There is a reason that businesses hire employees for a “probationary period.” It usually takes between 30 and 90 days for new workers to learn the ropes and start adding value to the company. Employers use this time to determine if you’re worth their long-term investment.
If the manager likes your performance after the trial period, they put you on the payroll, initiate the benefits package and give you comprehensive training. If not, you know what happens. You’ll lose the job.
But let’s turn the tables for a moment.
First, getting fired is not always a bad thing. It can lead to new opportunities. It might shake up a stagnant career and remind you that you aren’t following your dream. Second, if you were dismissed because of poor performance or the fact that your personality didn’t match the business scene, you probably stayed too long.
During the probationary period, you surely noticed that something wasn’t right. Perhaps the interviewers promised a 40-hour work week and you’re routinely logging 65. Maybe your bank numbers didn’t add up, or you couldn’t close a sale. Or possibly your superachiever style clashed with the environment.
Here’s something to consider. Sometimes you need to quit your job in order to save your career.
Too many people stay in bad jobs because they want to reduce the number of short-term positions on their resumes. They know that many employers disapprove of so-called “job hopping,” but rather than learn how to deal with this issue in their job search, they sacrifice career satisfaction for a work history that looks impressive.
If you find yourself feeling more concerned about your resume than your happiness, your priorities are out of order.
Of course, every situation is different, so weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you decide to quit, do it with professionalism and as much courtesy as you can muster. Think of it like this: Job interviews open new doors, and exit interviews ensure that the old doors don’t close too tightly. If done right, your leaving will foster respect and support your career progression.
With regard to your resume, look over your experience and find ways to downplay short-term positions while highlighting your strengths in other areas. Remember, your resume is a marketing document with a single objective: to get the attention of a hiring manager and prompt him or her to call you for an interview.
The best and fastest way to accomplish this goal involves streamlining your background and including only the most impressive and pertinent facts. Cut everything else out. Save the rest of the story — the details, anecdotes and explanations — for the interview.
Here’s an example. Your background includes 10 years in nonprofit administration but recently you tried a short stint in business-to-business sales. As you move forward in your job hunt, review your resume to determine if the sales role strengthens or weakens your presentation.
Are you targeting sales positions? Switching to the corporate sector? Keep it in. But if you wish to return to your former career, make your nonprofit expertise the center of attention.
Life doesn’t always unfold as we expect. If you need to leave your job for your health, happiness or well-being, do it. You can revise your resume once you’re out the door.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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