What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

No matter if you’re going on your first interview for the job or are on your second, or even third, you should prepare for the possibility to be asked for a 30/60/90 day plan.

While some interviewers may be looking for your distinct 3-month plan, most are asking this question to check your understanding of the job, some of the duties that it entails and, most important of all, if you can perform them effectively. They want to find out if you can fit into their company easily and if your vision for the role is in-sync with theirs.

• Think of how have you instated yourself into companies in the past.
• How have your typical 30, 60, and 90 first days looked like in previous positions?
• Think of 3 skills you bring to the table in the first few days at a company. Do you learn fast? Do you stay late? These are all things that employers want to hear!

Points to Emphasize

Responding to this question is the perfect opportunity to highlight your skills, your ambition and your desire to land this job.

• Tailor your answer to things that the interviewer has mentioned throughout your conversation in terms of job duties, etc.
• Mention your desire to get up to speed quickly with your future superiors and coworkers.
• Ease your hiring manager’s mind that employing you will keep things running smoothly.
• Highlight your fast learning abilities, how comfortably you can fit in, your ease of solving problems that arise, etc.

When the hiring manager asks you this question, be sure to answer honestly and confidently to give the best impression.

• What tasks do you expect to be given in the first few months? Sort these tasks into 30, 60, and 90 day goal expectations
• What do you bring to the table that will make your first months stand out?
• Write down your goals for each 30, 60 and 90 day mark, and practice saying it

Mistakes You Should Avoid

Just like there are highlights that you need to emphasize when answering this question, there are also mistakes that can easily be made.

• Don’t forget to do your homework about the company and actual position before showing up to the interview.
• Don’t get too specific on actual changes you would make and certain tasks you would perform.
• Do not give a run of the mill answer that can be given by any potential candidate.
• Don’t get too personal; this question is about your understanding of the company, not about your personal life.

Avoiding these common mistakes will enable you to come out on top of a successful interview.

• Research the company and try to figure out what they value in new employees. Do they want someone who will fit in quickly to the team? Are they looking for someone to impose discipline?
• Figure out how you can adapt your strengths to their expectations.
• Decide how to answer this question in a clear, concise way. Edit out any details that you feel are too personal, or too in depth.

Sample Answer

Answer this 30/60/90 day plan question by following this framework below:

“After speaking with you, and doing some research into your company, I have a few things in mind that I would love to implement in my first three months on the job. I know that my ability to learn quickly and mesh easily with others will aid to both my success and the company’s. I’m looking forward to working with my superiors to keep things running smoothly through my transition.”

Remember that now is the time to stand out to your potential employer when answering this question.

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.