Not kept on after probation period

[Deleted User]

Hi everyone, first post!

I was hoping someone could shed a bit of light on my current situation, im getting myself into a bit of a state.

I was taken on by a independant financial services company three months ago. It was a competely new role to my previous jobs but in the same sector. This was made clear from interview stage as I had only graduated 12 months previous. I wasnt provided with any training or support. I thought it was getting better but It transpired that i'd made a mistake with some client paper work. After this was pointed out, I altered my work systems i really thought i was making a lot of improvement.

Unfortunately, last week the company lost an extremely large business deal, approximate to over 50% of the companies income.

Two days later I was told that I wouldnt be kept on after my probationary period due to performance issues. Obviously, I think this is all a bit suspecious as I was never told that there was serious problems and suspect I was an easy target given the climate.

What I am concerned about is that ill get a bad reference and never find another job. I know from an employment law point of view there isnt really a lot i can do but has anyone got any suggestions what I can do to mitigate this damage?

I had an interview and said that I wasn't kept on as the company was facing a difficult time and I wasn't experienced enough - Will a reference say I was dismissed? Im scared of applying for things incase I get blacklisted and employers think im a waste of space.


Thanxx

fengirl_2

They cannot give you an adverse reference unless they can prove whatever it is they say. the worse they can do is give you a neutral one. Have you asked them about this?

TM1976

It's a good idea to ask the person you intend to put as a reference if they are happy to give you a reference.

It's difficult to know exactly what went on here but it appears to me that the company's decision in dismissing you was down to external conditions as much as your work and as an employee on probation you were easier to dismiss than a long standing employee.

It's possible the person who dismissed you give you a good reference if they feel slightly guilty about the situation. In a lot of cases references aren't taken up anyway and records aren't kept of previous appliers so you should be OK to apply for as many things as you wish without being blacklisted.

ninky_2

references have to be factually truthful so they cannot just give you a bad reference. it might be worth getting a friend to call up as a potential employer and ask for a reference then you can see what they are likely to say about you. i often give references and get them - generally verbal and not written. there is something of an art to getting an accurate reference (especially a bad one!) as usually people just say yes they were good and they would recommend them. the canny employer will then ask more specific questions to ascertain the detail behind this.