness, ambition, and understanding of what it takes to succeed in the role. It shows the interviewer that you’ve already thought through how you’ll approach the position and contribute to the company from day one.

First 30 Days: Focus on Learning and Integration

Your first month should focus on understanding the company’s culture, workflows, and key performance metrics. This is your time to absorb everything you can about the business, your team, and your role.

• Example Actions:
  • Meet with team members to understand individual roles and expectations.
  • Familiarize yourself with the company’s internal systems, processes, and software tools.
  • Learn about key performance indicators (KPIs) and how success is measured in your department.

60 Days: Begin Proposing Improvements and Taking Ownership

By the time you reach the 60-day mark, you should be taking on more responsibility and identifying areas where you can contribute. Start proposing improvements and taking charge of smaller projects that will make a positive impact.

• Example Actions:
  • Take ownership of a small project or task and demonstrate your ability to handle it.
  • Collaborate more with team members and present ideas for improvement.
  • Begin identifying challenges in the workflow and suggest solutions that can help streamline processes.

90 Days: Take Full Ownership and Deliver Measurable Results

By day 90, you should be fully integrated into the team and taking ownership of key projects. At this stage, your focus should be on delivering measurable results and aligning with long-term goals.

• Example Actions:
  • Lead a major project or initiative and ensure that it’s completed successfully.
  • Measure your progress and review your achievements with your manager.
  • Set long-term goals and identify areas for continued improvement.

How Tech Tools Can Play a Key Role

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven workplace, the right tools can make all the difference. As part of your plan, make sure to mention how tech tools will help you perform the job effectively. Whether you’re in a sales role, managing a team, or working in IT, leveraging the right tools is essential for staying organized and productive.

• A good quality headset: Ensuring clear communication during virtual meetings or sales calls will be essential for success in any remote or hybrid work environment.
• Video conferencing cameras: Especially important for teams that rely on remote collaboration, having a reliable conferencing system can improve project meetings and client presentations, making your contributions stand out.

30-60-90 Day Plan for IT Managers

For IT Managers, the first 90 days in a new role are critical for setting the foundation for success. The challenges are unique because you're not only stepping into an established environment, but you also have to quickly assess the systems, the team, and the company’s overall technological needs. A well-structured plan can guide you through these initial months, helping you adapt to your new role, solve problems efficiently, and build strategies for long-term success.

30 Days: Understand the IT Infrastructure and Team Dynamics

Your first month should be all about familiarizing yourself with the current IT infrastructure and understanding the dynamics of your team. You'll need to assess existing systems, tools, and processes to gain an understanding of where things stand. Building relationships with your team members and key stakeholders is also crucial, as they will be key to your success.

Key Focus Areas:

• Meet with your team and department heads to understand their challenges and priorities.
• Learn the company’s IT infrastructure, systems, and software.
• Get up to speed on ongoing projects and any immediate issues that need attention.
• Identify any knowledge gaps within the team that you may need to address.

Example Actions:

• Conduct one-on-one meetings with team members to understand their roles and pain points.
• Review the company’s IT roadmap and system architecture.
• Familiarize yourself with the company’s cybersecurity protocols and current tech stack.

60 Days: Assess Current Systems and Start Planning Upgrades or Fixes

By the 60-day mark, you'll have a deeper understanding of the systems in place and be ready to assess the existing IT setup. This phase is all about analyzing current systems, identifying areas for improvement, and starting to plan upgrades, fixes, or new strategies. You'll begin developing your plan for IT infrastructure changes and work closely with your team to ensure that everyone is aligned.

Key Focus Areas:

• Assess the performance and efficiency of current systems and technologies.
• Begin to identify and prioritize areas that need improvement, such as software updates or hardware upgrades.
• Start laying out a roadmap for the next steps in your team’s development.
• Begin fostering a proactive, problem-solving mindset within your team.

Example Actions:

• Conduct system audits and identify potential security risks or bottlenecks in the IT workflow.
• Start drafting an IT strategy plan that includes upgrades, security improvements, or efficiency measures.
• Align with other departments to ensure the IT department’s goals support the overall business objectives.

90 Days: Implement Solutions and Establish Long-Term Strategies

By the time you hit the 90-day mark, you should be ready to implement the solutions and strategies you’ve developed. It’s time to take full ownership of major projects, address critical issues, and begin working on long-term IT goals. At this stage, you should also focus on improving team dynamics and ensuring that everyone is working towards a unified vision for the company’s IT future.

Key Focus Areas:

• Implement solutions to improve system performance, security, or team collaboration.
• Establish long-term IT strategies that align with the company’s overall goals.
• Start planning for future technology initiatives, such as cloud adoption or digital transformation efforts.

