Compromise Agreement - what to say at interview

Cutzee

Hello again. I'm full of questions today!

I just wondered if anyone had left employment via a compromise agreement and what they said to a potential employer at interview regarding reasons for leaving (in order to secure a position)?

I left following long term sickness/capability. I have since had surgery and am better/fully recovered and ready to return to full time employment.

I spoke to a friend who said - don't mention your sickness - it will go against you and you'll never get a job. Just say you were made redundant. I also spoke to a couple of agencies who told me to be honest about why I left :undecided

I don't like lying - I'm not very good at it. And what if they find out I wasn't made redundant (can they?). I have an agreed reference which is pretty good so not worried about that.

I registered for a temping position, but that company have come back to the agency and have said they want to interview me for the permanent position they have on offer :eek:

I just want to do whatever I need to try and secure another job and wondered how others in a similar position got through this stage. All suggestions welcome

Dogger69

What does your reference say about you leaving? If nothing, and it has been agreed that they won't say anything otherwise (which would be standard in a CA), redundancy seems the simplest response - a reorganisation meant your position no longer existed.

Takeaway_Addict

Dogger69 wrote: »

What does your reference say about you leaving? If nothing, and it has been agreed that they won't say anything otherwise (which would be standard in a CA), redundancy seems the simplest response - a reorganisation meant your position no longer existed.

But is lying and if the OP is found out then she is liable to be dismissed for lying.

Cutzee

The reference says nothing about me leaving (only in the sense of my dates of employment). They have said that if anyone from benefits asks they will confirm that my contract was terminated (dismissal for capability). When I asked about future employers they said they would only give the reference which has been agreed as part of the compromise agreement and nothing else.

Cutzee

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

But is lying and if the OP is found out then she is liable to be dismissed for lying.

That is what the agencies have said - dismissal for lying if found out

Takeaway_Addict

Cutzee wrote: »

That is what the agencies have said - dismissal for lying if found out

Its a difficult situation to be in.

What about:

'I wasn't enjoying my work so decided to leave for a change' that way its true, u weren't enjoying ur work as you were ill and via the compromise agreement you decided it was time to leave.

And you're not lying.

LL30

I've not found it an issue. When I went for a job after leaving a previous under a CA, I just told them 'I left subject to a compromise agreement'. No lying involved and I got the job I've had other jobs since and on application forms if it asks why did you leave this employment, I write exactly the same thing.

Takeaway_Addict

LL30 wrote: »

I've not found it an issue. When I went for a job after leaving a previous under a CA, I just told them 'I left subject to a compromise agreement'. No lying involved and I got the job I've had other jobs since and on application forms if it asks why did you leave this employment, I write exactly the same thing.

Some employers would be wary of employing someone that has been through a CA as they may wrongly assume that the employee causes issues.

Cutzee

LL30 wrote: »

I've not found it an issue. When I went for a job after leaving a previous under a CA, I just told them 'I left subject to a compromise agreement'. No lying involved and I got the job I've had other jobs since and on application forms if it asks why did you leave this employment, I write exactly the same thing.

Can I ask what line of work you are in please?

I too have been warned that it may go against me and I might be viewed as a trouble maker if I mention leaving under a compromise agreement - even though I've done nothing wrong

harrys_dad

I would be honest and tell the truth as you have on here; "I left following long term sickness/capability. I have since had surgery and am better/fully recovered".

Even though you have an agreed reference, some firms when asking for references ask for your attendance record too, which your former firm has to reply to honestly.

Lying at interview never gets you anywhere.

Savvy_Sue

harrys_dad wrote: »

I would be honest and tell the truth as you have on here; "I left following long term sickness/capability. I have since had surgery and am better/fully recovered".

Even though you have an agreed reference, some firms when asking for references ask for your attendance record too, which your former firm has to reply to honestly.

Lying at interview never gets you anywhere.

I'd go with this, but I'd lose the 'long term' ... maybe "A period of ill health meant I was unable to do the job. Since then I have had surgery and am better/fully recovered, which means this would not be an issue in future."