You've done it. You passed the interview. Providence has smiled down on you and a company that is even more desperate to recruit staff than you are for a job has decided to recruit you into their ranks. Now that you have the job your next big challenge will be to keep it.

Probation periods are essential to both the company and the employee, as they allow both parties to decide whether they are fit for each other. This “trial” commonly endures somewhere in the range of a month to half a year  –  depending on the organization that you are in. 

According to research, almost one in five new hired employees sees to fail their probationary period right after starting a job. However, there are ways to ensure that your position is secured within your new role well past the initial probationary period. 

Be impressive

You can only have one first impression. Do it well. Be cheerful and show enthusiasm. It is great to show positivity all over your face and body language, as it will determine your attitude towards the pressure and tasks that are given to you. At all times, it is important to remain positive and open to learning.

It is smart to dress wisely, as well. This just shows that you are more than serious and you take and respect the job seriously. Also, pay attention to timekeeping. Arrive a little earlier, leave a little later than your normal obligated work hours.

Stand out and make a good impression. Be quick on developing a solid reputation as someone who is reliable and can deliver positive and great results with firmness and quality of work.

Be accountable

Yes, you will make a mistake. You will definitely make mistakes. Accept it. As the new guy in the team, of course, there will be things that are new to you and will take time to familiarise yourself with. Don’t stress too much, your management and bosses will unlikely be mad at you when you made a mistake at the job and still is finding your footing. But you should not take this for granted and always take responsibility for any mishaps you do.

Keep in mind that in this probationary period your bosses will take a very careful look at your overall performance. They will most likely notice those mistakes you will make and how you react upon those mistakes. So, be proactive and firm about being able to bounce back from those problems you have caused.

Be professional

Avoid being late or worse, being absent. Absence and tardiness are some of the everyday factors of why managers fail the potential candidate for the job. And these two are some of the most “no, no” red flags for employers.

Of course, there will come a time that you will get sick, or may sometimes attend an important matter, or maybe even get unfortunate in commuting that will lead you to be late for work. Just be professional enough to take time and keep your bosses informed. Let them know how sorry you are and you understand that attendance does matter.

For in this short period of time, every move you make will show what will you be doing for the rest of your time in that company. For them, what you do in your first months at work, will reflect on your attitude in the long run. So, always make a real effort to be on time. 

Be initiative

If you really want to leave a mark and be a great asset in the team, maintain a good level of communication with your colleagues. Have the initiative to approach them. Ask for advice and tips on how things work. Have the initiative to help and offer assistance. Have the initiative to seek opportunities for growth. Have the initiative to ask for feedback to have open communication with them.  Have the initiative to do new things that you think will benefit and provide positive reinforcements to your company. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance or mentoring from them if you need it. Don’t be afraid and just take initiative.

Be calm, cool and collected

Be calm, cool, and collected because as much as you want to be the man for the job, trust me, they too want you to indeed be the man for the job. 

And naturally, you will feel the pressure, pressure in a way that you need to watch carefully every move you make. And that one wrong move can contribute to your demise. But keep in mind that it is not just about you proving to your bosses that you are indeed the man for the job. The job needs to satisfy your desires and live up to your expectations, as well. And if let us say, it does not, you are more than free to politely leave the offer on the table. It is a two-way road. It is about you and your employer. 

So, regardless of whether you are a beginner who has just gotten his job or someone who is in the brink of execution, the probation period is one way for both you and the organization to identify whether the job’s for you or not.