Making The Most Of Your Probational Period: 4 Best Strategies

Congratulations on your new job! Now, the main task is to pass the trial period in the best possible way.

This new phase can bring you excitement and uncertainty at the same time. You don’t always know how well you’re performing or what the manager wants.

However, no matter what happens, you can make the most of it and have a great experience.

Let’s explore four key strategies to stand out, grow in your career and leave a positive impression on every team even if you don’t get the job by the end of your probationary period.

1) Have a Growth Mindset and Learn From Everything

Probational periods are tough, but they’re also a great learning opportunity. If you start with a growth mindset, you’ll have more chances of keeping the job.

Don’t be afraid to ask your supervisors and coworkers for constructive criticism, and take into consideration their answers. Many people love helping others grow in their careers, and companies with high employee engagement are 21% more profitable.

Try to shift your perspective and see challenges as a fun problem-solving opportunity. Be open to acquiring new skills.

Professional growth is a process, the same as personal growth. Your trial period won’t last forever, so make the most of it, no matter the result.

2)  Network and Build Meaningful Relationships at the Workplace

Ex-coworkers can be the greatest allies when it comes to job-seeking, so when you’re going through a trial period, don’t forget to network.

In fact, 79% of professionals believe that networking is the key to professional success.

Connect with the people you work with, but don’t try to become friends with everyone. Show genuine interest in what they do and offer to help whenever it’s needed.

This can give you valuable insights into how things are done, of course, and it can open the door to mentorship opportunities and future connections, regardless of the trial period’s outcome.

The time that you spend networking is always well-spent.

3)  Be Proactive and Communicate Clearly

Communication is key in many areas of our lives, especially at work. During trial periods, it’s simply something you can’t ignore.

Ask questions. Managers need to know you’re interested in the work and you want to learn. Ask again if you don’t understand something. Engage in team meetings and other important discussions.

A good idea would be to volunteer for tasks that aren’t on your “to-do” list and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Remember to keep it real because people know when they’re being lied to.

If you demonstrate a proactive attitude, most likely, your colleagues will see value in what you do.

4) Highlight your Skills and the Value you Bring to the Table

Making the most of the trial period at work means being consistent.

Show off your skills and bring value to the company. Deliver high-quality results and try to surpass expectations whenever possible.

This means you must keep your eyes open and take every opportunity to go above and beyond.

Whether it’s taking on more responsibilities or contributing ideas to different projects, try to make a positive impression on everyone.

How to Make the Best Impression During the Trial Period at Work

Making a good impression will impact your professional growth and future opportunities.

You might not get the position you tried for, but you can get another call for a job that fits your skills the best.

Without further ado, here are five tips to help you stand out during the trial period:

• Stay enthusiastic and take the initiative: seek more responsibilities, take on tasks voluntarily, and demonstrate how much you like the job. For example, you can offer to enhance the company’s cybersecurity practices if you have expertise in that. A simple initiative could be to offer your management to invest in a VPN application that’d increase the security levels and protect the company’s sensitive data from attacks. Approach every challenge with a positive attitude.
• Ask for feedback and showcase your willingness to learn: your supervisors and colleagues will give you honest criticism, and this is great. Be receptive to it, use it to improve your work, and be genuine with your intentions.
• Don’t do it all alone: be a team player and positively contribute to the team. Offer your ideas and your support, and listen actively in discussions before participating.
• Embrace networking and making new professional connections: you can practice the best ways to communicate at the workplace if you struggle with this aspect. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you need to, and listen actively. It’s better to overcommunicate than to not do it at all.

To Sum Up

In the probational period, keep your eyes open for learning opportunities, communicate clearly with your supervisors and colleagues, and showcase what you can do. By implementing these strategies, you’ll make the most out of the trial period, regardless of the outcome.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” So, keep going forward and giving your best. The best opportunity is yet to come!