Can't get a job

Monalisadoesnotsmile

I was bullied and sexually harassed in a long term job I had 6 years ago and my confidence has been affected ever since. They made me sign a compromise agreement before I resigned and I feel they have been mentioning that in the references since because one potential employer once asked me if there was a compromise agreement between me and that company just out of the blue even though I did not even mention I left on bad terms. What happened to me in that job has had a serious impact on my confidence and self esteem. I have not been able to hold a job for more than a few months ever since because I am always made to resign before the end of the probation period. I feel this may be due to bad references which my previous employer has always denied when confronted. I am in my 40s and I have a good degree from a top UK university. I have recently done various courses to updated my IT and PM skills, but I can't even get an interview. What do you suggest I do to improve this situation?

Monalisadoesnotsmile

yes I did agree a reference as part of the agreement but that would not stop them from acting differently which I suspect they did. I could never verify if they were abiding by the agreement because I was never allowed to view the references they were providing because my new employers mentioned they could be sued by my previous one if they allowed me to see it. I never gave them reasons to dismiss me they simply made it too difficult for me to stay.

ACG

Apply for a job with a fictitious company. Have them send off for a reference and see what comes back.

t0rt0ise

The new employer must give you sight of any references if you ask for it otherwise they are in breach of the Data Protection Act. See here.


https://worksmart.org.uk/work-rights/discipline-and-policies/data-protection/am-i-entitled-see-employer-references-about-me

DCFC79

Re the interviews do you ask for feedback on your application ?

Are you fulfilling the criteria for the job ?

DCFC79

ACG wrote: »

Apply for a job with a fictitious company. Have them send off for a reference and see what comes back.

Or just get a friend who is supposedly self employed to ask for a reference.

Antispam

Sara Allen :spam:mer