To be sure, career progress is not one of serendipity. On the contrary, it's a product of sound methodology and focused strategy. Just like a road traveller, you can't reach your destination or realize your objectives without a map in hand, an eye for dangers and a survival toolbox to meet any eventuality along the way. Learn the following rules and tips that will help steer you in the right direction.

Passing Probation With Aplomb
As a new hire, you're likely to go through the requisite six months of probation – a trial period that will determine whether management hires you on a permanent basis or hands walking papers to you. With so much at stake, probationers can't afford any major boo-boos that could derail their chances of permanent employment. If you're a new employee on tenterhooks about your future, here's how you can hurdle the probation challenge.

Know Expectations
Learn as much as you can about your new company, particularly, the expectations of your new boss. Don't wait until too late to learn that you didn't meet his/her expectations simply because you didn't bother to find out what they were in the first place. Most managers like to see these qualities in their new staff:

• POSITIVE WORK ATTITUDE
  Project an enthusiastic and cooperative disposition to gain your superior's confidence

• QUICK TO ADJUST
  Get high marks for doing these well: adapting to prevailing work conditions, handling pressure, coping with big problems or unexpected developments.

• EAGER TO LEARN
  Employers want someone who displays a strong drive to learn. So grab all learning opportunities, even if these do not fall within your job description. The more tasks you can do, the more valuable you will be.

• GOOD PEOPLE SKILLS
  A team player approach is among the top employment criteria, so cultivate your social abilities in the workplace. The last thing you need is to be tagged a difficult co-worker, particularly by somebody with a say in your job performance evaluation.

Probation Period = Observation + Productivity
Probation is tough but not “mission impossible”. Your performance is under observation and as long as you perform to the best of your ability, you are on the right path. Don't be afraid to make mistakes as you learn from these events. Keep looking for ways to help and make jobs easier for your teammates. Most importantly, enjoy your work. Here are some tips to make the most of this period.

• BE PROFESSIONAL
  Follow company rules and regulations conscientiously. Be punctual and minimize absences. Dress properly – the way you look influences your superior's perception of you.

• DO YOUR WORK, IMPRESS YOUR BOSS
  Don't try to impress management unduly as this might lead to burnout. Work because you enjoy what you do – this should be your driving motivation and management should be suitably impressed as a result. Finish assigned tasks and meet deadlines – without your boss having to check on you. Before making big decisions, consult your boss, peers and subordinates for their input and suggestions.

• DON'T IGNORE COMMENTS
  During this probationary period, you might receive negative feedback about the things you may have done wrong. Listen, learn and do better next time.

• SHOW INITIATIVE
  If you feel you can do more, don't hesitate to offer your services. Don't wait to be told what to do: take ownership for tasks and don't be afraid to suggest ways to improve a project.

• DON'T BE IN A HURRY TO ATTACH YOURSELF TO A PARTICULAR GROUP
  Observe first then choose the group that could help reach your own goals, not those that could have a bad influence on you.

• DON'T ASK FOR A SALARY RAISE YET
  Wait for the completion of your probationary period, including your evaluation, before asking for a raise. Don't be too concerned about how much you will get at the end of your probation. If your mentality is all about money, it could turn people off.