References following Gross Dismissal (was not reason for leaving) - any advice?

threehundredandfourty

Gavin83 wrote: »

I wouldn't beat yourself up too much about it, although you should have checked the docs a little better. I work as a Database Administrator and thoughout my time I've built up quite a large script library. I fully intend on taking copies of these with me when I leave. Difference is these contain no sensitive information which was your issue here. Had they not contained this they likely wouldn't have cared.

Personally I'd apply for the jobs you want and just put your reason for leaving as 'resigned', you've nothing to lose. I suspect as others have mentioned they'll be more likely to ask you why you left without a job to go to.

Yes - I really should have checked them. It's mental what a minute of careless thought can do! One of the reasons is those excel files were created by me, so I was so used to seeing them that I didn't give a second thought when sending them.

I'm trying not to but as I don't know how new hiring companies conduct employer references so I'm scared that it could be a roadblock for anything I try. Most people have said that neutral references are common and likely would not raise suspicion so I may be okay here. I really hope that is the case.

threehundredandfourty

jonmoneybags wrote: »

they could include your gross misconduct in either of these two sections.

They could, but I was told in writing by the CEO that they would not mention it unless specifically asked. I would take that as they will not mention it in response to those questions, as it's not specific. Also it would actually be false for leaving from Gross Misconduct. I left because I resigned. My last day was before they could dismiss me so technically that was not the reason for leaving.

So I think I should be okay if those are the questions asked.

Masomnia

threehundredandfourty wrote: »

I was in an FCA regulated role. Interestingly enough, as what I did was basically due to negligence and it wasn't as if I was sending stuff out to people who shouldn't get it, it just went to myself I was not required to be reported to the FCA, so I am not struck off the FCA as a regulated person.

There's a chance that I may still go to an investment fund however which would be FCA regulated. In that case, would the confirmatory reference raise any flags?

It's hard to say based on what you've told us. But if it's to another regulatory role I'm pretty sure it won't just be a confirmatory reference. That said, unless you were given a letter saying you were dismissed for gross misconduct then I think it's very unlikely that it would be given as your reason for leaving (they shouldn't do that). In a regulated reference they may say a disciplinary was ongoing when you left, but it's kind of up to them. Unless there was a formal outcome like a written warning given to you then it's not going to look so bad; just make sure you have an explanation.

In your position I possibly wouldn't mention it unless they ask, obviously don't lie. Then you will be dismissed for gross misconduct and you won't work in finance again.

threehundredandfourty

Masomnia wrote: »

It's hard to say based on what you've told us. But if it's to another regulatory role I'm pretty sure it won't just be a confirmatory reference. That said, unless you were given a letter saying you were dismissed for gross misconduct then I think it's very unlikely that it would be given as your reason for leaving (they shouldn't do that). In a regulated reference they may say a disciplinary was ongoing when you left, but it's kind of up to them. Unless there was a formal outcome like a written warning given to you then it's not going to look so bad; just make sure you have an explanation.

In your position I possibly wouldn't mention it unless they ask, obviously don't lie. Then you will be dismissed for gross misconduct and you won't work in finance again.

Thank you, this is really helpful.

I was initially given a letter that initially said a note would be put on my reference that on my last day, I committed and act of GM which would have led to my dismissal but I had left the company before they could do that. After I appealed, they upheld the GM but said they would not mention it in references however my reference would just confirm dates. I'm fairly certain that means they will NOT put this down as a reason for leaving. I mean, that really was not my reason for leaving so it wouldn't be correct to do so.

Yes, if they ask why my reference did not come back positive, I will be open about it. I just hope then there is still a chance they could understand it was an oversight and could make the argument I would now be far more careful with this sort of thing - and still consider hiring. Time will tell. Thanks again.