Navigating the probation period in a new job can be crucial for establishing yourself as a valuable team member. Here are ten key tips to help you get through the probation period successfully:

Understand Expectations

Clarify expectations with your manager or supervisor regarding your role, responsibilities, and performance goals during the probation period. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what is expected of you.

Remember - good communication is critical to understanding expectations, both from employer and employee perspectives. Ensuring you understand what is expected of you in a role, and your manager understands what you expect, can only come about if open and honest communication takes place, particularly throughout the critical probation period.

Ask Questions

Don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure about anything related to your job responsibilities, company policies, or procedures. Seeking clarification demonstrates your commitment to understanding your role and performing well.

Remember - Showing a keen interest in your organisation and every aspect of your role helps give your leaders confidence that you are invested in your role and the business objectives.

Send Feedback

Actively seek feedback from your manager or colleagues on your performance. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity to improve and grow in your role.

Remember - Constructive feedback can be a good thing for your learning and development in a role. It can help us assess where we are at and things we could be doing to improve, so don’t close yourself off to this.

Adapt Quickly

Be adaptable and open to learning new skills or ways of working. Show that you can quickly adjust to the company's culture, processes, and expectations.

Remember - adaptability shows you are keen to embrace learning new things and willing to integrate into a company’s culture. It can go a long way toward ensuring you demonstrate your commitment to an organisation.

Communicate Proactively

Keep your manager informed of your progress, achievements, and any challenges you encounter during the probation period. Proactive communication demonstrates your initiative and commitment to success.

Remember - communication is king! It keeps your managers in tune with how things are going, good or bad.

Meet Deadlines

Prioritise tasks and ensure you meet deadlines consistently. Showing that you can manage your workload effectively contributes to a positive impression during the probation period.

Remember - being punctual ensures you managers will feel they can rely on you to deliver. There is nothing more reassuring for leaders to know they have the committed backing of a reliable team, so make sure you are one of those team members!

Build Relationships

Take the time to build positive relationships with your colleagues and team members. Collaboration and teamwork are often valued attributes in the workplace, especially during the probation period.

Remember - there is a lot to be said about teamwork and collaborating within a team. Everyone is different, and knowing how to keep positive relationships with the peers you work with is critical to the successful function of an organisation. If this is not something you are strong at, it may be worth looking at some short workshops on teamwork and collaboration.

Demonstrate Initiative

Look for opportunities to take on additional responsibilities or contribute ideas that add value to the team or company. Demonstrating initiative shows that you're proactive and engaged in your role.

Remember - going that extra mile shows a higher than normal level of commitment and a determination to succeed and grow within a role. This is a highly regard attitude and will put you in a good position to continue and succeed within an organisation.

Seek Development Opportunities

Take advantage of training programs, workshops, or professional development opportunities offered by the company. Investing in your own development during the probation period can benefit both you and the organisation in the long run.

Remember - learning opportunities are a great way to show you want to succeed and grow in your role. It is also an excellent way to build your skill base and knowledge, no matter where you career path leads you.

Stay Positive and Professional

Maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging situations, and demonstrate professionalism in your interactions with colleagues and clients. A positive demeanour contributes to a constructive work environment and can leave a lasting impression during the probation period.

Remember - all workplaces aspire to having a positive working culture. There will always be bad times, so striving to be a positive team player will always help lift yourself and others through tough times and reflects well on you as a person overall.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of successfully navigating the probation period and establishing yourself as a valuable asset to your new employer in Australia.