How to Prepare for a Probation Review

Many Australian jobs start with a probation period of a few months. It's a chance for you and your employer to check the role is a good fit. The length and the review process come from your contract or workplace policy, so check yours. Most reviews are simple: your manager confirms your employment and you talk about what comes next. Preparing well turns it into a useful conversation about your goals.

Ask for feedback before the review

The best way to avoid surprises is to ask how you're going well before the review. A few weeks before, ask your manager for 15 minutes to check you're on track and whether there's anything to focus on. If something needs work, you'll have time to show improvement before the formal review.

Our feedback request generator writes this as an email or chat message.

Gather your evidence

Before the meeting, re-read your position description and any goals you agreed when you started, then list examples that show how you've met them. Specifics beat general statements:

• tasks you've learned and can now do on your own
• results, such as targets met, customers helped or errors reduced (numbers help)
• problems you solved or improvements you suggested
• positive feedback from your manager, colleagues or customers
• training or qualifications you've completed

If you've kept a record as you go, this takes minutes. Our free Achievement Tracker keeps a private list on your device and lets you copy entries straight into your notes.

Questions your manager may ask

Have a short, honest answer ready for each:

• How have you found the role so far?
• What are you most pleased with?
• What has been challenging, and how have you handled it?
• Is there any support or training that would help you?
• What would you like to focus on over the next six to twelve months?

For challenges, name one real example and what you did about it. It shows self-awareness, which most managers value more than a claim that everything has been perfect.

Questions to ask in your probation review

• Have I met your expectations for this stage, and is there anything you'd like me to do differently?
• What should my priorities be for the next six months?
• How will my performance be reviewed from here, and how often will we check in?
• Are there development or training opportunities I could work towards?
• Will I receive written confirmation that I've completed my probation?

If training comes up, our training request email generator helps you follow up in writing.

If concerns are raised

Stay calm and listen. It's fine to ask for specific examples and to take notes. Then focus on what happens next:

• What exactly needs to improve, and what would "good" look like?
• What support or training will be available?
• What is the timeframe, and when will we meet again?

Some employers offer to extend a probation period rather than end it. If that happens, ask for the new end date, the goals and the check-in dates in writing. Afterwards, send a short email summarising what you agreed — it keeps everyone on the same page.

Your rights during probation

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, employees on probation get the same minimum entitlements as other employees, including the National Employment Standards. Full-time and part-time employees build up and can use paid leave such as annual leave and sick leave. If employment ends during probation, you're still entitled to notice and to be paid any unused annual leave.

Separately, the Fair Work Ombudsman explains that employees need to be employed for at least 6 months (or 12 months for a small business with fewer than 15 employees) before they can apply for unfair dismissal. If you have concerns about how your employment has ended, check those pages or get advice from your union or a community legal centre.

Checked 20 October 2026. This is general communication help, not legal or employment-law advice.

After the review

Thank your manager, and ask for the outcome in writing if you haven't received it. Note the goals you agreed and add them to your achievement log so you can track progress before your next review. If your probation is confirmed, it's a good moment to update your resume with what you've achieved so far.