Example Actions:

• Lead the implementation of new technologies or system updates.
• Begin rolling out an IT training program for staff to enhance skills and efficiency.
• Monitor the progress of your projects and assess their impact on business outcomes.

By following a structured plan, IT Managers can effectively navigate their initial months, addressing immediate needs while laying the foundation for long-term success. This plan will help you build trust within your team, identify key areas for improvement, and develop strategies to drive meaningful change in your organization.

30-60-90 Day Sales Plan

For salespeople, the first 90 days in a new role are pivotal to setting a strong foundation for success. A 30-60-90 day sales plan helps sales professionals stay focused, develop essential skills, and drive results early on. This structured approach allows you to gradually ramp up your responsibilities, from learning the product to closing deals and exceeding sales targets.

30 Days: Learn the Product Inside-Out and Understand the Sales Process

The first month is all about immersion. Understanding the product or service you're selling is critical—without this knowledge, it will be difficult to persuade potential customers. Additionally, you’ll need to get acquainted with the company’s sales process, tools, and CRM system. During this phase, your goal is to learn everything you can, while also building relationships with your team members and managers.

Key Focus Areas:

• Get familiar with the product features, benefits, and how it addresses customer pain points.
• Learn the company’s sales process, CRM system, and customer lifecycle.
• Study the target market and ideal customer profiles.
• Shadow experienced salespeople to understand how they close deals and handle objections.

Example Actions:

• Participate in product training sessions and review product documentation.
• Meet with the sales manager to understand sales targets, KPIs, and team expectations.
• Begin practicing your sales pitch and techniques through mock calls or role-playing.

Tip for Salespeople: "In sales, effective communication is key, and a high-quality headset will help you make a lasting impression on calls. Whether it’s a one-on-one consultation or a group pitch, clear communication builds trust and credibility."

60 Days: Build Relationships and Refine Your Sales Pitch

By the second month, you should begin interacting with clients and building relationships. Start refining your sales pitch based on feedback and observations from the first month. At this stage, you're still learning, but you should be transitioning into a more active role in the sales process.

Key Focus Areas:

• Establish rapport with potential clients, understanding their needs and challenges.
• Start practicing your pitch with real clients, fine-tuning it to match their pain points.
• Observe successful sales reps and adopt their strategies.
• Begin managing smaller deals or assisting senior salespeople with larger deals.

Example Actions:

• Make initial outreach calls to prospective clients or follow up on leads.
• Attend client meetings or calls with more senior reps to observe how they handle negotiations.
• Start tracking your client interactions in the CRM system to stay organized.

90 Days: Close Deals, Reach Sales Targets, and Solidify Relationships

By the third month, you should be aiming to close your first few deals and contribute to meeting the team’s sales targets. At this point, you’ve built relationships and have a strong understanding of the sales process, so it’s time to take full ownership of your pipeline. This is where you can begin to show the tangible results of your efforts.

Key Focus Areas:

• Take ownership of your pipeline and start closing deals.
• Solidify relationships with existing clients by providing excellent service and follow-ups.
• Start hitting sales targets and work towards exceeding them.
• Begin developing strategies for long-term customer retention and growth.

Example Actions:

• Close your first few deals and document the process for future reference.
• Follow up with clients to ensure satisfaction and identify potential upsell opportunities.
• Work with the sales team to brainstorm and implement strategies for hitting team goals.

By following the plan, you’ll set yourself up for success in your new role. With a clear structure, you'll be able to quickly gain product knowledge, build client relationships, and drive results—all while keeping your focus on meeting and exceeding sales targets.

FAQs

Q: What should I focus on when preparing a 30-60-90 day plan for an interview? 

A: When crafting a plan for an interview, emphasize your approach in three key phases: learning, planning, and executing. In the first 30 days, focus on familiarizing yourself with the company culture and workflows. For the next 30 days, propose solutions or process improvements. By the 90-day mark, take charge of key projects and demonstrate your leadership skills.

Q: How can a 30-60-90 day plan benefit sales professionals? 

A: This plan is a powerful tool for sales roles as it helps break down the learning curve into manageable phases. In the initial 30 days, you’ll focus on understanding the product and mastering the sales process. Over the next 30 days, you’ll begin building relationships with clients. By the final 30 days, aim to close deals and meet or exceed sales targets.

Q: How can I tailor my 30-60-90 day plan if I work remotely? 

A: For remote work, it’s important to adapt your plan to ensure effective communication and productivity. In the first 30 days, prioritize mastering the tools you’ll rely on for seamless virtual meetings. As you move forward, ensure your tech stack is optimized and that you maintain consistent, clear communication with your team.