When you start a new job, there’s a good chance you won’t be a permanent, fully secured employee from day one. Most employers include what’s called a probationary period at the beginning of employment, and if you’re heading into your first job or any new role, it’s worth understanding what it actually means before you start.
What a probationary period is
A probationary period is a set length of time at the start of employment where both you and your employer are working out whether the job is a good fit. It’s sometimes called a “qualifying period” or “minimum employment period.”
During this time, your employer is observing how you perform, whether you can do the tasks required, and how you fit into the team and workplace. At the same time, you’re getting a feel for the role, the environment, and the expectations placed on you.
Probationary periods are common across most job types, from casual retail and hospitality shifts to full-time graduate positions. The length varies depending on the employer and the nature of the role, but three to six months is typical for full-time and part-time roles. Casual positions sometimes have shorter periods, or none at all, though your employer may still treat the first few weeks as an informal settling-in phase.
Why it exists
Employers use probationary periods because hiring someone is a significant investment of time, money, and resources. A job interview can only tell an employer so much. Watching someone do the actual work gives a much clearer picture of whether they’re suited to the role.
It also gives you the same opportunity. Starting a new job is often how you find out what it’s really like, and a probationary period means you’re not immediately locked into a long-term commitment on either side.
What happens during the period
Day to day, a probationary period doesn’t usually look or feel different from any other time at work. You’re expected to show up, do your job, and behave professionally. In some roles, especially more senior or complex ones, you might have a formal review partway through or at the end of your probation. Your employer may set specific goals or targets for you to meet.
In casual jobs like retail, fast food, or hospitality, formal reviews are less common. Instead, your manager is paying attention to things like whether you’re reliable, whether you pick things up quickly, and how you handle the job under pressure.
What to do during your probationary period
The probationary period is when first impressions are formed and patterns are established. How you approach it sets the tone for how your employer sees you going forward.
Show up reliably
Attendance and punctuality carry a lot of weight in the early stages of any job. If something comes up and you can’t make it, communicate early and clearly.
Ask questions when you’re unsure
Making mistakes because you didn’t understand something is far less useful to your employer than asking for clarification upfront. Most managers expect new employees to need guidance at the start.
Pay attention to feedback
If a manager corrects you or suggests a better way to do something, take note and apply it. Acting on feedback quickly is one of the clearest signals that someone is going to be a good employee.
Understand the expectations for your role
If no one has clearly explained what success looks like in your position, it’s reasonable to ask. Knowing what you’re being assessed on helps you prioritise the right things.
Keep a record of your hours and any agreements
This is particularly relevant for younger workers in casual roles where the terms of employment might not always be in writing.
Dismissal during probation
During a probationary period, it’s easier for an employer to end your employment than it would be later on. This is largely because employees in the early stages of employment have fewer protections under unfair dismissal laws.
In most cases, you need to have worked for an employer for a minimum period before you can make an unfair dismissal claim. For small businesses, this period is generally longer than for larger employers. If your employment ends during your probationary period and before you’ve reached that threshold, your options under unfair dismissal laws are limited.
That said, dismissal during probation isn’t unlimited. There are still laws that protect you from being dismissed for certain reasons, including discrimination based on characteristics like race, sex, age, disability, or religion. These protections exist from your very first day of work, regardless of whether you’re in a probationary period.
If you’re dismissed and you believe it was for an unlawful reason, it’s worth seeking independent advice. Your national workplace authority or a community legal centre are both good starting points.
Your rights during probation
Being on probation doesn’t mean your basic employment rights are suspended. From the moment your employment begins, you’re entitled to things like:
- Your correct rate of pay under the relevant award or agreement
- A safe working environment
- Protection from discrimination and harassment
- Access to leave entitlements you’ve already accrued, such as sick leave in some employment types
The type of contract you’re on, whether casual, part-time, or full-time, affects some of these entitlements. If you’re unsure about what you’re entitled to, the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website is a reliable place to check. They publish plain-language guides on pay rates, leave, and employment conditions for different job types.
When probation ends
At the end of a probationary period, most employers will either confirm your ongoing employment or let you know that the arrangement isn’t continuing. Some do this with a formal conversation or letter; others simply let the period pass without much ceremony.
If you’re not sure whether your probationary period has ended, it’s fine to ask your manager directly. And if your employment is confirmed, it’s a good point to revisit any questions you have about your role, your hours, or any conditions you weren’t sure about when you first started.
For more about navigating the world of work, explore our jobs and careers articles.
