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What are line managers looking for during a probationary period?

6 replies

kjhgfgbv · 13/04/2021 18:52

I recently started a new job in a cohort of 15 colleagues. We are all in a probationary period and will have our probationary meetings with our line manager soon.

I'm feeling a little anxious about it as I'm quite quiet at work. There are quite a few louder colleagues who are really well-liked by our manager whereas I am more reserved and I worry this will negatively impact me. I get on well with my colleagues and now I am comfortable around them I have come out of my shell, however I don't spend much time with my manager so I'm still a little reserved with him.

I am up-to-date with all of my training and have passed all of my competency assessments. The work is pretty straight forward so it's been easy for me to just put my head down and get on with it.

What can I do to make a better impression and improve my performance? It's also a fixed term contract so I know I will want a reference and I feel like I'm quite forgettable as I haven't made much of an impression. This is my first job after university so I'm used to being able to use my grades to speak for themselves when I wanted to make good impressions with academics if you see what I mean.

Thank you.

OP posts:
BackforGood · 13/04/2021 23:33

I am up-to-date with all of my training and have passed all of my competency assessments.

This ^
Also what I think of as "work behaviours" - simple things like being at work, and ready to be working on time. Wearing appropriate clothing. Not doing anything objectionable. Being polite. Taking on board advice. Actually working and not spending 1/2 the day on your phone or chatting or going for a smoking break. No constantly be pushing the barriers if you legitimately get breaks, for another 5 mins each time.
All the sorts of things that you'd think most people would do - I was pretty Hmm the first time I came across these sorts of "competencies", but as life has gone on, you realise there are some people who don't automatically do all those sorts of things.

BritInAus · 14/04/2021 01:18

Yep, as above, just generally doing what's expected and nothing dodgy! generally showing you're doing the work, have a good attitude and most importantly for me - that you're a good cultural fit within the team/organisation - being friendly, not rubbing people up the wrong way etc.

Billandben444 · 14/04/2021 10:56

All the above and perhaps showing some initiative if it's that sort of a job - working well unsupervised. Good luck.

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IEat · 14/04/2021 11:27

Doing the job that’s asked of you. Learning from mistakes. Taking on board advice. Being pleasant. Not gossiping.
Even if you hate the job, your colleagues, your life you paint a smile on your face when at work

CrumpetsForAll · 14/04/2021 11:32

Yeah I guess reliability and co operation, fundamentally.

Turn up and be easy to work with. This IMHO as a line manager is probably more important than natural aptitude for the tasks (which over several years might change in nature anyway)

Thirtyrock39 · 14/04/2021 11:36

All of the above plus remember it's a chance for you to say how things are going from your point of view as well and if there are things you want to learn or areas where you are keen to develop it's a good time to bring these up.

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