Job interview advice for discharged bankrupt

cinnabar

I have a job interview tomorrow for an administrative position with the civil service. It's the first interview I've had in 4 years :-/ As well as an extensive medical form, there's also a 'Character Enquiry" form to be completed, which includes the question "Are you an undischarged bankrupt?" (and asks for details of your bankruptcy if you are). Now, I was discharged on the 11th April, so I can truthfully answer "No" to that question, but I'm wondering if I should mention my bankruptcy anyway? Obviously my details will still be on the Insolvency Register, and I'm thinking that if bankruptcy might be a barrier to working in this role (it may involve some cash handling) I'd be better mentioning it and pointing out that I was made bankrupt while working for a bank, and that they didn't see any problem with me continuing to work for them.

Anyone got any experience in this area or advice to give me?

Cinnabar

Cinderbrook

I can only say that if it was me I would disclose that I was a discharged bankrupt purely because it is the civil service and you are dealing with people's tax and benefits etc. If their forms are that in depth they might even do a search anyway given that they adminsiter BRs. I think honesty is the best policy in this one. Good luck.
C

diablobear

Yep, I agree, I would definatly mention it.

mej24

I would answer no, they specifically ask if you are an undischarged bankrupt and you're not.

If being a discharged bankrupt was an issue they would ask if you'd ever been declared bankrupt.

Addicted2Chocolate

I would also answer no, that is the factual correct answer to the question. If you want to disclose it at interview in interest of being open and honest thats up to you, but be prepared for them to then maybe ask you what your debts were and why you went bankrupt.

mej24

If your Civil Service interview is anything like mine, it will be one of the most bizarre interviews you've ever had. They asked me nothing of a personal nature or about my history whatsoever. It was all just nonsense like "tell us about a time when you've worked as part of a team", "tell us about how youve improved a procedure in the past"

penny-less_4

You might like to have a hunt about on the internet to see if you can read up a bit more about the position and BR, might give you some idea of whether to confess or not. (I expect you may have done that already, but its just an idea).

At the end of the day, do what you feel is the best thing to do. As long as you do not deny being declared BR. If you think you should be upfront about it then go for it, and good for you!

Wishing you good luck for tomorrow...

Penny x

Addicted2Chocolate

I am a civil servant and that is exactly what the interviews are like now, because its competency based recruitment. They ask you to give different examples of each of the main competencies for the job. So eg for a admin role 'tell me how you organise your work' or 'tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer' nothing asked about qualifications or career history.

mej24 wrote: »

If your Civil Service interview is anything like mine, it will be one of the most bizarre interviews you've ever had. They asked me nothing of a personal nature or about my history whatsoever. It was all just nonsense like "tell us about a time when you've worked as part of a team", "tell us about how youve improved a procedure in the past"

mrsh1968

I agree that if they were interested in if you had ever been bancrupt they would specifically asked that question, if it was me I would answer truthfully which you have and leave it there, if they decided to ask you directly at the interview if you have ever been declared bankrupt then you can answer that question then, I wouldnt offer the information if they dont ask for it.

maxmycardagain

role play! me me me pick me....

ah ahgh, jim lad....pieces of eight...input...absolutely

Baybee1984

I would answer no, its the correct answer. It specifically asks if you are an undischarged bankrupt.. It is up to you if u decide to bring it up in the interview but the form itself asks if you're an undischarged bankrupt, and you're not