On probation in UAE? Here’s how to make the job yours

The first few months in a new job - the probation period - are the most critical.

One needs to make an impression on the boss as well as on teammates and colleagues.

According to Suhail Masri, VP of Sales at Bayt.com, “Starting a new job can be very daunting, especially if one has been with his last company for a while.

“He will have to meet new people, learn the ropes, get accustomed to new processes and procedures and learn how to excel in a brand new environment.”

Emirates 24|7 speaks to experts to get tips on how you can pull it off. 

Shane Phillips, Mena Regional Practice Leader, Financial & Professional Services at Stanton Chase

One - The best way to stand out during probation time is to bring a corporate gift to the organisation. 

That is be sure to have a clear idea of what your early contribution will be in the first 100 days in the role. 

These should be easy visible wins.

What I mean by visible is that projects which will be immediately noticed by top management are key. 

Often top performers are attracted to the biggest problems in an organisation as they are ambitious and want to deliver the most value.

This is the wrong strategy because the biggest problems can often take a year to fix and by then people have already formed an opinion about you. 

The best approach to look for smaller problems with quick fixes which will have a high visibility factor.

Two - Most executives fail to invest enough time building relationships in the organisation in the first 100 days.

Be sure to look at your organisation and identify key influencers, formal and informal network groups. 

As well take time to socialise with cross functional people, that is people in the Middle Office of the company whose projects and work often cross different business units.

These people are often ignored but they generally hold the most information about what is going on in the company.

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Three - Taking the time to meet with retired individuals, people who have retired from the company in the last five years will be keen to have lunch with you and give you pointers about how to get things done in the company, perhaps they can even become your mentor. 

Suhail Masri, VP of Sales at Bayt.com

Be prepared - Read up on the company beforehand and make sure you are well versed in the products, competition and company culture and direction.

Arrive early - Make sure you are not late to the job the first weeks and that you put in all the hours required.

Look the part - Make sure you are dressed for the role and that you appear polished, well-groomed, cool, confident, happy and in control. Project a positive energy. First impressions are important and you need to ensure that you make a good one.

Ask questions - Ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

It will take you a while to get used to the company’s policies and procedures and asking the right people the right questions is the best way to avoid potentially costly mistakes.

Listen - A good idea in your first days on the job is to listen more and talk less. You have a lot to learn.

Be proactive - Offer to pitch in with projects that need work and don’t shy from taking on added responsibilities providing these do not interfere with your basic deliverables.

Get to know your colleagues - Show that you are interested in your colleagues and happy to be working with them by smiling, being considerate, asking questions and offering to lend a hand.

Show respect and courtesy - Earn the respect of your colleagues by treating them as you would like to be treated and showing common courtesy and respect in all your interactions.

Make good on promises - Start as you mean to carry on. Make sure you do not make promises you cannot keep as these will be remembered and will diminish your future credibility in the workplace.

Be clear about your role - Set expectations early. Make sure you are very clear as to what is expected of you, what the immediate priorities are, how your performance will be appraised and how frequently you need to update your boss on projects and deliverables.

Learn who the influential players are - Identify who the key players are and try to emulate them as well as learn how they get things done.

Don’t join the office gossip mill - Do not participate in office gossip no matter how endemic it is. You can listen to what its being said in the office grapevine to avoid making the same mistakes but do not offer your own opinions or encourage the gossip in any way.

Don’t try to make big changes - Your first weeks on the job should be used to learn the ropes, ask questions and formulate lasting impressions with bosses, clients and co-workers, not to affect drastic change.

Don’t brag - Don’t start off your new job bragging about past wins and successes as this will only alienate those around you. You still have to earn the respect and admiration of your new colleagues and will do so only be excelling in your new role through hard work, skill and perseverance. 

James Sayer, Director, Robert Half, UAE

Consider the big picture - As a new employee, it is important to have a clear understanding of how your contributions fit into the overall strategy of the organisation.

This is complemented by a sense of commerciality – understanding how your contributions can help the company generate revenue, manage expenditures or improve efficiencies.

Once you’ve figured how your cog fits into the larger machine, you’ll be better prepared to display your knowledge, ask the right questions and stand out in the company.

Volunteer for projects - It’s always a good idea to put your hand up for a new initiative that comes your way.

Not only will you be seen as a team player, but it will give you the platform to really prove yourself early in your job.

Those individuals who display a positive, can-do attitude will increasingly be called upon for more interesting projects and are more likely to be considered for promotion when the opportunity arises.

Embrace teamwork - While it’s important to display strong leadership skills, don’t underestimate the value of demonstrating effective teamwork with your colleagues.

The strongest employees are those who thrive working in different groups, whether within your own department or other interdepartmental teams.

Observe corporate culture - When you first start in a role, don’t forget to take a step back and take a good look at the corporate culture.

Do people socialise outside of work? What’s the etiquette around lunch time get-togethers or other team building activities?

These little nuances will help you integrate quickly into your new working environment and will earn you valuable contacts along the way. 

Find a mentor - This is one of the best things you can do in your career.

Someone with whom you can bounce ideas off of, share challenging situations and look to for advice will help you today and for years to come.

They can help you navigate office politics, negotiate for a raise, or even discuss your next career move.

Having someone you can count on will help you raise your assertiveness in your current role as you’ll feel more confident and at ease. 

Konstantina Sakellariou, Partner, Marketing & Operations Director at Stanton Chase

Focus - During the probation period focus on what you can achieve in a short period of time and avoid aggressive new plans and long term goals.

Also, focus in understanding the new company’s structure/internal balances/written and unwritten rules.

Focus on long term achievements after the probation period, when your understanding of the company will allow you to develop achievable plans and strategies that meet effectively the company’s needs, vision and culture.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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