First 90 days in a new job: responsibilities and training

The first 90 days in a new job become easier when you clarify responsibilities, training and priorities. Ask for specific goals and regular conversations with your manager. The plan below is a practical suggestion, not a timetable required by law.

What should you clarify before you start?

You should know who you will meet, where you need to be and what you need on your first day. Also ask for the name of the person who will train you.

A short message may be enough: “I look forward to starting. When and where should I arrive? Who will welcome me?” Ask about clothing, equipment and any documents. Do not buy expensive work equipment before clarifying who will pay.

Your workplace may have different routines from previous jobs. A small shop, a nursing home and an office need different plans. The guide to Norwegian workplace culture provides background. Use specific questions to find out what applies to you.

Find your employment contract before starting. Distinguish agreed terms from practical instructions. A friendly spoken conversation does not replace clarification about working hours or duties.

What should you ask during the first week?

Clarify which tasks you need to learn, who you can ask and what good work looks like. You also need information about safety and internal procedures.

Arbeidstilsynet, the authority that supervises working environments, explains the employer’s training responsibilities⁠. As of 4 October 2026, training must suit the work and be understandable to the employee.

For example, ask:

• “What are my most important tasks this week?”
• “Can you show me an example of a good result?”
• “Who should I ask when you are unavailable?”
• “What can I do on my own, and what needs approval?”
• “How do I report errors or hazards?”

Write brief notes. Store them in an approved system when they contain work information. Ask for help with access before sharing documents or customer information.

How can you show initiative without going too far?

Show initiative by proposing a solution and clarifying responsibility before acting. Independence does not mean guessing rules or taking risks.

A useful question is: “I suggest doing this first. Is that within my responsibility?” This shows both thought and respect for boundaries. Once the manager has clarified the task, you can carry it out and report back.

If you will use machinery, give medication or handle confidential information, you must follow the necessary requirements and procedures. Experience from another country does not automatically mean you can perform every task in Norway.

An improvement suggestion can also wait. First see how your colleagues work. Ask why the procedure exists. It may solve a problem you do not yet know about. Instead, write: “I see a possible improvement. Can we discuss it once I have learned the process?”

How do you make a plan for 30, 60 and 90 days?

Divide learning into small steps with goals, support and a follow-up date. The numbers 30, 60 and 90 are suggestions that must fit the job.

A goal might be: “I should be able to register a normal order correctly.” Agree what “correctly” means. Consider using a checklist and a few examples together with the person training you.

The plan must suit shifts and actual training. It should not demand the same pace from everyone. If your contract includes a probation period, separate legal rules apply. A practical 90-day plan does not change that period.

What do you do when two tasks are urgent at the same time?

Give your manager an overview of the tasks and ask for a clear priority. Do not promise you can finish everything if that is unrealistic.

You can say: “I have tasks A and B with the same deadline. I can finish A today. Which should come first?” Also explain what might happen if something is postponed. Avoid turning responsibility into a conflict between colleagues.

If two managers give different instructions, write down both tasks. Ask them to clarify who decides the priority. Briefly confirm the solution afterwards.

Arbeidstilsynet discusses unclear and conflicting expectations⁠ as factors that can put strain on the working environment. Asking for clarification is therefore a reasonable question about organisation. It is not only a question of your effort.

How do you ask for training in a language you understand?

Explain specifically which instruction you do not understand and ask for another way to learn. For safe training, the language and explanation must be understandable.

You can say: “I understand the goal, but not every step. Can you show me once more?” Ask for pictures, a demonstration or a written list. Repeat the task in your own words: “So I first do this, and then this.”

Use Norwegian to learn new words if helpful, but do not pretend you understand a safety instruction. A translation app can help with ordinary text. It should not replace necessary explanations for dangerous work.

Agree who will check your work while you learn. Also ask when you can try again. Learning feels safer when it has clear steps.

What do you do if you have made a mistake?

Report it early, describe what happened and follow the workplace procedure. Do not hide the mistake or correct it in a way that creates a new risk.

A simple message is: “I found an error in the order. This is what I know. Who should I contact now?” Distinguish what you have seen from what you think may have happened.

Once the situation has been handled, ask what you can learn. You may need more training, a better checklist or a clearer instruction. Agree the change and follow it next time.

Checklist for the first months

You should be able to explain your tasks, the limits of your responsibility and where to get help. Go through the list with your manager if anything remains unclear.

• I know who provides training and follow-up.
• I have seen examples of the expected quality.
• I know the procedure for mistakes, absence and hazards.
• I know which tasks require approval.
• We have agreed our next conversation and necessary actions.

SamfunnPrep has a checklist for the first week in Norway. Use it alongside your job plan to make practical tasks easier to keep track of.