Your First 90 Days on a US Tech Contract
Starting a new contract role in the US can feel like a lot at once. New team, new tools, new expectations. The first 90 days matter most, so it helps to know what to focus on.
Week 1 to 2: Learn the setup
Get access to the tools your team uses, and ask who owns each one. Read the project's main documentation, even if it feels long. Ask your manager how success is measured in the first month.
Week 3 to 6: Deliver something small
Pick one task that you can finish in a few days. A finished task builds trust faster than a half-finished big one. Share your progress in the team's usual channel so people see the work.
Week 7 to 12: Take ownership
By this point, you should know the codebase or process well enough to suggest improvements. Bring a proposal, not just a problem.
Questions to ask early
- What does a good week look like for this role?
- Who should I go to for decisions I'm unsure about?
- When is the next review, and what will it cover?
If anything about your contract or paperwork is unclear, contact your Molinatek recruiter early. Questions asked in week one save problems later.