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Partnering with SME companies throughout East Anglia, Michelle Denny Recruitment is a recruitment agency which specialises in personalised recruitment consultancy services in Norfolk and Suffolk to help you discover that elusive new member of staff at a budget that suits you.

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With different campaign options to meet your requirements and innovative marketing strategies to captivate worthy candidates, we'll present you with a refreshing, no-fuss approach to recruitment. Whether you need a comprehensive recruitment drive with full support, or a simple campaign to find you candidates to review in-house, we'll work with you as an extension of your team, to understand your business and the people within it. 

Clients

THIS WAY TO HIRE

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We'll introduce you to companies with job opportunities across Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond that share your values and understand your career aspirations so you can feel confident in your job search. With guidance, support, constructive feedback and consistent communication as standard throughout our approach, Michelle Denny Recruitment Consultancy looks beyond your CV to discover what makes you, you!

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With a clear direction, straightforward application process and ongoing recommendations, we’ll provide you with the ultimate match-making service to help you find the right job, in the right company, with the right team. Learn more, view our current vacancies and upload your CV to register for upcoming roles too.

Candidates

THIS WAY TO A NEW JOB

How to Make an Impact in Your First 90 Days

  • Michelle Denny
  • Aug 10
  • 4 min read

Practical advice for candidates - whether you're starting out or stepping into a senior role.


Starting a new job always brings a mix of emotions. Whether it’s your first step into work or the first time you’ve changed roles in years, there’s often a quiet question running in the background:


“How do I show I’m the right person for this job - without trying too hard or getting it wrong?”


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At MDR Consultancy, we’ve supported people at every stage of their career, and we know that those first few months matter more than most people realise. Not because you need to be perfect, but because it's when you build your reputation, establish trust, and start shaping how others see you.


This isn’t about proving yourself by day three. It’s about being intentional, understanding the culture, learning where you can add value, and presenting in a way that is authentic and feels like you.


Whether you’re managing a team or joining one, here’s our grounded approach to making an impact in your first 90 days.


The Role of the First 90 Days


Most employers won’t expect you to hit full stride right away, but they will be forming impressions. The first few months are often a time of informal assessment: how do you work? What’s your attitude? Do you listen? Take initiative? Fit into the pace and values of the business?


This phase isn’t about being perfect or flashy it’s about being present.


You’re not just learning the job. You’re learning how that job fits into the team, the culture, and the bigger picture.


A Practical Way to Think About It: 30 / 60 / 90


Days 1–30: Observe, Ask, Absorb


  • Learn the landscape. Who does what? How do things get decided? What are the unspoken norms?

  • Ask good questions. It’s a strength not a weakness to be curious. Don’t wait for formal training to understand what matters.

  • Take notes. Not just on tasks, but on tone: how do people work here? Where could things be clearer or smoother?

  • Introduce yourself with intention. Speak to people outside your team, when possible, you’re not just a new name, you’re part of the business now.


Tip: Not wanting to teach you to suck eggs but, if you're stepping into a management role, resist the urge to make big changes straight away. Use this time to understand how things work and why.


Days 31–60: Start Contributing, Stay Curious


  • Look for ways to add value. Whether it’s picking up a process, improving a task, or helping someone out contribution builds credibility.

  • Connect the dots. Start joining what you’ve observed with what you’re doing. Spot patterns, issues, or opportunities.

  • Give and seek feedback. This isn’t about formality just check in. “Am I on the right track?” goes a long way.

  • Share your progress. It’s not about self-promotion it’s about communication. People like to know you’re settling in and contributing.


Manager or not, this is the phase where people want to see your confidence grow. Let it show in how you carry yourself and how you connect with others.


Days 61–90: Show Direction and Momentum


  • Start leading your role. By now, you should have a sense of where you’re heading and the confidence to shape your own contribution.

  • Bring ideas — carefully. If something doesn’t quite work, raise it constructively. Thoughtful insight shows you’re not just ‘new’, you’re engaged.

  • Review and reflect. Look back at what you’ve learned, done, and still want to improve. Ask yourself: “Where do I want to be by month six?”

  • Continue connecting. Don’t stop building relationships. This is how collaboration and trust develop over time.


If you're feeling like you're only just finding your feet at day 90 that's okay. Every role and every culture is different. The point isn’t to ‘finish’ onboarding. It’s to begin with purpose.

 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid (And What to Do Instead)

Pitfall

Do this instead

Trying to prove yourself too quickly

Focus on building trust through listening and small, useful contributions

Saying yes to everything

Be thoughtful offer help where it matters, not everywhere at once

Staying too quiet for too long

It’s normal to be cautious, but you’re part of the team now don’t wait too long to speak up

Expecting it to feel right straight away

Give yourself space to adjust. Settling in takes time

What Success Really Looks Like by Day 90


Forget trying to tick every box. What really matters is that you’ve:


-Built a foundation of trust

-Contributed something meaningful

-Asked smart questions

-Started building strong relationships

-Felt your own confidence begin to grow


If you’ve done those things you’re exactly where you need to be.


Final Thought


You don’t need to reinvent the wheel in your first 90 days. You don’t need to be the loudest, fastest, or most impressive. You just need to be present, intentional, and open to learning.

Whether you're navigating a first job or a step into something more senior, it’s okay not to know it all. What matters is how you show up.


And if you’d like a sounding board along the way whether it’s career advice, interview prep or helping you shape what’s next the team at MDR is always here.

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