How much impact does a one month probationary review have upon your job?

Question

I started a job a month ago on a 3 month probationary period basis. I had my first month review two weeks ago and filled it in with my boss and I thought it was fine because she was very supportive. I just received a copy that she sent off and she has changed some of the details so I sound really incompetent, and I really have no idea what to do?

Answer 1

If your manager has changed some of the detail that you and he/she agreed on then the review is worthless. You should see your boss and ask why he has changed things. What he has done is wrong and is probably a ploy to cover his back in the event of him getting rid of you and your complaining. Ask for another review straight away. I carried out such reviews with my employees as a manager and the agreed wording was signed at the end of each page.

Answer 2

just do what you can :) don't think about the probationary status.. strive for excellence. give out your best performance.. and in the end, pretty much there would be no regrets :)  

Answer 3

I wouldn't worry about too much.  You're still in your probationary period and there's probably quite a few things you have yet to learn about your job.  The most important thing you want to focus on during your probationary period is coming to work everyday and coming to work on time.  Also, continue to learn something new about your job everyday and just focus on getting better.  

If she made you look really incompetent in your first review, at least you know what you need to improve upon for the next review.  

Answer 4

I just lost my job- turned up at the office drunk and started attacking people. Don't let things get on top of you. Talk to people. Good luck.

Answer 5

When you filled in the form with your boss, did she ask you to sign it?

If you did sign it and she's now altered the form then that's really low.

If you really want the job, I suggest you politely ask to see her and say you have noticed the changes and you are concerned as you thought you were doing ok. Ask why she's made the changes and ask how you can improve. I know this seems a bit crawly but if you want the job it's the only way.

The other options are either to report her to HR for unprofessional conduct (not recommended after 3 months in a job, but ok if you don't mind getting fired), or to face facts that she's a not a good boss and look for another job.

I'd strongly recommend you speak to her first though. Show her your charming side and she may do a U-turn and things may improve.

Good luck.

Answer 6

I'd say talk with her about it, and approach it as a question about the changes she made.  Tell her you are wondering why she made them, and if her intention was what you perceived.  She might have had a different intention and may be able to explain to you why she feels it means something different that what you fear it does.  Or, she may have taken the chicken's way out and indeed changed it to a more negative review after you initially met.   But don't go in angry or with an attitude.  Expect the answer to be that its a misunderstanding or you are reading it differently than she intends.

Also, don't confuse being supportive to being happy with your work.  She may have been being compassionate toward you in the review and you mistook it for her being satisfied with your performance.   She may feel you have potential and is encouraging you to do better.

Good luck