Any newly hired professional knows for themselves both how exciting and nerve-wracking it can be to start a job, particularly if the company has a probationary period. For typical jobs in countries like the Philippines, this period typically lasts for the first six months of an employee’s tenure. During this time, an organization’s management and human resources (HR) teams assess whether a new hire is a good fit for the role and the company culture. New employees regularly take this chance to showcase both their skills and adaptability.
The rationale behind a probationary period is that it allows a company to evaluate an employee’s performance, work ethic, and cultural fit without committing to long-term employment. This timeframe is also essential for identifying areas where the new hire excels, as well as where they may need additional support or training. For new employees, any success during this period will affect their job security and influence their long-term career growth within the organization and within the field.
If you’re a new hire, one of your first goals may be to perform well during your evaluation phase, as this can lead to regularization after the initial job hiring and a strong foundation for a successful career in your chosen role or discipline. But what is it you should do, exactly, to succeed during your probationary period? Here are some strategies that will likely help you through those crucial probationary months:
1) Learn About the Key Performance Indicators for Your Role
One of the first steps towards succeeding in your new role is to understand which key performance indicators (KPIs) are involved in the assessment of your job performance. Knowing these will allow you to set your expectations and get off on the right foot with your employers as early as possible.
Make it a point to speak with your supervisor and clarify the specific KPIs relevant to your position. Then, try to envision how your daily tasks can be aligned with these metrics and use the latter as a roadmap for your performance. Track your progress against these indicators to help you identify areas where you excel and areas that may require improvement on your part. What’s important is that you and your employer have a common idea of what constitutes good work performance for your role and that you can hit your benchmarks as consistently as you can.
2) Learn How to Assess Your Performance Regularly
Your ability to self-assess is another important aspect of your personal and professional growth that you need to watch out for, especially during your probationary period. This practice will allow you to stay accountable and prepare you for discussions with your supervisor.
Take time to evaluate your performance and see how far along you are at meeting your goals, perhaps by using a journal or a tracking tool to monitor your achievements against your KPIs. Remember that it’s also an option to seek feedback from both supervisors and peers to gain valuable insights into how you can enhance your performance and adapt better to the company’s expectations.
3) Be a Team Player
In most organizations, the workplace culture emphasizes teamwork and collaboration. Actively being a team player will help you integrate better into your new environment and cultivate positive relationships with your colleagues.
It would definitely serve in your favor to engage in team activities and contribute to group projects. Also offer assistance to coworkers when needed. This will show your willingness to collaborate and support others, which can reflect positively on your character during your first performance evaluation.
4) Look for Ways to Improve
Also try to embrace a growth mindset during your probationary period. If you can be proactive about seeking improvement, you’ll be able to demonstrate your commitment to your role and distinguish yourself as a valuable team member.
With this in mind, identify areas where you can enhance your skills and performance. And say your company offers training sessions, workshops, and mentorship opportunities—be sure to take advantage of them as well.
5) Try to Go the Extra Mile
Going above and beyond is another hallmark of dedicated employees that most companies would want to populate their workforce with. Knowing that, look for opportunities to demonstrate your initiative. This might include volunteering for additional tasks once you’ve completed what’s on your to-do list for the day, proposing new ideas, or helping colleagues with their projects.
Show that you are willing to invest extra effort, and it will significantly impact how your performance is viewed during evaluations. This, in turn, will reinforce your potential for regularization.
6) Work on Your Communication Skills
You should also take every opportunity during your probationary period to sharpen your communication skills. Maintain open lines of communication with your supervisor and teammates, be clear and concise in your conversations, and don’t hesitate to ask questions when in doubt.
In addition, get into the practice of updating your supervisor on your progress or any challenges you need their help with. On top of allowing you to constantly practice your communication skills, especially in situations that may scare you, this will show accountability and commitment on your part—which will be good for the case to regularize you.
7) Adapt to the Company Culture
You’ll also want to get a good grasp of your company’s unique culture and see how you can fit in. Respect its cultural norms and practices, and try to be a good ambassador for any values the organization holds as important—innovativeness in a tech company, for example, or discipline and order in an accounting firm. This will help you build rapport with your colleagues and show that you are genuinely interested in being part of the team long-term.
8) Stay Positive and Resilient
Lastly, throughout your probationary period, do your best to maintain a positive attitude. While challenges and setbacks are a normal part of any new job, focus on staying resilient and learning from these experiences rather than letting them discourage you. A positive mindset can significantly influence your work performance and how you are perceived by your coworkers and supervisors, both for the better.
Again, remember that while this period is about evaluation, it’s also an opportunity you should take towards greater growth and development in your career. Try these tips to make the most of your new experiences in a new work environment and to increase your chances of achieving regularization, with flying colors.
