APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who is anxious about hitting sales targets in a new job.
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Q) I work in sales and have been offered a position in a different company.
I’ve had several positive conversations with people in the business, but since our last call, I’ve been feeling anxious.
The conversation was with the CEO and he mentioned a 60-day probationary period, and emphasised the need for me to deliver against a set of targets.
I worry this timeline is too short for a new hire to fully understand the business and generate new revenue.
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I’m used to six-month probationary periods, and now I feel like I’d have to prove myself really quickly, which is making me feel stressed and apprehensive about taking the role.
What do you think?
Kate, via email
A) Congratulations on your job offer!
It’s normal to feel anxious about a short probation period, especially when there appears to be high expectations.
Learning the ins and outs of a new company, while delivering ambitious sales targets, could be challenging in just two months, as you say.
I suggest addressing your concerns directly and seeking clarity on the business’ expectations.
Express your eagerness to succeed in the role, while highlighting the potential difficulties you anticipate with such a tight timeline.
You might mention how important it is for you to thoroughly understand the firm’s products, processes and culture in order to perform at your best.
It’s important that both you and the company have aligned expectations, so clarifying these details before making a final decision about the role is vital.
If you sense that they are already applying unrealistic pressure that you feel will be impossible to live up to, take some time to consider whether this is the right company fit for you.
- Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.
