Verbal job offer under threat - advice please!!

ShellsWells

Hi,

New to posting on here but wanted some advice! And not to be told off please as the below situation is not something I did intentionally!

So I was offered 2 jobs, one was much better money and more local so I accepted that one (the other job wasn’t happy about me declining). I was asked to provide some I.d and proof of qualifications. I advised them that I do not know where my GCSE certificates were but I had my degree certificate. I was told this was all fine, given a start date and advised I could hand in my notice at my current job, which I did.

2 days later, i’m called by the new companies HR department, advising they need to see my GCSE certificates. I told them I do not know where these are and that my old school was knocked down, but they said I need to get copies or my offer could be withdrawn.

I am working on getting them but I spoke with my potential new manager about it, and she advised that if I have put any grades wrong, they could withdraw the offer. I told her (very honestly) that as I do not know the whereabouts of the certificates, I listed my grades on my application from memory. I am very concerned now that, in case I have put any wrong, the offer will be withdrawn, after I have turned down another job and handed in my notice at my current place.

I guess what i’m Asking is, can they offer you a position (it was verbal but I was advised that they had everything they needed from me) and then ask for more documentation afterwards?

I know I should have checked my GCSES before listing them, but no one has asked for these since I left college, and I just put them as best as I could remember (16 years later!)

Advice much appreciated!

DCFC79

I can understand a firm wanting to see gcse certificates for someone who has just left school but you left over 10 years ago.

I believe they can do that (re your question).

ssparks2003

Short answer is yes.

ShellsWells

I thought that might be the case, but thought i’d Check

It’s so frustrating because it’s not even relevant to the job, which they have said they know i’d be great at!

Thanks for the replies.

sulphate

You wouldn't need to contact your old school with regards to getting copies of GCSE certificates. There are only a few exam boards (from memory: OCR, Edexcel, AQA) and you can request copies of your certificates directly from them, for a charge. Their websites will have more information on what to do. I don't think you need to know what subjects you took with what exam board.

I do think it is odd that they are asking for GCSE certificates considering you have a degree and presumably A levels.

ShellsWells

I’m hoping they may be in my parents attic somewhere as I know you have to pay for new copies.

I don’t get it, I’ve got 9 years experience in the job as well, everyone I have spoken to has been completely shocked that they’re asking for them.

gettingtheresometime

Have you tried the examination board?

ShellsWells

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

Have you tried the examination board?

Not yet as I’m hoping to find them, that will be my next port of call if not.

I’m more concerned in case I have put any of them wrong, it’s hard to remember so long ago!

theoretica

I would expect that if you understated any it won't be a problem, only if it looks like you were beefing them up.

Lrimas

I know this doesn't help you right now, but: If it is no longer relevant take it off your CV.

I have recruited a lot of people and our HR department checks EVERYTHING that are on their CVs.

With 9 years experience very few recruiting managers will care about your GCSEs. Hr will though

[Deleted User]

Lrimas wrote: »

I know this doesn't help you right now, but: If it is no longer relevant take it off your CV.

It was an application form if you read the OP again - an application form which is more then often with a point of you sign to verify you are telling the truth and more powerful then a CV. You can be asked to prove stuff if you have a conditional job offer.

Least the OP is in this situation now at the point of job offer and before starting, rather then months down the line when they are struggling with the job and then being asked to provide 'results evidence'.

Acas advise on their site - A contract is in effect as soon as offer is accepted. Perhaps the OP needs to ask to understand why they are asking - it could be their new job is different to what they have done for x years and there is reasoning to be had by asked about. It doesn't matter what their friends, family and here think.

I see finance type jobs for example state the gcse levels needed and that's after being out of school for 19 years.
Who knows perhaps grades being asked for means this workplace is actually more like the 'school playground' and time for a lucky escape for their own sake. I know someone was recalling only yesterday about the new person once made tragically 'redundant' end of first week when a re structure happened.