Your first 90 days in a Canadian workplace guide

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PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS
Your first 90 days in a Canadian workplace guide

As a newcomer, you’ve likely focused on landing a job—but what happens once you’ve got one? The first 90 days are crucial for establishing yourself within your new organization. If approached strategically, this period offers a chance to build a strong foundation for your long-term success.

Here is a guide based on an article by LinkedIn creator Austin Belcak and Indeed Canada to help you make the most of your first 90 days:

1. Set up meetings with VIPs
Austin says being new can actually be an advantage. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with people across the organization because, since you're new, people will be more open to meeting with you.

✅ Make a list of key people to meet (e.g., your manager, peers, leaders on other teams) and track this information in a spreadsheet.

✅ Set up introductory meetings with these VIPs, and use this time to learn about the team dynamics, priorities, and workplace culture.

2. Ask the right questions
Asking thoughtful questions helps you quickly understand your team’s goals and challenges while showing you're proactive.

Great questions to ask according to Austin:

• What are you and the team currently working on?

• If there’s one thing that could make your job easier, what would it be?

• What’s your best piece of advice for someone starting in this role?

✅ Record the answers in your spreadsheet, along with personal notes about your colleagues (e.g., hobbies, personal goals, family) to help build relationships.

3. Identify common themes and take action
Look for recurring answers or patterns in the feedback you receive. Are there common challenges that you could help solve?

✅ Create a plan to address these common issues, and bring your ideas back to the team. This shows initiative and can quickly establish you as someone who adds value.

➡️ For more information, check out Austin’s post and the Indeed Canada article.

CAREER COACH Q & A

Q: How can I learn about my colleagues' working styles?

A: During one-on-one meetings, ask colleagues about their preferred methods of communication (email, chat, meetings) and work habits (collaborative vs. independent work). This can help you tailor your interactions to fit their styles.

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WELCOME ABOARD
Newcomer Friendly Job Listings

• Electrical Project Engineer, Mississauga, ON

• Construction Manager, Delta, BC

• Marketing Manager, Mississauga, ON

• Veterinarian, Comox, BC

• Long Haul Truck Driver, ​​Surrey, BC

• Ophthalmologist, Miramichi, NB

• Family Doctor, Nepean, ON

• Carpenter, Port Coquitlam, BC

• Web Developer, Richmond, BC

• Plumber, Burnaby, BC

*all job postings available at time of email publication

LEARN THE LINGO
Phrases to use in a job interview

While it’s important to know how to answer specific interview questions, there are a few key phrases that help set the tone of the interview. If you can genuinely convey these sentiments and support them with relevant examples and stories, you’ll set yourself up for success.

✅ "I admire [company's] commitment to [specific value/initiative]."
This phrase demonstrates your knowledge of the company. Ultimately, an interviewer wants to see if you understand and can meet the challenges within the organization.

✅ "My goal is to streamline processes and improve outcomes for your team."
A common mistake is for candidates to focus solely on their ability to learn. While learning is important, it diverts attention from the real question: can this person bring value? Make sure you emphasize your ability to contribute positively early on.

✅ "By using [skill], I improved [metric] by [percentage]."
Instead of simply listing your skills or describing yourself with adjectives, this statement shows the hiring manager how your skills have driven results in past projects.

Incorporating these phrases into your interview responses can help you stand out by clearly showcasing your value and understanding of the company. Remember, it's not just about what you say but how well you can back it up with real examples. Best of luck in your next interview!