Job interviews following gross misconduct

xapprenticex

Yep, the punishment of GM is not just losing your job but having a tricky time getting a new job, and when you do, all it takes is one person to spot you and possibly ruin it for you.

It's probably a good idea to find out (if possible) what kind of reference the old company will give because that may be the deciding factor.

I've heard people say they temped a few years so they didnt have to mention the company that sacked them or use them as a reference (unless they have a friend in management in that company).

Masomnia wrote: »

I've had a fair few interviews recently and in all but one I was asked my reason for leaving.

It's difficult, obviously, but my own view is to tackle it yourself head on and that way put your spin on it. Say you've learned from your mistakes and so on. Your honesty will reflect well.

If you lie about it and they find out that you'd been sacked from a previous job you'll be out of the door straight away.

If they don't ask you don't have to say. The only problem with that is if they do find out it was GM then they won't know why and they'll think twice about hiring you - as others have said GM could be a range of things.

Good luck anyway. I would suggest trying to find a temporary role soon if you don't get anything more permanent as it may lead to a better reference and easier interviews.

Always_Alba

Thanks to everyone. My GM was basically down to harassment. The investigator has agreed thrre was no malicious intent but as the other person "felt" they were being harassed, i was out. I have accepted that it can be seen as harassment and that this falls under the definition of GM.
I haven't appealed as i no longer wished to work for this employer - a retail chain - and i want to focus all energy looking forward. The interviews i have are for local authority / charities so a new direction.
I guesd i just need to see how the interviews go and be prepared for any questions that may be asked at any stage. My first interview is this tuesday.

Savvy_Sue

And did you appeal? Even if you didn't return to the company, that might have enabled you to negotiate a reference which was neutral on the reason for you leaving ...

Always_Alba

I haven't appealed, advice received suggests there is little chance of success.
My line manager has been good with me and has said she will write a good reference for me about my work. It is therefore worry about a future reference asking for the reason i left.
I am kind of thinking that as my application forms have advised my contract was terminated that this gives an idea as to why i left and it may lead to a question. After that, i may just wait to see if i am offered a job and then wait to see what happens once the references are back. My second ref should be very good.

Perhaps i am just worrying too much.

ohreally

Always_Alba wrote: »

The interviews i have are for local authority / charities so a new direction.

Since the LA application process is by an application form you will have to give an account of previous employment and the reasons for leaving, in addition you will be asked to account for gaps.

Always_Alba wrote: »

My line manager has been good with me and has said she will write a good reference for me about my work.

They will take up references through HR channels so be prepared. Best your ex LM can offer is a testament and the LA is unlikely to entertain that.

burnoutbabe

Our HR department would always confirm reason for leaving using the official reason per the dismisal letter (or answer the would you re-employ this person as NO)
So always be honest about why you left as that sort of answer coming back from a referee makes it look worse than you being up front about it.

PHILANTHROPIST

OP - I would appeal. Kinda sounds like you feel that you may have been dismissed based on unreasonable grounds. How long were you employed for in past role ? Harassment in the extreme is a criminal offence - I guess that was never threatened. I do not know what you were specifically accused of, but if you have over 2 years service and it is less than 3 months since you were dismissed, you may wish to seek to clear your name as it is possible that you may have been unfairly dismissed. .