Failed Probation period

Associate
Joined
2 Oct 2020
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8
Hi All,

I was recently let go by a company, because I got annoyed with one of the colleagues there and was voicing my annoyance at how when I fixed something for the company and all users had benefitted from it, he downplayed it straight away. From then on I knew a target was on my back and I played into his hands, I am not the only one who got annoyed with him and another member of staff also got the chop in result of his feedback to the manager, this guy is not talented at all, but the managers listen to him, he had only been there himself for a year.

Anyway I am being honest with recruiters and they in turn shun me and do not give me an opportunity to go for an interview.

I am an honest person, sometimes too honest and I hate lying, but I think I will now have to.

I'm being made to feel like I have a criminal record and that is not right!
 

Dup

Dup

Soldato
Joined
10 Mar 2006
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11,237
Location
East Lancs
Well clearly they weren't the right employer for you.

When dealing with recruiters you need to fluff up the truth. Tell them you left due to cultural differences or something like that, recruiters understand not every workplace is for everyone. Remember probation periods are for both parties not just the employer.
 
Associate
OP
Joined
2 Oct 2020
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8
I know when a target is on my back. I have had it done on many occasions when I've been proactive and did my best for another company I had worked for.
I was there for three years, so was ok, I could voice my concerns with anyone I had a problem with there. In result of feeling like a target is on your back you get defensive, you start thinking everyone is out to get you, which then leads to you making mistakes, staying awake all night thinking and worrying about which muppet will be turned against you the following day. In my field if you impress then you are asking for a target to be put on your back, unfortunately my mistake was being too proactive to early in my employment.

Any any recruiters on here that can link me up? :D
 
Soldato
Joined
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12,621
Had the same, and learnt my lesson, started a job in an office years back, didnt get on with my supervisor who I found out was hiding work in a drawer for himself (job had a bonus scheme when you exceeded targets and wasnt enough work to go round), I had a word with the manager, and within 2 weeks, I was escorted from my desk like I had committed some kind of crime, was told I had done gross misconduct, but they couldnt tell me what it was other than "dont like your work".

I did manage to get them to pay 2 more weeks wages, as a employment legal rights entity I contacted then contacted them and the employer agreed that in the end it wasnt gross misconduct.

If you on probation getting rid of you is extremely easy, and if you already posing a problem within that period they likely to think it can be too much hassle.
 
Associate
OP
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8
In this time I have no work, I'm studying to get some certs.

I am good at troubleshooting, just need the exposure and experience and then I will come up with the solutions.

I am analytical and logical and I always try to go above and beyond for my employer. Unfortunately as I struggled to get on that weird bunch it went unnoticed and wasn't appreciated, it was all for nothing. :(
 
Associate
OP
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2 Oct 2020
Posts
8
Next job keep your head down. If you lose many jobs like this I'd suspect the problem is with you rather than the company...

I would agree with you, but this is the only failed probation I have had. In the past I have been on the fringes, but then I kicked into gear and the dedication, commitment and hard work shone through. I haven't had any problems with my work ethic, it is just that if I feel I am being attacked, directly or indirectly I do voice out my thoughts.

I need to stop doing this, because it is a performance issue, you can be top at what you do, but if you don't have the backing of your colleagues it won't shine through.

Just like in football, there are some top managers out there, who look like they are nobody's because they didn't have the backing of the players.
 

A2Z

A2Z

Soldato
Joined
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8,931
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Earth
I would not be mentioning the real reason you left to any recruiter or potential employer. All the reference from them is going to say is the dates you were employed.

Been there, done that.
 
Caporegime
Joined
29 Jan 2008
Posts
58,912
Hi All,
I am an honest person, sometimes too honest and I hate lying, but I think I will now have to.

Well you don't need to volunteer it up front, that isn't lying. What do you mean by "sometimes too honest"? Are you directly advertising the fact that you failed your probation? If so, don't!

