Will My Short Stint at a Small Company Count in My Career Journey?

Hi Seniors,

Recently, I joined a small company where there are only 25 people. I am wondering if I can work there for six months. If I decide to change companies, will my two months of experience count or not?

Please advise me at your earliest convenience.

Thank you

Hi Aparna,

Nothing to worry, don't leave the company without any offer in hand. Your 2 months of experience will get counted, but it will not have much of an impact on your next employment. I would suggest not changing the company now. Stay there for 6 months to 1 year and then look for a change. You can message me for more clarification. Keep rocking! 🤘

Hi Aparna,

Don't leave your present company; stay there for at least 6 to 12 months, then you can look for a change. Stay there, gain some experience, and later you can consider making a change.

Regards,
Sandhya Unnikrishnan

Hi Rahul,

I am also in the same dilemma. It has been 1 year now, and I am working in a software company with 20 people as an HR Executive. During this period, I have not learned much about HR activities. I am concerned that if I continue working here, I will remain in the same position. What should I do? Please suggest.

Regards,
Rahul

Hi Rahul,

Don't get disappointed. As it is a small company, there is a lot of scope to learn and implement new things. Why don't you take initiative to bring some new policies and procedures? This is the correct time to learn. You will get plenty of time to free yourself. Once you get into a big company, then the story might be different.

I would rather suggest the following, which can help you in the future:

1. Training and Development
- Leadership Training, Softskills Training - You should prepare this and strive to achieve the deliverables.

2. Employee Satisfaction Survey

3. Maintain Employee Relations.

4. Rewards and Awards Programme.
- As you said it's a small company, you can plan something related to non-monetary rewards, which helps in recognizing employees and motivating them, resulting in retention.

I would be wondering if you have already done all these. If so, then there's nothing much to learn... :-P

Cheers,
Kiran Kumar

Hi Aparna and Rahul,

You guys shouldn't leave your current job as others suggest because the job market is currently very dull, making it challenging to secure a new job. Therefore, it's important to be patient and stay put for some time. As others advise, utilize your free time to update your knowledge. It's always beneficial to keep learning, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Regards,
Soumia

Hi Aparna & Rahul,

You have to continue with your organizations, as well as update your resume. Try to understand the current trends and the types of questions interviewers are asking. Analyze where you lack knowledge and work on developing yourself in those areas. Implement your improvements within your current company through activities like employee surveys and welfare initiatives. You have to create opportunities for yourself.

Finally, the market situation is not good.

With regards,
Ramesh.V:icon1:

Hi,

The same situation is with me.

I have around 4+ years of experience in HR. From the beginning of my career, I started in a small company. Initially, I was also very frustrated that I was working in a small company.

But then I realized that there are many ways and things which I can try out with the knowledge and experience I have. So, I started making training programs, creating policies for the organization, and conducting training programs, etc.

Overall, this HR forum has helped me a lot.

In this way, I tried to develop myself, learn new things, and then implement them in the organization.

Now, I am progressing in my career, and currently, I am working as an HR Manager in a small organization with around 35 employees.

I have learned a lot while working with these companies. However, after 4 years of experience, thoughts of needing a break in a bigger company have started coming back to my mind. I believe that in a larger organization, I will be able to learn things that are not possible to implement in a small organization.

So, I think initially it is good to work in a small organization, learn all the basic things required, and gain full knowledge.

Thanks and Regards,
Harshada

Hi Harshada,

You are absolutely correct. Both of you don't worry at all; it's not the end of your career. There are many more opportunities coming your way, so stick to it and wait for the right opportunity. Meanwhile, update yourself with the latest in HR and get some good tricks to crack the interviews. Always keep one thing in mind: the interviewer can only ask you those things which you have mentioned in your CV, nothing more. Therefore, prepare yourself well in whatever you have written in the CV with set examples to prove your ability.

Thanks,
Pervinder

Hi,

The same situation is with me. I have around 4+ years of experience in HR. From the start, I began my career in a small company. Initially, I was also very frustrated that I was working in a small company. However, I realized that there are many ways and things which I can try out with the knowledge and experience I have. So, I started making training programs, creating policies for the organization, and conducting training programs, etc. Being on this HR forum helped me a lot.

