Starting a New Job with a One-Year Probation: Is It Worth It and Can I Negotiate?

Dear all,

I have secured a job as a Senior Systems Engineer in a company with a one-year probation period. My questions are:
1. Is it best or a waste of time?
2. What should I consider in this situation?
3. Can I request the company to reduce the probation period before joining?

Please reply as soon as possible.

Thank you all.

Hi Raj,

The probation period is given only for a better judgment of the employee's performance. You cannot judge any candidate 100% based on their performance in any mode of interview. Check what benefits there are that you might miss while working in the probation period. Again, you cannot request them to change the duration of their probation period. If you believe in yourself, then why worry? Good luck!

As a new employee, the company wants to assess your capabilities and performance as a Senior System Engineer, which is why they have appointed you on probation for one year. It would be incorrect to ask the company to reduce the probation period before joining. Instead, you should join and demonstrate your capabilities and proficiencies in the job for which you have been appointed. It is also possible that the company may, on its own initiative, reduce the probation period upon observing your performance and interest in the job.

Best regards,
BS Kalsi
Member since August 2011

Probation period is defined under state-specific Model Standing Orders rules. In Maharashtra, it is 3 months. In no state is there a probation period of one year. You may politely suggest to reduce the probation period to 6 months; there is no harm in trying that. If the company refuses to reduce the period, it will be your decision on how to proceed further.