Job Applications & References

[Minx179]

I've been applying for jobs.

On my CV/application I mention four years spent working with a local charitable organisation and the skills accrued.

I resigned from the Charity earlier this year, due to inequality, I also blew the whistle at the AGM on misspending.

I haven't put the Chair down as a referee due to this.

If at an interview I'm asked why I left the charity, is it best to be truthful or make something up?

If I'm truthful, how is it likely to be viewed by an employee?

[Minx179]

Sorry posted same question twice.

[bookishandblondish]

Who have you put as referees?
Do they stack up in terms of professional level?

[Bramshott]

I'd be tempted to be factual but downplay it along the lines of "unfortunately I was obliged to make a disclosure to the Charity Commission over malpractice so obviously things were a bit difficult after that".

[Minx179]

It was voluntary work so something I was doing alongside paid work.

Bookish - Referees are my current employer and previous employer, from 3 years ago, when we were Tuped to new employer. However, to me it stands out that I was doing voluntary work with the Charity until earlier this year and was with them for longer than my previous employer.

Unfortunately I gained a significant amount of transferral skills from the voluntary work, so it would make sense to put them as a reference, which is why I think something may come up. On the other hand I don't know how much time is spend looking at CV's and referees prior to interview.

Bramshott - I've taken your suggestion on board.

Thanks

[MrsMargoLeadbetter]

To be honest I am not sure you'd even need to say why you left. Lots of people volunteer for a period and then leave. Is there anyone else at the charity who could be a referee? You might find that potential employers only want paid work references as you have them.

Not all recruitment processes require you to give details of referees prior to interview. I personally wouldn't offer the details until asked.

Good luck.

[Minx179]

It is only a small charity, 4 active trustees at the time; 3 with high profiles in the community, I was fourth. Prior to my resignation/whistle-blowing two of them would have given me a reference; now they can't look me in the face if I see them (one hid behind a bush the other week).

I've got an interview next week. I will just have to hope they don't ask. Or be prepared with Bramshott's advice.

[MrsMargoLeadbetter]

Oh dear, bush hiding sounds extreme!! Feel for you that your time there (where you'd worked hard) ended in a negative way when all you were doing was the right thing.

Actually thinking about it, I have had to explain leaving a job after 6 months in past interviews and I did what Bramshott said. I was factual and stopped talking after I said my reasoning. The interviewer might leave silence should you be inclined to add anything else - but don't!

Be factual and try to deliver enough info but not too much so they just move on to the next question.

Good luck at your interview.

[riverside1989]

when you are asked about the job speak about all the positives and portable skills learnt - you will be asked why you left and you can say there were problems at the end but resist the temptation to get down and dirty that always freaks out employers (they think will she speak about me like that) the info about you leaving is sensitive by the sound of things so you can say that. remember the interviewer needs to get past this if they cant then they aren't for you. guide the interview towards all your other experiences, education,life skills.
My other thought is that are you sure you won't get a decent reference sounds daft but if the former employer is at fault they will need to think twice before giving an inaccurate reference. that isn't naivity on my part more from over 30 years thinking about employment issues as part of my job

Also you may like this link about interview technique

www.childcareblog.co.uk/interview-technique-why-the-applicant-is-as-empowered-at-the-interviewer/

good luck