Your guide to starting a job: Resources to help along the way

March 17, 2023

Starting a new job can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. Here are our recommendations for staying motivated, exploring your benefits and setting goals for your career, all based in an easy-to-follow timeline.

Congratulations! You’ve started a new job. This is an incredibly exciting time, but it can be overwhelming, too. From 401k contributions to insurance plans and knowing when to ask for a raise, there are many aspects to navigate when beginning your career or a new position. Keep this timeline in mind and don’t hesitate to use these resources to help guide the way.

 

0-3 Months:

  • Learn about your employer-sponsored retirement plan and set up contributions: It’s never too early to think about your retirement! Understanding what type of retirement plan your company offers (401(k), 403(b) or IRA), if your company matches contributions and to what amount, and how much you’re able to contribute to it per paycheck is extremely important.
  • Update your LinkedIn profile: Let your network know about your new position. Remember that it’s always a good time to grow and maintain your network of peers and mentors: you never know when you’ll need to reach out.
  • Get familiar with tax concepts and withholdings: Taxes aren’t exactly a fun thing to learn about, but they’re extremely important. Familiarize yourself with these tax terms, and take into consideration how much you’re withholding from your paycheck each month and if that amount is right for you.
  • Take a new coworker out for lunch or coffee: Tap into the established network at your new job and get to know the people around you! It’s a great opportunity to create both personal and professional connections and to add value to the team.
  • Research your insurance and healthcare plans: Most corporate positions come with some type of health insurance plan. While it’s important to research this before accepting the job, it’s also of interest to make sure the plan you’ve chosen is working for you and be aware of open enrollment periods in your company’s calendar.

 

3-6 months:

  • Set goals and stay motivated: Set yourself up for success and never stop learning. Take on new tasks in your day-to-day. Ask about attending networking events, skill workshops or industry conferences outside the organization. 
  • Consider an adjustment to your 401k: Now that you’re accustomed to your paycheck, examine your budget, lifestyle and paychecks. If you’re comfortable, consider increasing your tax-exempt contribution to your 401k or other employer-sponsored retirement plan.
  • Get involved with company clubs or volunteer opportunities: A healthy work environment includes comradery with co-workers. If there are options available and time allows, look for ways to get more involved in your company’s culture. You may meet new contacts and find a new passion.

 

12 months+:

  • Set up a yearly review with your manager: If your company doesn’t require a yearly review, don’t hesitate to set one up with your manager. It’s important to understand what you’re doing well at, what you can improve upon, and to let them know what aspects of the job are rewarding or frustrating for you. 
  • Consider asking for a raise: While asking for a raise can be uncomfortable, it’s important to recognize when and how to do so correctly. 
  • Explore networking events in your career field: Diversify your network by attending events that are happening in your area and around your career field. Meeting new connections and learning industry trends is an important part of your professional development. 
  • Update your resume to reflect your recent job duties: Now that you’ve been working in your position for a year, update your resume while your job duties are fresh in your mind.

 

Learn more about financial factors to consider when changing jobs.

Related content

Bank from home with these digital features

Crypto + Homebuying: Impacts on the real estate market

How to save for a wedding

Military homeownership: Your guide to resources, financing and more

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know your finances?

Break free from cash flow management constraints

Webinar: Uncover the cost: Home renovation

Webinar: Bank Notes: College cost comparison

Do I need a financial advisor?

Good debt vs. bad debt: Know the difference

Parent checklist: Preparing for college

30-day adulting challenge: Financial wellness tasks to complete in a month

Financial steps to take after the death of a spouse

Estate planning documents: Living trusts vs. will vs. living will

Do your investments match your financial goals?

Can fantasy football make you a better investor?

Annual insurance review checklist

A beginner's guide to investing

8 steps to choosing a health insurance plan

7 financial questions to consider when changing jobs

4 reasons why estate planning is important

6 tips for trust fund distribution to beneficiaries

5 unexpected retirement expenses

How to sell your business without emotions getting in the way

Webinar: 5 myths about emergency funds

Which is better: Combining bank accounts before marriage — or after?

Multiple accounts can make it easier to follow a monthly budget

5 financial goals for the new year

4 steps to finding a charity to support

Webinar: ESG for Corporations: Building an all-weather, long-lasting strategy

How to stop living paycheck to paycheck post-pay increase

Money Moments: 3 smart financial strategies when caring for aging parents

Financial gifts can be a valuable – and fun – choice for the holidays

What military service taught me about money management

5 steps to take before transitioning your business

Closing on a house checklist for buyers

Tips to overcome three common savings hurdles

Webinar: Train your brain for smart financial habits

Questions to ask before buying a car

Take the stress out of buying your teen a car

How to winterize your vehicle

Car shopping: Buying versus leasing your next vehicle

What you should know about buying a car

Buying or leasing? Questions to ask before signing a contract

What you need to know as the executor of an estate

Webinar: Mindset Matters: How to practice mindful spending

How to save money while helping the environment

What documents do you need after a loved one dies?