This way, I tried to develop myself, learn new things, and then implement them in the organization. After 4 years of experience, I am now moving forward in my career and currently working as an HR Manager in a small organization with around 35 employees. I have learned a lot while working with these companies. However, after 4 years of experience, thoughts of needing a break in a bigger company have started coming to my mind. I believe it is good to work in a small organization initially, learn all the basic requirements, and gain full knowledge.

Thanks & Regards,
Harshada

Hi,

According to my opinion, in a small company, you can learn more things. It will help you a lot for your growth. Try to learn all areas from the beginning.

Hi Aparna and Rahul,

I am also undergoing the same situation. I recently got placed in a small IT firm (consisting of 30 employees) as an HR executive, and I am really enjoying the job. I am continuously learning several new things. I will continue for 1-2 years, and then I will look for any big reputed company. But right now, I am getting lots of new things to learn, which I will definitely not be able to learn in a big company in the early stages of my career.

Regards,
Ali🌟

Hi Aparna & Raghul,

Don't quit your jobs. Love your job in the current company. Keep learning new things and try implementing them. Because in a small company, you are given the opportunity to create your own things. As we move into a bigger company, we are mainly maintaining what the company follows. You may not even be given the opportunity to share your opinion. Moreover, frequently switching from one company to another may leave a negative mark on your career. As an HR professional, you should be aware of this.

Thanks and Regards,
Shanthy Jagathesan:icon1:

I really don't think you guys should switch over, at least not right now. Since it's a small organization, you have ample scope to take the initiative to start HR fully-fledged here. By principle, a small organization provides the best overall learning, at least if you're a fresher, because you tend to do everything on your own and the work is not divided. So, you must indulge in compensation & benefits. I can't say training because I know small organizations don't support training except the basics, so you can definitely try out employee engagement activities to get to know employees on a one-on-one basis; that will help you. All this will definitely add to your CV.

Secondly, right now, in the market, only new companies are hiring; the rest of the recruitment is frozen everywhere.

In short, buddy, don't leave until you complete one year.

Regards

Benefits of working at a small organization for a longer duration:

- Satisfaction - you lend your shoulder for the growth of the company.
- Expectations are higher - ensures you are always on your toes.
- Opportunity to "formulate, introduce & fine-tune" new policies and procedures (in big organizations you don't get to this stage).
- Reference from the CEO or directors themselves.

The only disadvantages are the pay scale and long work hours (less or no leave). If you have 3 to 4 years of experience in small organizations, you can face any kind of interview, which makes it easier.

Aparna,

Actually, you are blessed that you got an opportunity to lead as an HR in a small company. Meaning in a small company, there are opportunities for you to grow and implement processes and procedures - whereas in a big company, you are just a loop in a bigger chain, and your voice is not heard - or as if you are invisible. I would recommend the following:

1. Implement good organizational policies (research this website as it can give you good inputs).
2. Implement a performance management system.
3. Implement good attendance and leave procedures.
4. Implement frequent training and upliftment of team members.
5. Policies as per regulations.
6. Good harmony.
7. Structured filing systems.
8. Build a resume database as backups for future appointments.
9. Build strong relationships among team members.
10. Act maturely and win hearts :)

Thanks,
Mahesh

Hi Aparna,

There is nothing to worry about; it's better to continue in the same organization. However, concentrate on learning new things and try to interact with the HR people for knowledge transfer. It would help you build your career. Good luck!

Pavan

Hi,

It's not about a big company or a small company; try to be yourself. Try to learn something and contribute what you know. It helps you to move further and increases confidence in you. When we perform well, money and status follow automatically.

Thank you,
Sateesh

Hi Aparna,

No matter whether it is a small or big company, every successful company as of now has grown from a small company. The main concern is the nature of your job and your interest. If both are matching, then you can work; otherwise, you are also wasting your time as well as the company's time.

