How to ride through your probation

It is estimated that almost one in five new employees fails to get through their probationary period when starting a job.

So how should you best navigate those tricky first few months under a constant spotlight? Here are four ways:

• During your probationary period, you want to stand out and make a good impression. However, you also want to be quickly developing a reputation as someone who is reliable and can deliver results with the minimum of fuss and bother.
• This is a difficult balancing act. On one hand, you must not be afraid to ask questions. This is, first, to enable you to find out how things work so that you are not tripped up by them later on and, second, to show that you are interested in what you are doing and have an appetite to learn and develop.
• On the other hand, too many constant questions will eventually become wearing to those around you and you may start to be perceived as someone unable to work independently.
• Similarly, you will want quickly to start building relationships with the people around you — the key is to come across as friendly, approachable and competent. So, take an interest in your colleagues and show willingness to learn the ropes from them.

It is also a good idea to throw yourself into any networking opportunities that come along, so as to start creating a bit of visibility for yourself within the organisation.

But, again, it is a fine line. You do not want to come across as pushy or overly ambitious.Putting in discretionary effort or volunteering to take on extra tasks or responsibilities will show admirable keenness and enthusiasm.

But make sure you do not fall in the trap of taking on so much extra stuff which will make you unable to do your ‘day's job' properly. 

Adapted from glassdoor. co.uk