A 30 60 90 day career plan is a simple map that breaks your career goal into three short stages: what you will do in the first 30 days, the next 30, and the 30 after that. It turns a big, scary goal like "get a better job" into small steps you can check off each week.
Whether you are looking for work in San Bernardino, starting a new job, or changing careers in the Inland Empire, this kind of plan keeps you focused. Below, we walk through how to build your own 30/60/90-day career plan, with examples you can copy.
Why a 30/60/90-Day Plan Works
Big goals can feel overwhelming. When you only know where you want to end up, it is easy to stall. A 30/60/90-day plan helps because:
- It is short. Three months is long enough to make real progress and short enough to stay motivated.
- It is specific. You write down actions, not wishes.
- It is easy to review. At the end of each stage, you can see what worked and adjust.
- It impresses employers. Many hiring managers like to hear how a new hire plans to learn the job and add value.
Step 1: Start With Your Big Goal
Before you plan the steps, name the finish line. Ask yourself:
- What kind of work do I want to be doing?
- What skills do I already have?
- What skills or credentials am I missing?
- What is getting in my way, such as transportation, child care, or time?
A career assessment can help you answer these questions honestly. It looks at your interests, strengths, and work style so your goal fits who you are.
Step 2: Fill In Each Stage of Your 30 60 90 Day Career Plan
Think of each stage as having its own theme. Here is a simple way to split it up for a job search:
Days 1–30: Learn and Get Ready
- Update or write your resume.
- Make a list of jobs and employers that interest you.
- Register on CalJOBS, California's online job and training system.
- Look into free job training programs for adults that match your goal.
Days 31–60: Practice and Build
- Start or continue a training course.
- Practice your interview answers and your elevator pitch out loud.
- Apply to a set number of jobs each week that you choose ahead of time.
- Reach out to people in your field for advice.
Days 61–90: Connect and Launch
- Follow up on applications and interviews.
- Attend hiring events or employer visits.
- Finish your training or certificate.
- Review your plan and set your next 90-day goals.
Step 3: Make Your Goals SMART
Each action in your plan should be clear enough that you know when it is done. A common way to check this is the SMART method:
- Specific: "Apply for warehouse lead jobs" instead of "look for work."
- Measurable: Pick a number you can count, like applications sent.
- Achievable: Be honest about your time and energy.
- Relevant: Every step should move you toward your big goal.
- Time-bound: Give each step a due date inside its 30-day window.
Step 4: Track Progress and Adjust
A plan only helps if you look at it. Set a time each week to check your progress. If something is not working, change it. Maybe you need a different type of job, more training, or help with a barrier like transportation. Adjusting is not failing. It is part of the plan.
It also helps to share your plan with someone, like a mentor, career coach, or friend. When someone else knows your goals, you are more likely to keep going.
Using a 30/60/90-Day Plan in a New Job
This plan is not just for job seekers. If you just got hired, you can use the same idea:
- First 30 days: Learn the people, tools, and rules of the job.
- Next 30 days: Start doing tasks on your own and ask for feedback.
- Final 30 days: Look for ways to improve something and take on more.
Some employers even ask candidates to bring a 30/60/90-day plan to an interview. Having one ready shows you think ahead.
FAQ
What should a 30 60 90 day career plan include?
It should include your big goal, two to four clear actions for each 30-day stage, due dates, and a simple way to track your progress. Keep it to one or two pages.
Do I need experience to make a career plan?
No. Anyone can make one. If you are new to work or returning after a break, your first 30 days may focus on learning, training, and building a resume.
Can someone help me build my plan?
Yes. In The Ayangbah Foundation's Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training, each student completes a career assessment and builds a personal 30/60/90-day plan as part of the course.
Get Help Building Your Plan
You do not have to figure this out alone. The Ayangbah Foundation offers workforce development in San Bernardino for adults who want a clear path forward. Our 40-hour Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training includes a career assessment and a personal 30/60/90-day plan, and it is $0 for WIOA-eligible residents. No prior experience or diploma is required. Ready to start? Apply online today.