Probationary Period Woe

FuzzyDF

kazzah wrote: »

my hubby was in this position and sadly was "let go" within his probation period - what i would say is this - TRY and bat as much of this back to your manager as possible for example - when he says " poor time management" - e mail him ( sending a bcc to yourself) and ask him
" how would you like me to prioritise the work you have given me - as it may not be possible to complete all the tasks during the working day"

he then HAS to reply to you to "help you" prioritise the tasks

ask him " where will I find the information you need me to collate? I have looked in x y z place for it and can find no record of it!

thus you are building evidence that you have not been properly supported during your probation period- but ultimately you are correct and if they want to get rid of you - they can - but if possible I would secure as much evidence as i could of the Managers general attitude and lack of support - they need to know WHY people are leaving and wiping out information from hard drives - otherwise things won't ever change

Kazzah I've already tried doing that but my line manager told me "not to email him during the day". A few people overheard this and eyebrows were raised. I'm keeping a written diary, not sure if that will be of any use. The only light at the end of the tunnel is that my relationship with the HR Manager is excellent. She is incredibly supportive but things may change when I confront her with all the problems and when I read out my job description which doesn't match the one I'm doing now.

I don't want to work there, all I want is for them to drop my salary right down to enable me to look for other jobs until the girls from maternity get back to give me some leeway whilst hunting for an authentic job.

Doubt that they will do that though. Hideous people.

DandelionPatrol

I think you need to start thinking that you have been dismissed and have just a week left. That way, every extra week is a bonus.

Also, thinking this way, you can start taking more risks. You could continue to email the boss on exactly the same basis. This would give you evidence that you are trying to come to grips with the job. And it might be better to have the boss fall for trying to sack you for disobeying an order not to send emails rather than for failing to fulfil mission impossible.

FuzzyDF

I've basically had enough of this employer and want to go before I am pushed/blamed for not being able to compile reports with data that was wiped by my predecessor etc.

I've spoken to a recruiter and basically told her the truth.

What do I put on my CV about my probationary period and in my cover letter?

Also should I be honest in any potential interviews that I have been set up to fail or just say "it wasn't the role that was advertised and I wasn't told that I would be covering two maternity leavers without any training" which is the truth.

I'm confused

[Deleted User]

Along the lines of "not as anticipated" has worked for me down to admitting I saw it as a mistake of mine, I'd never mention any lack of training issue, it could be construed as negative. I do think I felt easier saying I'd been asked to leave (I'd always previously been in the camp for leave them before they ask you! but when needs must or it comes a cropper) and you know what it feels more natural when you can say it wasn't your decision but I get this is an each to their own choice


Don't overthink it either as some employers can just gauge what may have happened if you are going for a step down/away and just won't ask, likewise practise/rehearse what you'll want to say so not to get chocked up (though this was more when I went after the offer I turned down for the last blooming fated job, so it was obviously the most probing no one else really gave a fig) everyone has made a wrong decision at some point, had personality clashes at work, realised they were in the deep end and sinking purposefully, wishing you a lucky break, I do like to think the will to go on is sometimes all you need xx

SandC

This sounds awful, hope you get another job soon as.

So far as CV goes, I wouldn't even mention probation periods etc. as a poster above has said the term is a bit of a red herring seeing as a firm can let you go at any point within 2 years anyway.

When I was last job hunting one of the recruitment agents I was with did tell me not to worry too much about one 'blip' in your work history (I left the previous employment without a job to go to as I would have ended up doing something I regretted, lol). I got a new job really quickly and I think all I said about the role I left (I did work notice required of course) was that the job description had changed from the original required and it was no longer a good fit. The ultimate is that you have the HR Manager in your corner and it's her name to give for reference purposes. I had asked the Director who I gelled best with if he would provide references and they must have been fine.

Once you've left there and are in a better position with a better firm you'll just feel pity for those left behind sorting out bad managers (who sadly never seem to get their come uppance). Best of luck.

FuzzyDF

Just after some further advice.

I finally bit the bullet and told my employer and HR that I am giving my weeks notice yesterday (Friday). I explained the reasons why I wanted to leave (without a job to go to) such as unreasonable expectations, being told not to speak to anyone, setting me up to fail (with examples) and no training whatsoever. My delightful line manager 'told me' to stay until Friday whilst I train the HR Manager's daughter up. Strange how she has got a job without interview. I digress, I cannot train her as I'm not trained.

In short I've had enough of this place and want to leave on Wednesday as opposed to Friday. I doubt that they will let me take my 3.6 days of owing holiday. What would be the worst thing that could happen if I simply didn't show up on Thursday and Friday?

agrinnall

For the sake of 2 days I'd go in, while nothing might happen to you if you decided not to turn up they sound like they might take whatever action they could just to be vindictive.

DandelionPatrol

FuzzyDF wrote: »

My delightful line manager 'told me' to stay until Friday whilst I train the HR Manager's daughter up. Strange how she has got a job without interview. I digress, I cannot train her as I'm not trained.

Now we understand why you have been set up to fail.

Me, I would love that last week. I would sit the poor girl there on Monday and waste her time - bore her to death and undertake a Training Needs Analysis. Then I would tell her to sit somewhere and read the manuals and I would compose an email to the boss asking for training for myself. With imagination you can make this go the whole week. Friday afternoon, I would go and introduce the new girl and say that I had been trying to train her all week to do this vital task but no one had trained me.

paupratt

If you only have to give them a week, leave Wednesday, they have completely shafted you and left you jobless, why would you do them a favor?

If there going to do anything or you think they might give you the holiday your entitled to if you work them 2 days, it sounds like there going to be nasty to you whether you leave on Wednesday or Friday.

t0rt0ise

I wouldn't just not turn up. I'd go sick rather than that. Just tell them you've got flu or something. And make sure you delete anything you have done while you've been there!