Aparajita:icon10:

Hi Aparna and Rahul,

Don't feel that you're working in a small company. I am also working in a small company that consists of only 22 employees. However, here, I have a good scope where I can learn all HR activities. If you feel the same, please don't leave the company.

As Soumia mentioned, the current market is also very dull.

All the best,
Naveen 🙂

Hi Seniors,

Recently, I joined a small company where there are only 25 people. Can I work there for six months? Also, if I change companies, will my 2 months of experience count or not? Please advise me at your earliest convenience.

There are no issues with joining a small company, especially if you are at a beginner stage. Focus on gaining valuable learning experiences there. After 10 to 12 months, you can consider transitioning to a larger organization. Remember to prioritize continuous learning.

Have a great day!

Hi Aparna!

Don't worry about such things and consider leaving the company unless you have a good opportunity in another company. Because it is quite difficult to get a job now as the market is very bad, especially when it comes to finding a job in HR. Everything is confidential when compared to other departments. Now, you have the chance to learn many things, you can create all the policies and implement them. This way, you can gain additional knowledge in this field. In big companies, there isn't much to do in HR as everything is already structured, and you have to follow that format. However, in small companies, you have the opportunity to create everything, and you will gain more experience. It doesn't matter whether it is small or big; I am currently working in a small company with 20 employees, and I have one year of experience. I have designed every format and policy related to HR from recruitment to retirement, and we have started implementing them.

Regards,
Srikanth

Whether it's a small company or a big company where you work, it's important knowledge-wise what you gain from it. At times, you may find better policies and systems in small-scale units than in some multinational groups. So, extract knowledge through experience from where you are now, which would help you to build a strong career ahead. Good luck.

Hi Srikanth,

I just got to know from your comment that you have started the HR practices and policies of your company from scratch. I'm presently in a similar situation. Kindly tell me how you carried on with what you did in your company. I'm a new joiner in a trading company in Oman. I do not have previous generalist HR experience. Here, they have asked me to set up a proper HR division (practices) for the company. The company has around 150 employees, and in the current system, employee files, leave handling, etc., are done manually, with payroll being handled by the finance department. We wish to organize the employee files and related HR practices (from joining formalities to when an employee leaves the organization) so that there can be one-point access, thus saving time. Please provide me with a framework on how to proceed regarding this and examples of the areas to be covered, along with sufficient spreadsheets.

Kindly respond to this as soon as possible.

Thanks and regards,
Lakshmi

Hi Srikanth,

I just got to know from your comment that you have started the HR practices and policies of your company from scratch. I'm presently in a similar situation. Kindly tell me how you carried on with what you did in your company. I'm a new joiner in a trading company in Oman. I do not have previous generalist HR experience. Here, they have asked me to set up a proper HR division (practices) for the company. The company has around 150 employees, and in the current system, employee files and leave handling are done manually, with payroll being handled by the finance department. We wish to organize the employee files and related HR practices (from joining formalities to employee leaving the organization) so that one-point access can be achieved, thus saving time. Please provide me with a framework on how to proceed regarding this and examples of the areas to be covered along with sufficient spreadsheets.

Kindly respond to this as soon as possible.

Thanks and regards,
Lakshmi

Hi Rahul,

Frankly speaking, In a year would have just learnt your process but not dept in HR, this year what you need to do this, try getting\implementing new things which would boost your confidence.

Take initiatives; try interacting with higher management and your seniors indeed you would learn new things personally and officially

In bigger companies you would not get a chance to move around in different departments you need to work very hard and prove your self..!

Make sure you are settled in a Good position and better Grade which would help you in long Run.

“THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT TIME TO LEAVE”
All the Very Best:-P
Regards,
Kiran

Hi Aparna and Rahul,

I would suggest you to request your boss to assign you a mentor who can enlighten you on your growth prospects and teach you things that enrich your job role.

Hi,

You cannot decide about the company by counting the heads. If you have job satisfaction and a good environment, continue for a significant period of time. If not, wait for a good opportunity and make a change. Still, I suggest you continue for a minimum period of one year so that you can gain valuable experience that will enhance your resume. Do not make very frequent changes; it will be viewed negatively.

R G NAGENDRA