We open our #CareerCounsel doors this week, for anyone seeking advice on the probationary period. It’s a funny old time; starting afresh, establishing new work relationships and getting used to a new routine while impressing your boss with your incredible skills.
Whatever the length of the probationary period, the panda is here to help you approach it with the best attitude.
Our probation pointers
A probationary period will more than often be a given; it gives your new employers the chance to trial your performance, your integration within the office and your general attitude to what you do. You’ve spent a great deal of time getting this job and now you’ve been hired, it’s time to prepare.
- Relax: While the butterflies in your stomach will flutter away, don’t let them get the better of you. On the morning of your first day, give yourself some extra time to prepare so the nerves are not intensified by other concerns. Breathe, and you will be fine.
- Familiarise: Learning the ropes in a new environment is the key to flourishing quickly. Depending on what helps you the most, try different techniques to help get the routine branded into your brain quickly. Perhaps some note taking, going through the procedures a few times or some memory pointers. This will also help with colleague names! Speaking of colleagues…
- Integrate: After a few days, you’ll hopefully have the names of your colleagues expertly remembered. Get to know them, and show interest in what they do (inside and outside of work). There is a chance your manager will ask the team how they think you’re settling in, so give them good things to say.
- Positivity: Be eager to learn, socialise and throw yourself into the company ethic. Great proactivity will demonstrate that you were definitely the right choice for the job.
- Ask EVERY question you have: Work related, of course. You are new, so don’t be afraid to ask how something works. Your previous skills will always come in handy, but if you’re ever unsure about how to approach a task, just ask. By extension, if you think you’ve made any mistakes, or need clarification, tell your manager.
The obvious ones
These would apply to any stage of your time at a company, but always good to remember.
- Be punctual. It will be a new commute, but you will have deduced the necessary travel time of the route beforehand…right?
- Does the proposed probationary period clash with any holiday plans? This should have been discussed in the interview, but always make your plans clear in the final stages of interviews or when an offer is made. Give appropriate notice for any time off, and if it is urgent, try to help your manager plan around it.
- Do your absolute best! The pandas know you can do it, especially if you use all our probation pointers!