6 Sure Ways To Survive The Probation Period At Your New Job

By Lilian Wamaitha
Starting a new job can prove to be a daunting task for many especially if you are keen on convincing your employer you are the right person for the job.
Studies have it that almost one in every five people fail to pass the probation period.
Truth is, during this period, you are in sort of a danger zone. You will be criticized and the employer will decide if at all you were the best hire.
So how do you ensure that you pass this period to a permanent role? Here are few tips to keep in mind.
1. Ensure that you work hard to deliver at your role
Muthoni Ndegwa, a Recruitment Manager at Corporate Staffing advises one to work hard so as to get noticed by the employer.
“You don’t want your boss to think he made a mistake by hiring you so this is the only chance you have,” she says.
“Think about what your current role will lead to, and work hard towards developing your skills to reach that goal,” she advises.
While at it the other thing is to become disciplined in your job in all aspects.
This she supports by saying “Without rules, an employee is more likely to do whatever he wants hence the importance of following the company’s rules and regulations.”
2. Be proactive by coming up with solutions for the company
“After getting familiar with your job, you’ll find that there are certain existing loopholes that have been left unsolved. This can well be your own opportunity to shine if you can find solutions to it,”
The fact that you’ve showed the boss the initiative to think through solutions will probably impress him or her, she says.
She advocates for the need to go beyond your job description.
3. If offered the opportunity to work on a project outside your job description, take it
If you seeking to be promoted to a senior position, you’ll need to know how the entire organization functions, not just your department.
It is important for an employee to be part of the team.
“Taking responsibility to help your colleagues with unnecessary workload will show that you care enough to act on their behalf and this would earn you points as a valuable team player.”
Learn to get along with other staff and in return, they will appreciate you. That is how you impress your boss and become invaluable to the organization, she reckons.
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4. If you are a new employee, you should fix your mistakes immediately
“No matter what, you need to address the issue head on .I always think honesty is the best policy,” she explains.
Figure out how to correct mistakes made and ensure it never happens again.
6. Don’t overstep the mark
There is a difference between being the outrageously proactive newbie at work and the annoying know-it-all colleague.
You definitely don’t want to be the latter because that will mean your co-workers hating your guts and your chances of surviving your probation period will be very low.
Think about it this way.
When your co-workers tell your boss that the new person is not a team player, he or she is more likely to listen to them more than you.
Therefore, hit the brakes and know what boundaries to cross.
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5. Definitely, don’t arrive late or leave earlier than the rest
During those first three months it’s a make or break period for you.
I know public transport sucks; I have been there but leave earlier if you have to. Just ensure that you don’t arrive late at work.
Alos, don’t leave earlier than your colleague even though like a good employee you have already finished your assigned tasks. At least wait until the others start heading home and then leave.
And while at it, please don’t call in sick a lot either; it will just show a lazy employee who doesn’t deserve to be there at all.
The probation period is there to gauge whether someone is the best hire. If you fail, the employer will have no choice but to go back to the drawing board and look for a candidate who is more serious. Use these tips to keep your job past the three or six months.