Retirement plan options for the self-employed

How to open and invest in a 529 plan

6 questions students should ask about checking accounts

Unexpected cost savings may be hiding in your payment strategy

Simple steps to be ready for a natural disaster

How I did it: Learned to budget as a single mom

10 ways to increase your home’s curb appeal

7 steps to prepare for the high cost of child care

3 ways to keep costs down at the grocery store (and make meal planning fun)

U.S. Bank asks: Transitioning out of college life? What’s next?

Make your business legit

How to build wealth at any age

Year-end financial checklist

Year end tax planning tips

11 essential things to do before baby comes

How grandparents can contribute to college funds instead of buying gifts

How to manage your finances when you're self-employed

Insource or outsource? 10 considerations

Multigenerational household financial planning strategies

Finance or operating lease? Deciphering the legalese of equipment finance

The A to Z’s of college loan terms

Essential financial resources and protections for military families

Friction: How it can help achieve money goals

How to manage money in the military: A veteran weighs in

Checklist: 10 questions to ask your home inspector

How to manage money tips

Working after retirement: Factors to consider

Using 529 plans for K-12 tuition

How to retire happy

What to consider before taking out a student loan

How to establish your business credit score

10 tips on how to run a successful family business

Adulting 101: How to make a budget plan

When your spouse has passed away: A three-month financial checklist

Is it time to get a shared bank account with your partner?

How can I help my student manage money?

5 tips for parents opening a bank account for kids

Key milestone ages as you near and start retirement

Reviewing your beneficiaries: A 5-step guide

Should I itemize my taxes?

Your 4-step guide to financial planning

Handling the finances of someone who has died: Terms and definitions

How to track expenses

How to use debt to build wealth

House Hacks: How buying an investment property worked as my first home

How I did it: Bought a home without a 20 percent down payment

Common pitfalls to avoid in the equipment financing process

The secret to successful service provider integration

ABCs of ARP: Answers to American Rescue Plan questions for counties

Talent acquisition 101: Building a small business dream team

How I did it: Turned my side hustle into a full-time job

Costs to consider when starting a business

How to test new business ideas

How to get started creating your business plan

The costs of hiring a new employee

How to expand your business: Does a new location make sense?

Meet your business credit card support team

How to choose the right business checking account

How to build a content team

LGBTQ+ financial planning tips

How to talk about money with your family

How to protect your digital assets in your estate plan

Retirement income planning: 4 steps to take

Preparing for retirement: 8 steps to take

LGBTQ+ retirement planning: What you need to know

The connection between your health and financial well-being

What is Medicare? Understanding your coverage options

3 types of insurance you shouldn’t ignore

7 things to know about long-term care insurance

Is a Health Savings Account missing from your retirement plan?

How I did it: Transitioned from the military to a private sector career

Investment strategies by age

Tips for navigating a medical hardship when you’re unable to work

Preparing for adoption and IVF

How to plan and save for adoption and in vitro fertility treatment costs

Resources for managing financial matters after an unexpected death

Checklist: financial recovery after a natural disaster

Rebuilding finances after a natural disaster

Webinar: Uncover the cost: College diploma

How I did it: Paid off student loans

From LLC to S-corp: Choosing a small business entity

Planning self-care moments that matter (and how to finance them)

6 pandemic money habits to keep for the long term

A who’s who at your local bank

Webinar: Uncover the cost: Wedding

Webinar: Uncover the cost: International trip

How having savings gives you peace of mind

Personal loans first-timer's guide: 7 questions to ask

3 awkward situations Zelle can help avoid

Do you and your fiancé have compatible financial goals?

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know what an overdraft is?

Personal finance for teens can empower your child

It's possible: 7 tips for breaking the spending cycle

Here’s how to create a budget for yourself

Don’t underestimate the importance of balancing your checking account

9 simple ways to save

Tips for working in the gig economy

How compound interest works

Dear Money Mentor: How do I set and track financial goals?

5 reasons why couples may have separate bank accounts

Lost job finance tips: What to do when you lose your job

Money management guide to financial independence

First-timer’s guide to savings account alternatives

Money Moments: 8 dos and don’ts for saving money in your 30s

Travel for less: Smart (not cheap) ways to spend less on your next trip

Money Moments: How to manage your finances after a divorce

What’s in your emergency fund?

What you need to know about renting

Dear Money Mentor: How do I pick a savings or checking account?

Real world advice: How parents are teaching their kids about money

Understanding guardianship and power of attorney in banking

What financial advice would you give your younger self?

7 steps to keep your personal and business finances separate

For today's homebuyers, time and money are everything

Should you buy a house that’s still under construction?

Your guide to breaking the rental cycle

Webinar: Uncover the cost: Building a home

Home buying myths: Realities of owning a home

4 ways to free up your budget (and your life) with a smaller home

Money Moments: Tips for selling your home

How I did it: My house remodel

Beyond the mortgage: Other costs for homeowners

10 questions to ask when hiring a contractor

5 things to avoid that can devalue your home

Disclosures

Start of disclosure content

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rate and program terms are subject to change without notice. Mortgage, home equity and credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.