Probation Review Template

Part of the HR templates hub. It is free, printable and placeholder-based — read it here, copy the block, or use the print/save-as-PDF button. For the wider practice, see the related employer-operations guides and the HR metrics it supports.

Template overview

The template revisits the early expectations, reviews progress with examples, captures support given and any gaps, and records a clear, documented outcome with next steps. It is informational only — formal probation processes vary and should be handled with qualified guidance.

When to use it

• Reaching a probation or early-tenure checkpoint.
• Assessing a new hire against the expectations set at the start.
• Documenting a fair, evidence-based probation outcome.

Who it is for

• Managers reviewing a new hire’s early period.
• HR standardising probation reviews.
• Teams who want fair, documented early-tenure decisions.

Template structure

• Details and the probation period.
• Early expectations set at the start.
• Progress against each, with examples.
• Support given and any gaps.
• Outcome and next steps.

Printable template

Copy the block below and replace every [bracketed] placeholder. It contains no real names or data — adapt every part to your situation.

Print or save as PDF

Example (placeholder version)

An illustrative version using placeholders only — it shows the kind of content each part holds, with no real employee or company data.

Customisation guidance

• Review against the expectations actually set at the start — not new ones.
• Use specific examples for each judgement.
• Record support given, so the review is fair and complete.
• Follow your own documented probation process for the outcome.

Common mistakes

• Reviewing against expectations that were never communicated.
• A vague outcome with no next steps.
• Ignoring whether the new hire was actually supported.
• Treating the template as a substitute for your formal process.