It's tough out there in job-hunting land right now. There are fewer jobs on offer and as a result, more people are competing for them.

Job hunting is stressful enough as it is. In fact, job search depression is a real thing that can affect people in a few ways. A prolonged hunt can make you feel down, anxious, or pessimistic. After all, it's hard to keep your chin up when you're getting rejected or ghosted by hiring managers.

It can be easy to fall into a negative mindset. You might worry you'll never get another job, or you might begin to question your skills and competencies. Your confidence may take a knock, and it can take a while to get over that.

With all those additional candidates in the job market, that means that getting an interview is becoming harder too. So when it comes to actually getting a hard-won job offer, it is understandable that some people will feel a little nervous.

Those previous months of job hunting highs and lows may make you feel worried about how you'll perform in your new role. The first 90 days of a new job are your opportunity to make a positive impression, adapt to the new environment, and build strong relationships, so getting your first three months right matters.

The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to hit the ground running, even if you're a bit nervous going into a new job.

As soon as you can, schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss their expectations of you, and to understand your key responsibilities. Ask about short-term goals for the next 30, 60, and 90 days.

Following that create a 30/60/90 day plan, where you'll outline what you want to accomplish in each of the first three months. This gives you a roadmap to work off, and shows a proactive approach from your first day.

Make sure that you focus on the most critical tasks that align with the goals you discussed with your manager, and ask for a weekly check-in so you can make sure you're approaching things the right way.

Making a good first impression counts, so take the time to meet your colleagues, understand their roles, and find out how you can support each other. This is especially important if you're moving into a management role.

If your role is cross-functional, make sure to meet your colleagues across departments. Not only does this help you to understand the bigger picture, it'll also ensure you'll build a network of allies.

You can also identify key stakeholders. Find out who has a say in your projects, and who you will need to collaborate with frequently, because building a rapport with them can make your job easier.

Office and company culture are important parts of the world of work, and are elements that you should pay close attention to.

Look at how people communicate, make decisions, and interact with one another both in person and remotely. Additionally, every organisation has unwritten rules about things like communication style, meeting etiquette, and work hours.

For example, if everyone has their camera on during a remote call, then you should too. When you start your new role, it can take some time to figure it all out, but you can watch how things are done, and then follow these norms as best you can.

Being a team player and a nice person to work with matters almost as much as your ability to do the job well and meet (or exceed) your targets. If you make sure that you consistently meet deadlines, deliver quality work, and follow through on your commitments during your first 90 days, you'll build a great foundation for the rest of your time in the job.

Don't be afraid to ask questions when you're unsure about specifics. This shows you're engaged and willing to learn, and is also a good way to understand the mechanics of how the business works.

You can also identify ways to improve processes or tasks based on your previous experience. Look for manageable opportunities to make improvements or add value, but be careful not to step on anyone's toes, or come off as overly critical of the way things are done.

You may have used task management software in a previous role that you can see would also work well in your new job, for example. Or, you may have experience with AI tools that can save your team lots of time.

A new role can feel overwhelming at the start, so by keeping a positive attitude and showing resilience in the face of challenges across your first 90 days, you'll build a reputation for organisation, reliability, and professionalism.

Discover a great new job on the Metro Job Board, which has thousands of roles all across the UK.