How to write that I failed my probation on an application form as reason for leaving?

horsegal

I have recently been 'dismissed' from my latest job as a seasonal helper at a boarding kennels. I've been there just under 2 months, and was given no feedback that I wasn't performing the role as expected. In fact, I think that the way I was working had little to do with it at all. Whilst there I have seen several things that I have questioned. I have a feeling that the other girls there have mentioned this to my boss and he has taken a dislike to me (he said I had offended some of the girls but I'm unsure if this is the case). He gave me no notice, and I haven't received any accrued holiday pay so I will be speaking to him about this as clearly that is unlawful.

However, I am now filling in several application forms, and my question is how do I explain this in the 'reason for leaving' box, and then later, at interview? I feel I've not been given opportunity to improve via reviews etc as I haven't had any, so I do think I have been treated unfairly.

Any advice???

getmore4less

YOu were due a weeks notice min(more if contractual) and acrued unused holiday.

What was the terms of the contract, hours, notice and probation period.

As it was seasonal was it fixed term or even rolling?

non renewal of a fixed term is often applicable if the contract terms fit.

Scorpio33

Think about the reasons why you didn't like the job.


Those are your reasons for leaving.


Try not to go into too much detail unless it is asked for.




I agree with you it is unfair, but as you were employed for less than 2 years, not much you can do about it.

InsideInsurance

Does it even need to go on your application form? What as the gap between the job prior and the kennel work?

Slinky

I'd just put 'seasonal job' and leave it at that.

horsegal

I didn't have a written contract, and we haven't discussed holidays, notice or probation as part of a verbal contract so I'm taking it as the statutory entitlement. He also didn't explicitly state when the job would end, apart from the fact it's a boarding kennels, so it's busier when all the schools are off. I had agreed to work until the end of August, and then was planning that I would have some hours at least in September...

My boss apologised if it wasn't clear in my interview that it was probationary, but when I said no, it wasn't clear, he replied and just said it was very clear Clearly trying to cover his back in my opinion.

Unfortunately, even though I haven't worked there long, I gained a lot of valuable experience, so I can't just leave it out...

InsideInsurance

Probationary periods are irrelevant, the law allows an employee to be dismissed in the first 2 years without reason (other than for protected characteristics ie race, sexual orientation etc).

A contractual probationary period doesnt change the above so if there is no change in pay, notice period, bonuses etc once probation is passed then you may as well consider every job to have a 2 year probation. If there are changes once you "pass" then you effectively have a two tier probation.

TBagpuss

I think that in these circumstances, you can put 'seasonal job' as reason for leaving. From what you say, there was never any agreement that the job was permanent.
That still allows you to document the experience or skills you've gained.

PasturesNew

Wouldn't a new/potential employer check what the OP writes down? If the OP puts, say, "short term contract" and the new employer asks the old employer, wouldn't they say "failed probation" or something that doesn't quite match what the OP put?

I think any of us would be happy "reinventing ourselves"k, but it's that fear of how the ex-employer might have [a] viewed it logged it in their records.

bingo_bango

As you want to detail the experience you have accrued, just go with the Bagpuss option above. Unlikely they would ask too much about why a seasonal job only lasted a few weeks anyway, as it's expected that these would only be to cover holidays etc.
Focus on the skills, and if they do ask about the reason for leaving then tell them it simply was never a long term prospect, just a gap filler.

Fireflyaway

I agree that you could just state it was a seasonal job.

Many references don't go into much detail anyway, other than confirming that the person worked there and for how long. If it does come up then deal with it then.