It’s all merry and exciting once you are offered a job or promotion, but you’re required to impress the boss or managers.

Although physical appearance, such as smartness, and other characteristics like befriending other employees, and eagerness to learn, all matter, it requires more than that to prove that you can do a great job in the position you’re placed in.

In most cases, an employee is tested or tried by the employer whether they are proficient, reliable and appropriate for the job.

The trial period indicates the start of a full-time or part-time employee’s employment that is stipulated in their employment contract.

The employer decides the length of the probationary period in the employment agreement; it commonly lasts for three months, six months, or a year. But regardless of the length of the period, you can still outshine in your probation;

Daniel Muhozi, a human resource practitioner is of the view that starting a new job may be a little terrifying as you’re learning as much information as possible, a thing that may provoke tension or pressure if you don’t know how to take it in all.

He urges to take note of every new information taught and ensure to read through or practice it on a daily basis. Once one feels the need to ask any question; at least they have a clue on something. People who show interest and eagerness to learn ask questions.

"While on probation, it’s important to note that your immediate supervisors observe your every step, which is why you ought to report to work on time and not be the first one to leave at the end of the day. Anyone who reports to work late, shows that they are not interested in the job,’’ Muhozi states.

The human resource manager stresses that you should make it a point to ask your boss or manager for feedback, that way, you can know your weak areas and improve, or keep up the good work.

He also adds that even if you have never carried out a task, once it is given to you, be willing to give it a try and communicate the appropriate time you will submit, feel free to ask for help whenever necessary.

Ruth Imbabazi, a business manager in Kigali explains that connection with fellow employees is paramount; sometimes co-workers would be willing to assist you in learning something new in your position, so if you’re not friendly to them, they may not be willing or comfortable to share their knowledge or expertise.

She adds that anyone on probation should make themselves noticeable by taking part in meetings or airing out their views on any topic at hand because they are also part of the company, perhaps, your views or suggestions may assist the company in doing better, solving problems, gaining customers or even making profits.

Imbabazi heartens offering a hundred per cent to the new job, for instance; the energy, skills, time, aptitudes and knowledge, because once your probation elapses, what you offered at the job will determine whether you continue with the job or not.

She cautions to avoid bad mouthing your old boss because your current employer wouldn’t be comfortable associating with you expecting to talk ill about them in the future. 

"Whatever that didn’t work well at your former company, learn to move past it because discussing your old boss wouldn’t change anything, but will rather portray you as a gossiper among your new colleagues.”

The business manager points out that you ought to be and stay organised, if it needs writing down the day’s or week’s program, do so that you don’t forget executing anything. Be sure to note important days down. This is because forgetfulness can be viewed as a sign of lack of seriousness or laziness.