Probation is a Two-Way Street

Starting at a new agency can be daunting, and a first instinct - certainly in my case - is often, “I hope they like me”. But what we don’t ask enough is “Do I like them?”.  

Yes, the probation period is where you first work alongside your new team, to see if you’re the right fit for a full-time position, but it’s easy to forget that this goes two ways! During those three to six months, you also need to decide if that agency is the right fit for you.

Now to do that successfully, I’d say keep an eye out for green and red flags. This piece will give some tips for what these could look like.

Is accessibility above hierarchy?

Regardless of role, your voice matters, and it’s important to consider how much of a voice you have at the company. What does that look like? Are you encouraged to share ideas for campaigns and social activities? Are you consulted on questions of procedural change and internal practices? How often and how comfortable are you speaking in general with people in more senior roles?

I instinctively shy away from divided workplaces. While it’s natural to spend more time with, and be closer to those in the same/similar roles, there should not be an outright unreachability and discomfort felt. So much career development comes from working closely with those in aspiring roles; you need to feel you have ready access to them on an equal footing. 

Is there genuine investment in your growth?

On the topic of aspiring roles, I’d look out for whether there’s an emphasis on professional development. That includes opportunities for training, mentorship, and line managers who often check in with you (at least weekly, if we’re being frank). 

During probation, consider how often you’re receiving feedback and whether that feedback helps you to excel, not only in your current role, but towards the next one.

When life happens, how do they respond?

As a young person navigating life in London, during a costly and culturally tense era, while also supporting family, it’s important to know I’m working with a team that not only understands the importance of work-life balance but responds with genuine care when life kicks back hard. 

Are there processes in place to support you during times of crisis, where you may be battling physical and/or mental health issues? Do you feel comfortable talking openly with your employer in the first place?

Babel passed my test

With all this in mind, I am happy to say my probation period at Babel has been filled with green flags, ticking off all of the above. Like any healthy relationship, we both feel like we’ve secured a great deal - a supportive “safe-space” with a healthy dose of ambition and success. Here’s to many more years of partnership for us both.  

If you’d like to find out if Babel’s a fit for you too, you can check out the hiring page here: https://babelpr.com/working-at-babel 

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