HiReally excited that I have got an offer of employment from Accenture as a Consultant manager. However, the offer mentions a probation period (6 months) with a termination notice of 1 week (if Accenture decides) and 1 month (if I decide to quit).I was told that there is no probation period in consulting but the HR guys are telling me otherwise. Not sure if i can really get away with that but I am more concerned about the inequality of notice period. Is this standard? Has this been recently introduced?ThanksHank

First of all, congratulations on the offer! I wouldn't get too hung up on a probation period.I am unsure about the in's and out's of Accentures terms and conditions, however, it's standard practice to have the same amount of time both sides.I don't agree with the principle of a probation period, because you can be released in your first 12 months without any repercussions for the firm anyway.

Thanks Tom. I understand that you can't do much if the org decides to get rid of you in the first 12 months. I am more concerned about the different terms - 1 week vs 1 month.

It's quite normal for the company notice period to be very short during the probation period. Frankly if you are not going to make it through probation they'll be telling you so way b4 6 months in. If you want to quit they need time to find a replacement on your project and do a handover, so 1 nth is fair.Normally the notice periods go to something more equal AFTER the probation period has been passed. Worth asking them about that.

Thanks Mr Cool. I checked with HR as well. This is pretty much their standard UK practice. The notice period does get equal once probation period is over. I have accepted the offer now.

Well congratulations on your offer and all the best for your career with Acn...I had joined a couple of years back and there was absolutely no 'Probation Period'..!