It's hard to tell if this is the job you thought it would be until you've been there a while, but that's what your probationary period is for. If it isn't everything you expected, it's better to know now while it's still easy to get out.

Many companies recycle job ads and job specs from one year to the next, so what you find yourself actually doing may be some way removed from what you expected. You should have cleared this up during the interview process, but you may have forgotten in the heady rush of landing the job. If what you find is not what you were expecting, talk to your line manager as soon as possible to resolve any difficulties you may be having.

How are things with your new colleagues?
Some workplaces can be very cliquey, and it can be hard breaking into the inner circle. If people are being actively obstructive or awkward, discuss the situation informally with your boss and see if you've been missing something. Sometimes, it may be some obscure form of test to see what you're made of. Other times it may just be plain rudeness, or people not being aware that you feel unwelcome.

You should also look outside the workplace to see whether the social life is all you'd hoped it would be. These things are rarely a major issue, but you should be aware of them. Don't think you have to sort any problems like this out on your own - that's the job of your line manager.

Are you getting the recognition you deserve?
This is very much a question of your new boss's expectations. If your goals are realistic, you've got a good chance of getting off to a good start; if not, you could quickly feel under pressure. With this in mind, make sure you are given clear key performance indicators and know what is expected of you. It's much easier to hit a target you can actually see.

Without overdoing it, make sure that you get recognition for any successful tasks or projects you've been involved with, and make sure your boss knows about your contribution. There are no prizes for sitting in the corner and letting everyone else take the credit.

You will have an assessment at some point during your probationary period – probably more than one – and this is a great time to clear up any misgivings you may have or to make sure your know what is expected of you and that it remains achievable. Don't be shy. Speak up and let your boss know how you feel about your new job.

What does the future hold?
No employer is going to broadcast to you in interview that the company is on the edge and in danger of going under. Equally, if your interviewer is an unpopular or incompetent boss, you're not going to know about that until you start work.

Other signs to look out for include the general atmosphere of the place. Is this a company going places, or beginning to panic? Do you colleagues talk about their recent successes, or are there darker mutterings around the corridors? What is the training and development situation? Did the HR people talk to you about it during your induction, or do people roll their eyes when you mention the subject?

Promises can be easy to make – actually seeing them through is much more difficult.

There can be a big difference between how your new boss presented himself during the interview, how the company presents itself through its website or job ads, and what you actually experience. If it doesn't feel right after the first couple of weeks or months, never be afraid to walk away. It's easier to do so during your probationary period and you've also got all the skills required to find a new job fresh in your mind.