How to Lose Your New Job in 3 Months

The first three months of your new job is your probationary period, where both you and your new employer assess each other's fit within the organization. It's a critical phase that sets the tone for the future working relationship. Unfortunately, not all new hires make it past this probationary period. In this issue of AQWIRE HR HR newsletter, we'll explore why these initial months are important and critical, identify 8 common pitfalls that can lead to termination, and offer practical tips on how to navigate them successfully.

This article is not intended to scare you off on your new career journey, but rather to equip you with the right tools to kick off your new career like a boss.

Understanding your Probation Period

For both you and your new employer, the probation period serves as a trial period to evaluate performance, fit, and alignment with organizational culture. It's a time of adjustment, learning, and growth. You should use this period to gauge the new hire's capabilities, adaptability, and commitment, while you have the opportunity to acclimate to your new role, understand expectations, and demonstrate your value. Basically to demonstrate to your recruiter and your direct manager that they made the right choice in hiring you.

The Top 8 Pitfalls

1. Failure to Learn Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

Failing to understand the basics of your job means you're not getting the hang of what you're supposed to do, eventually not doing your job well and meeting expectations. And this is the worst nightmare of any employer, that means they made the wrong hiring decisions.

You surely don't want to be there, and it is okay that you don't know everything but you should be able to learn it. To do so, you should ask for feedback, ask the questions, and spend time learning more about your role. You'll then improve your understanding and be better at your job, setting yourself up for success.

2. Poor Time Management

When you're not managing your time well, you end up missing deadlines and not getting things done on time. This reflects badly on how productive and reliable you seem to others. To fix this, focus on what's important, set achievable goals, and use tools to help manage your time better.

3. Lack of Adaptability

If you're resisting change or finding it hard to adapt to new ways of doing things, it can slow down progress and make it difficult to fit in with your team or organization. In other words, you do not fit in the culture, it is the second worst nightmare for any organization if you ask me.

To overcome this, try to welcome change, keep an open mind, and be flexible in how you approach new tasks. This way, you'll be better equipped to adapt to changes, work well with others, and contribute effectively to the team's goals.

4. Communication Breakdowns

When you're not communicating well with your colleagues or supervisors, it can cause misunderstandings, conflicts, and make it hard to work together. So try listening carefully, ask for clarification if you're unsure about something, and make sure to keep everyone updated on your progress and avoid unnecessary conflicts while you should be busy doing settling down.

5. Ignoring Feedback

Ignoring helpful feedback or not taking action on it, can hold back your personal and professional growth. Your colleagues or supervisor want you to succeed, at the end of the day you were hired because there is work to be done, otherwise they will be overwhelmed. Be open to feedback from others, take time to think about where you can improve, and show that you're eager to learn and develop.

6. Poor Attitude or Behavior

Show negativity, act unprofessionally, or lack enthusiasm in your work, and you guarantee the Goodbye letter, even before the end of your probation period.

It simply creates a bad impression and can bring down the overall mood in the workplace, and nobody wants that. Allow yourself to focus on maintaining a positive attitude, behaving professionally at all times, and actively contributing to a positive work environment. This will also allow you to make new work friends quickly. After all, you wouldn't want to be disliked at work.

7. Failure to Meet Expectations

This typically happens by the end of you probation period, during the final probationary evaluation. If you don't meet performance standards or fail to deliver as expected, it can make others question your abilities and suitability for the role. Start by setting clear goals for yourself since day 1, make sure you understand what's expected of you, and be proactive in addressing any obstacles that come your way. Your direct manager is the right person to have on your side to help you reach these goals.

8. Ethical Lapses

Unethical behavior or breaking company policies, are a big No-Go in any company. We are not talking here about bad communication, minor conflicts, or performance. We are talking about the gross misconducts such as misuse of company resources, bribery or corruption, harassment or discrimination.

These actions damage trust, integrity, and the organization's reputation. Therefore, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the company's handbook before accepting their offer—it's only fair to understand their boundaries and expectations.

Final Thoughts

The probation period is not just a formality but a critical phase that sets the foundation for your suitability for the role. Avoiding these common pitfalls and proactively investing in personal and professional development, allow you to increase your chance in retaining your new job, that I hope it is your dream one. Embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute positively to the organization's mission and vision. Best of luck in your new career journey.