As a grad, does leaving at the end of probation have negative impact on CV?

Question

My first-ever employer made a serious mistake in assessing how much they could offer. My salary offer got reduced significantly right after starting at the company, and I don't intend on accepting it. However I've had difficulties finding a position and as such I'd like to get the most out of this role. I can't afford going back to searching for jobs as a graduate, so I want to try and stay for a while and use this role as leverage to improve my chances.

I want to have my contract changed into a 3-month fixed-term contract with the stated "goal" of working on a specific project at this company. HR and my team agree that this would be the best option for me, but the boss does not. So the boss wants me to accept the new offer and stay for the 3-month probation period. They claim it'd be best for both parties and tried to offer compensation in the form of paid courses and conferences.

My issue is that quitting after 3 months of probation does not sound like a good idea for my CV. Having had a short-term contract - in my opinion - would look much better and I would be in a better position to find employment.

Which one is more valuable on a CV:

• leaving after 3-months probation having gained experience
• having a graduate on a short contract for a specific project

Can I even safely include the probation on my CV?

Answer 1

Which one is more valuable on a CV:

• leaving after 3-months probation having gained experience
• having a graduate on a short contract for a specific project

Really about the same value if it's your first job after graduation - unless you're looking to continue with short term contracting.

Can I even safely include the probation on my CV?

Yes. It's experience - even though it's short. You can also remove it after getting a better/longer position at the next company.

You have been baited and switched, by the sound of things - but be careful how you phrase it to others. It's not too much of an issue for you to say it wasn't a good fit for you and leave it at that, if you're asked why you're leaving by your next potential employer.

Some advice:

• Don't mention it as a probationary thing.
• Keep working there until you get a written offer elsewhere. Underpaid is better than unpaid.

Answer 2

Also – sincerely try to reconcile the situation at your present job. You've barely started working at your very first job. You really can discuss your concerns and your discontents with your present supervisor, and quite possibly get some very good advice which it sounds like you could use right now. (And be sure to listen to what s/he has to say, realizing that a supervisor's discussions are limited by law: the "HR Department" is full of your advocates, who in some cases can talk more freely.) None of them want you to fail or to be unhappy.

I'm a believer in "bloom where you are planted," and, "the grass is always greener ... where you plant it."

I suggest: "yes, take(!) the (reduced) offer, with a smile," after politely asking why the offer has been reduced and listening to their response. There are strict laws concerning compensation – it is never arbitrary. You imagine that they are insulting you. But, you simply haven't been in the work-force yet ... you haven't had a chance to see how these things actually go. You don't have experience to guide you – yet.

Resolve to give them at least one full year of your best efforts without asking to re-negotiate anything. Establish a good working relationship with your supervisor and resolve to learn from him or her. Work hard, watch, and learn.

"Patience, Padewan ... give them a fair chance."