A survey of company hiring decision makers reveals just how much rope they will allow a new employee.

Businessman and woman working on computers (Catherine Yeulet, ThinkStock)
Catherine Yeulet, ThinkStock
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The survey was done by the staffing firm Robert Half International. Rich Singer, vice president and director of permanent placement services for Robert Half in Central Jersey, says among managers they polled, "about 9 percent say less than a month. And 54 percent of the CFOs polled said one to three months is more normal."

Singer says he believes that the three-month trial period is the optimum time, "because here in New Jersey, we are an 'at will' state, and most CFOs believe that three months is adequate time to decide whether a person is going to make it with the organization or not."

From the boss's perspective, Singer says there are things they can do to help make the new hire settle into the position more quickly and comfortably. For one thing, he advises giving them a set of objectives that they should strive to achieve in their first 90 days.

He also says the boss should Introduce them around to the various employees within the organization that they will be working with, "give them a tour of the offices, as simple as showing them where the lavatories are, where the kitchen is, the coffee and everything else to make them feel comfortable."

What about the boss's decision on whether a newly-hired employee is working out? According to Singer, many managers watch for certain signs, such as what he calls the wrong first impression, "as simple as not saying hello with a smile to their supervisors."

Other "red flags" include employees not showing up on time, or being the first to leave at the end of the day; having a very abrasive or "know-it-all" attitude; and not asking for help.

Singer also has some advice for the new hire: "Ask for feedback, especially after a week or two. If your boss is not talking to you or giving you feedback, ask him/her for feedback, and where can I improve? How am I doing? Where do you see me needing improvement? And when they give you instructions, take notes."

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