You might already suspect it: things aren't going smoothly. Sometimes a dismissal during the probationary period comes as a surprise. In both cases, the motto is: correct the crown, look ahead. That's how it's done.
You've only just started your new job when it's already over: being fired during the probationary period is often a shock - and a damper on your self-confidence. Many then ask themselves: What was the reason? And most importantly: what's next?
But even if you just want to get away first: If the tablecloth is not completely cut between the two sides, it can make sense to first seek a conversation with the employer.
"If this happens, the employee should be as objective and unemotional as possible," advises Berlin career coach Jürgen Hesse. And ask where exactly the employer was dissatisfied. You could say something like: "I want to take something away from the situation so that I can do better next time."
However, those who have been dismissed can also ask whether the employer is willing to accommodate them and redesign the employment contract. For example, by converting the originally permanent employment relationship into a short project or temporary job. Such an approach can be advantageous for your own CV.
For example, if you receive notice of termination within the probationary period after four months, the employment contract could be changed to a four-month temporary job. "In this way, scratches in the paintwork can be concealed reasonably well," says Jürgen Hesse.
Then you can say goodbye to the team. "But it's not a must, it depends on how we were in contact with each other," says careers adviser Jutta Boenig from Überlingen on Lake Constance. If the cooperation was good, maybe even friendly and collegial, it is appropriate to say goodbye, says Jürgen Hesse. Then the following words could be appropriate: "I enjoyed getting to know you and I regret not working with you anymore."
According to Hesse, it is not a wise decision to settle accounts when saying goodbye to colleagues. Even if they're on the tip of the tongue, it's better to leave out sentences like "You didn't support me enough so that I could settle into my job." "It would be better to remain silent and to keep your composure," said Hesse.
And even after you have closed the office or factory gate behind you, one thing is required above all: keep calm. "To panic and immediately throw out one application after the other like crazy," is not a good idea, says Jutta Boenig.
Better: Take a short break and talk to your partner or good friends. "Those who have been dismissed can obtain specific feedback from their immediate surroundings," says Boenig. How do you actually perceive me? Where do you think I am in the right place professionally?
An analysis of what you might have done wrong is important. But sometimes the reason why it didn't work is also quite banal. "Sometimes you have superiors who just can't deal with you," says Jutta Boenig.
That's why you don't have to lose heart. It might help to remind yourself that there can be good in something bad. "Perhaps the sacking was necessary so that someone finally deals more consciously with what he or she wants," says Jürgen Hesse. And maybe that person will finally find their "dream employer" through a new application.
Jutta Boenig recommends that if you are looking for a new job, you should be very aware of the company you are applying to. Applicants can find initial information on the company's website, for example, or take a look at employee ratings on the Internet.
But how do you explain the termination during the probationary period in the interview? If the former employer did not agree to limit the employment relationship in which one failed, applicants should calmly address the breakdown. "You have to realize that it's nothing completely unusual to be dismissed from the probationary period," says Jutta Boenig. According to her, it doesn't leave a bad impression to say, "It just didn't add up."
A dismissal during the probationary period is often a slap in the office for those affected, but not a catastrophe in itself. "It's not a rejection of the personality, but one should take this as a hint to go into yourself again and sort yourself out anew," says Jutta Boenig.
It is ideal if employees then go on the offensive from the outset with the next employer. "After the first week in the new job, ask your supervisor for brief feedback, then after the first month," recommends Jürgen Hesse.
The advantage of this: It becomes apparent early on how satisfied your superiors are with you - if necessary, you can take countermeasures and do something better. A dismissal may also quickly become a distant prospect.
