{"id":8865,"date":"2019-03-07T21:35:53","date_gmt":"2019-03-07T19:35:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bmkedev.wpengine.com\/?p=8865"},"modified":"2022-10-17T14:36:12","modified_gmt":"2022-10-17T12:36:12","slug":"ace-that-probation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/ace-that-probation","title":{"rendered":"How to Ace Your Probation and Sign That Confirmation Letter"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The probation period in a new job is the trial period where a new employee\u2019s skills are tested to see if they perform as expected. This is also a time for the new employee to see if the company is a good place to work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During this time, either the employee or employer can terminate the employment with a shorter notice (usually a week) and they do not have to give reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So you just signed the offer letter and you have been informed that you are under probation for three or six months. You already like your new role, the culture and the people in this office. You want this to be permanent. How do you ensure that <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/first-days-employment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">create a good impression in your first days on employment<\/a>?<\/span><\/p>\n<p>You first need to understand the mistakes to avoid;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a28a91a316b7\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a28a91a316b7\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/ace-that-probation\/#Why_Do_People_Fail_Probation\" >Why Do People Fail Probation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/ace-that-probation\/#Here_are_Six_Strategies_for_Passing_Your_Probation\" >Here are Six Strategies for Passing Your Probation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/ace-that-probation\/#1_Create_a_Great_First_Impression\" >1. Create a Great First Impression<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/ace-that-probation\/#2_Measure_Your_Progress\" >2. Measure Your Progress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/ace-that-probation\/#3_Find_Opportunities_to_Shine\" >3. Find Opportunities to Shine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/ace-that-probation\/#4_Build_a_Network\" >4. Build a Network<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/ace-that-probation\/#Bonus_Tip_Know_Your_Worth\" >Bonus Tip: Know Your Worth<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_People_Fail_Probation\"><\/span>Why Do People Fail Probation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, new employees do not see the end of the required probationary period so that they can become fully employed. The most common reason may seem to be a lack of technical skills but there are main reasons as to why this happens.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8878\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Lacking-professionalism_1200by630.jpg\" alt=\"ace that probation\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Lacking-professionalism_1200by630.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Lacking-professionalism_1200by630-378x198.jpg 378w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Lacking-professionalism_1200by630-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Lacking-professionalism_1200by630-770x404.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Lacking-professionalism_1200by630-600x315.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Lacking-professionalism_1200by630-390x205.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These include; <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of interpersonal skills-poor communication, conflict resolution among others).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Failure to implement given feedback.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inability to control one\u2019s emotions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lack of motivation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, all these problems can be resolved with a change of attitude and effort in the right direction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Here_are_Six_Strategies_for_Passing_Your_Probation\"><\/span>Here are Six Strategies for Passing Your Probation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are a new employee or you have just been put under probation wondering how you are going to complete the probationary period successfully, no need to worry. Below are six ways to make see you through.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Create_a_Great_First_Impression\"><\/span>1. Create a Great First Impression<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8879\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Create-a-good-impression-1200by630.png\" alt=\"ace that probation\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Create-a-good-impression-1200by630.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Create-a-good-impression-1200by630-378x198.png 378w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Create-a-good-impression-1200by630-1024x538.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Create-a-good-impression-1200by630-770x404.png 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Create-a-good-impression-1200by630-600x315.png 600w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Create-a-good-impression-1200by630-390x205.png 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First impressions stick and go a long way regardless of whether they were good or bad. It is therefore important to ensure that you portray an impressive first impression. For instance, avoid being late to work or absent during events or meetings. Secondly, dressing as required by the company is another way to give a good impression of yourself. Also, completing given tasks on time or earlier than the given timeline is a plus as this shows you are disciplined in time. In addition, it also shows you are hardworking. Lastly, foster a good working relationship with the other employees as well as your superiors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Measure_Your_Progress\"><\/span>2. Measure Your Progress<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the probation period, the managers give new employees tasks to handle or projects to be completed during this period. The performance is checked at the end of the period. It is therefore very vital to understand the given tasks well and clarify what is required of you in case it is not clear to ensure that you meet the expectations or even better exceed them. While handling the given project, measure your progress. Set some smart goals for yourself apart from the ones your supervisor has set for you but let them guide you in setting yours. Consult with your superiors and colleagues where tasks seem challenging. Moreover, ask for honest feedback regarding your performance in the tasks given and implement the corrections and changes required of you. Greatness is not a one-time thing, it&#8217;s a lot of many small things done well over a period of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Find_Opportunities_to_Shine\"><\/span>3. Find Opportunities to Shine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8880\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Working_with_Multiple_Bosses_-_Be_Professional.png\" alt=\"ace that probation\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Working_with_Multiple_Bosses_-_Be_Professional.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Working_with_Multiple_Bosses_-_Be_Professional-378x198.png 378w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Working_with_Multiple_Bosses_-_Be_Professional-1024x538.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Working_with_Multiple_Bosses_-_Be_Professional-770x404.png 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Working_with_Multiple_Bosses_-_Be_Professional-600x315.png 600w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Working_with_Multiple_Bosses_-_Be_Professional-390x205.png 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is common practice for people to settle once they get something they desired. In this case, you may be tempted to stay in your comfort zone because it is like you already have the job you wanted. Please do not let this happen instead be proactive. Look for opportunities to showcase your gifts and talents. Prove to be an important asset that the company can not do without.Alongside doing projects that show your strengths, challenge yourself by handling tasks that seem to be new to you and learn new things in the process. Offer assistance to your colleagues or superiors in their own tasks as well without even them asking for it. You gain experience and skills and also form good relationships with workmates.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Build_a_Network\"><\/span>4. Build a Network<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building a network in your place of work is a good way to help you complete your probationary period well. For example, when you find yourself stuck in a given project, you can always approach one of your colleagues for their help. They may provide the pointers you need to set the ball rolling for you. Be teachable and ready to learn as you interact with your mentors <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bonus_Tip_Know_Your_Worth\"><\/span>Bonus Tip: Know Your Worth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most probation periods have provisional agreements in regards to salaries and benefits. For instance, you might be informed that your benefits will apply upon confirmation or that your salary will increase by a certain percentage if you meet certain set expectations. As your probation period nears the end, you might want to know what professionals in your industry are earning so that you have negotiating power during your review. <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/job-seeker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Here is a tool that can help you with that.&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The probation period in a new job is the trial period where a new employee\u2019s skills are tested to see if they perform as expected. This is also a time for the new employee to see if the company is a good place to work. During this time, either the employee or employer can terminate [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":8877,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[213],"tags":[],"content_author":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-8865","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-job-search-advice"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8865","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8865"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8865\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8877"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8865"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8865"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8865"},{"taxonomy":"content_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_author?post=8865"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}