What Do You See Yourself Doing Within The First 30 Days Of This Job?

During a job interview, the hiring manager may ask you a question like, “What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days of this job” or, “What would you like to accomplish when you’re first hired”

The hiring manager asks this question to gauge how you will fit into the company. The first 30 days can demonstrate a worker’s overall attitude and how he will get along with coworkers and management. It also often demonstrates how he will approach his job duties.

Points to Emphasize

When you answer this question, you’ll want to demonstrate your willingness to take in your existing environment.

• Mention your interest in learning from others who have been on the job longer.
• Say that you’d like to get a thorough understanding of the current processes through observing and asking questions when necessary.
• Discuss your initiative in learning quickly and performing your work to the best of your ability.
• Demonstrate your willingness to put in extra time and effort in order to get yourself familiarized with the new workplace.

The first 30 days are about acclimating yourself to the workplace, so you should emphasize your ability to learn and adapt.

Mistakes You Should Avoid

If you’re not prepared for this question, there is a good chance you won’t be able to think of an answer or will respond incorrectly. Follow these guidelines in order to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes:

• • Unless the job specifically calls for it, avoid focusing on overhauling the current work environment or procedures.
  • Don’t state unrealistic goals and plans, as doing so will make you look overconfident.
  • Don’t mention that you would like to observe passively, since it could make you sound self-effacing.
  • Saying you’re not sure can give off the impression that you lack a clear direction.

The interviewer wants to make sure that you will transition well into the established workplace, so you’ll want to avoid extreme answers.

Sample Answer

A great answer to a question regarding your first 30 days on the job could sound like the following:

During my first 30 days, I would like to learn as much as I can from my supervisors and coworkers. Through observation, asking questions when needed, and performing my duties hands on, I would like to develop a thorough understanding of the workplace and my particular job duties.

The most important part of this answer is to reassure the hiring manager that you have the company’s best interests at heart and will work accordingly with respect and dedication.

Popular Interview Questions