A practical roadmap for your first 90 days at a new job in Israel: onboarding strategies, relationship building, and setting yourself up for long-term success.
First 90 Days at a New Job — Success Guide
Starting a new job is exciting but can be overwhelming. Whether you're joining a startup or a multinational in Israel, a structured approach to your first 90 days will set you up for long-term success.
Days 1–30: Listen and Learn
Your first month is about absorption, not revolution.
- Understand the product — Use the product yourself. Read documentation. Understand the customer journey inside and out.
- Learn the codebase / systems — If you're in a technical role, spend time reading code, understanding architecture decisions, and setting up your dev environment.
- Map the organization — Identify key stakeholders, decision-makers, and subject-matter experts. Understand reporting lines and team dynamics.
- Take notes obsessively — You'll never have fresh eyes again. Document things that seem confusing or inefficient — they may become improvement opportunities later.
- Schedule 1:1 meetings — Meet with your manager, teammates, and cross-functional partners. In Israeli culture, people appreciate directness — don't be shy about reaching out.
Days 30–60: Start Contributing
By month two, you should be actively delivering value.
- Pick up meaningful tasks — Go beyond onboarding tickets. Volunteer for projects that stretch your skills.
- Ask for feedback — Don't wait for formal reviews. Israeli work culture values direct communication, so ask your manager and peers how you're doing.
- Identify quick wins — Fix a bug, improve a process, update outdated documentation. Small wins build credibility fast.
- Deepen relationships — Join lunch groups, attend team events, and participate in company traditions. Social bonds matter in Israeli workplaces.
Days 60–90: Take Ownership
Your third month is when you transition from newcomer to contributor.
- Propose improvements — By now you understand the landscape. Present data-backed suggestions for process or product improvements.
- Set 6-month goals — Work with your manager to define clear objectives for the next quarter. Align on expectations and success metrics.
- Build your internal brand — Present your work at team meetings. Share knowledge. Be the person others come to for help in your area.
- Reflect on fit — Honestly evaluate whether the role, team, and company align with your career goals. It's better to address concerns early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to change everything in the first week
- Staying silent in meetings (especially in Israel, where speaking up is expected)
- Not investing in relationships with teammates
- Overcommitting before you understand the workload
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