It would be worth trying to get an agreement on a reference from the former employer too - generally employers don't tend to write negative references - it's not like you've been sacked here for gross misconduct, you simply took a job and it didn't work out so they didn't extend your employment beyond probation.
 
Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
12,646
I think you're being overly honest. "It didn't work out" is fine.

I think there is something that you should take from the experience. You can air disagreement, but always do it constructively - and offer an idea as to how you think it could be better. Also... there is something to be said about 'accepting a situation for what it is' for the first few months. You're new, and it might be darn frustrating that things are done a certain way, but there could be good reason.
 
Permabanned
Joined
2 Sep 2017
Posts
10,490
Hi All,

I was recently let go by a company, because I got annoyed with one of the colleagues there and was voicing my annoyance at how when I fixed something for the company and all users had benefitted from it, he downplayed it straight away. From then on I knew a target was on my back and I played into his hands, I am not the only one who got annoyed with him and another member of staff also got the chop in result of his feedback to the manager, this guy is not talented at all, but the managers listen to him, he had only been there himself for a year.

Anyway I am being honest with recruiters and they in turn shun me and do not give me an opportunity to go for an interview.

I am an honest person, sometimes too honest and I hate lying, but I think I will now have to.

I'm being made to feel like I have a criminal record and that is not right!

Hi,

They didn't let you go because of performance challenges but because you dare to protect your dignity and point of view which you honestly and rightly have to do all the time.
You don't have to lick backsides just to keep a role.

If there is an ethics code, try to send a complaint for the reason for your removal.
They can't let you go so easily without a technical reason linked directly with your tasks.
 
Last edited:
Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
12,646
Hi,

They didn't let you go because of performance challenges but because you dare to protect your dignity and point of view which you honestly and rightly have to do all the time.
You don't have to lick backsides just to keep a role.

If there is an ethics code, try to send a complaint for the reason for your removal.
They can't let you go so easily without a technical reason linked directly with your tasks.

This is bad advice.

They absolutely can let him go - as can any employer, providing no reason at all during the first two years of employment.

What he's done doesn't sound anything like a protected disclosure, or anything else that would mean he could bring a case against them.
 
Permabanned
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This is bad advice.

They absolutely can let him go - as can any employer, providing no reason at all during the first two years of employment.

What he's done doesn't sound anything like a protected disclosure, or anything else that would mean he could bring a case against them.

He has nothing to lose.
And it was first that they turned against him with violent psychological pressure - he didn't have a choice but to answer. Or to quit which is not fair.

You know when a small animal is put against the wall, it has nowhere to move and starts protecting itself by trying to bite.

Call the legal authorities and a lawyer for psychological damages.
 
Associate
Joined
19 Jul 2011
Posts
2,343
"Hi, is that Steve at XYZ company? It is? Great. Did Bob work there until August? He's suing you? Oh. Right. Thanks. that's all I need to know! Bye."


OP was in the job for less than 2 years, they can pretty much let him go based on the day of the week as long as they aren't completely stupid.

OP, it's quite common for technical people to be too honest :) I remember racking up at a client and saying "jeez, who sold you all this lot, it's way overspecced for your needs". It was the company I worked for. I think that's a side effect of being analytical and logical.

Just be candid about that workplace - You've worked in great organisations before, but the last one wasn't the right fit, and therefore you'd like to know a bit more about the next one to avoid the same thing. Bit like dating, don't go slating the Ex when you're meant to be finding out about the one in front of you :)
 
Associate
OP
Joined
2 Oct 2020
Posts
8
Thank you all very much for your feedback. I have been offered a job from a friend who I had worked for many years ago.
He is a car sales man and I'll be there doing clerical work and some basic IT support, so will use him for a reference.

I am not saying I didn't do anything wrong, but I am not one to solely take the blame for something, which I think others should also be taken into account.
As a result of this they said I did not take ownership and responsibility. I had some medical issues as well which didn't help me get enough sleep and some mistakes were made on my part. I found that so many things just stacked up, which maybe was a sign that place was not for me and something better will come along.
 
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