We all go to work, and we know how tough it is to get through a job probation period. You're under constant pressure to prove yourself and your skills, and it can be a really challenging time. Obviously, it is normal to feel uneasy when you start something new, but at least you can do a few things to make it easier on yourself. Here are six master tips for surviving a job probation period.
What Is the Job Probation Period?
Job probation is a time-limited period of evaluation during which an employee's work performance is monitored.
The primary purpose of job probation is to give both the employer and the employee an opportunity to determine whether the job and the employee are a good fit. Often, the probationary period is used to assess an employee's skills, work ethic, and compatibility with the company culture.
Probation usually lasts for two to six months based on the specific requirements, after which the employer decides whether to keep the employee on staff or let them go. For most job roles and especially those entry-level, there is a probation period when the employer will assess your suitability for the role. This usually involves checking that you can do the required tasks and also that your colleagues like working with you. On the employee side, probation will be a method to test if you want to continue working for this company or if it's time to change jobs.
Top Reasons Leading to Probation Failure
Most people think that job probation is a waste of time. They think that the company is just trying to test them and see if they are good enough for the position. Of course, that is what they do. Job probation is actually one of the most critical parts of the hiring process because it's a time when the company can assess whether or not the employee is a good fit for the position and the company. If it's a good fit, then the company knows that they have found the right person for the job. Here are a few common reasons that result in a failure of the job probation period.
Not Learning the Ropes
You may think that it's obvious to learn who does what and how processes work, but what you might not realize is not everyone thinks this way. This is an essential part of your new job. If you don't follow the organizational chart or know the relevant procedures for each department, then you're going to have a hard time.
Not Making Good First Impression
Every company has its culture, and if you don't adapt to it quickly enough, you can find yourself in trouble quickly. Of course, this takes time - but the longer you wait to make an effort, the higher your chances are of failing out of probation. You should always dress for success, no matter what your role is at the company.
Not Asking for Support When Necessary
If you're overwhelmed with your new job, don't be afraid to ask for help or guidance if you have questions about something that's been bothering you. Your manager may seem busy, but they are there to help you succeed, so make sure to speak up if you need help. If your manager doesn't ask about how you're regularly doing, then it's time to consider what this means for your job.
Not Working on the Tasks That Matter
If you're not completing the tasks and projects that are necessary for your role, then it may be a sign that this isn't the right job for you. You should always have a specific to-do list of things that you need to complete, so if there's something on your plate but it's not essential, don't think twice about removing it from your list once it has been completed.
Not Being Proactive
If you're doing the same thing day in and day out, then it's time to start thinking about what else you could and should be doing. You should always take the initiative and identify areas that could benefit from improvement or change, even if those ideas are not your own. If your manager hasn't indicated what they expect from you, it might be a good idea to ask for their input first before starting something new.
Not Understanding Your Company's Vision & Mission
It shouldn't come as a surprise that you'll be living by your company's mission statement if they include it in their employee handbook, so make sure to read through everything thoroughly before starting work. If you don't understand the basics of what the company stands for, you'll never be able to represent it successfully or live up to its standards.
Often Making Excuses
These reasons usually happen, but you know what? Excuses do not work in the real world. Instead of pointing fingers and making excuses, own up to your mistakes so you can learn from them and improve for next time. If you accept responsibility for what happened, then you'll get an opportunity to prove yourself once again.
Not Taking Your Job Probation Seriously
If you think that your new job is just another stepping stone, then you may find yourself out of a job quickly. You should always treat your new role as if it's the only thing you're doing because this shows that you care enough about everything to be successful in all areas. If you're not willing to give your position the same level of commitment as you would a full-time job, then it's time to think about what this means for your future at the company.
If any of these reasons seem familiar, then you should take some time to reevaluate where you are before continuing with your new role.
Follow These Useful Tips for a Successful Job Probation Period
There are some useful tips you should keep in mind if you are on probation.
Get To Know The Company Values
Each company has its set of unique values which they expect its employees to follow. This is important for your success at work because different companies have different priorities. If you know what their priorities are, it will be easier for you to deliver the best that you can.
Be Proactive
Don't wait for instructions or directions from your superiors. Stand up actively and take it upon yourself to find out what needs to be done and how to do it. Ask questions if necessary, but make sure they are only limited to clarifications of tasks at hand, not on everything under the sun. This will show your initiative and responsibility, which will make it easier for you to fit in.
Be Good At What You Do
There's no need to wait until your probation ends before you start applying what you've learned or studied at school. If there are training or projects assigned to you, do them early and present the results ahead of schedule. Do the job assigned to you and do it well. Self-improvement is a continuous process.
Be A Team Player
You will be working with other people, so make sure to get along with them even if your personalities don't exactly match. One of the things that employers value in their employees is team spirit and good interpersonal skills.
Don't Go Beyond Your Limits
Even if you are asked to do extra tasks or take on more responsibilities, don't overcommit yourself. You may only end up not being able to fulfill all your duties, which will reflect badly on you. It's better to focus on doing a few things well than trying to do everything and not doing any of them properly.
Treat Every Task As A New Challenge
The probation period is like an extended interview. It will test your attitude and how you can live up to the expectations of your employer. Strive to be the best every day that you are there because this might just be the one chance that you will get.
Remember, this is temporary, so you have to give it your best. Even if it is not for a lifetime, you still have to be a productive member of the company.
Bottom Lines
Now that you know the six master tips to survive your probation period, it’s time to put them into practice. Remember to stay positive, be proactive in your work, and take the initiative with new projects. Most importantly, don’t give up! With these tools in your arsenal, you’ll be able to navigate any job probation period successfully.
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