Advice on new job application after being dismissed

[Shakey1500]

Hi all, some advice please.

If a person was dismissed for GM (breach of trust and security), what would he/she write on a new job application under the "Reason for Leaving" (last job)?

[Shakey1500]

Also (as not to drip feed) we took advice from an Employment Lawyer who took on the case, got to a month before ET and employer settled before ET. So, what to say about that? Conscious of person not coming across as negative if lucky to reach interview stage etc. Also aware the fact an ET was involved may make person seen as "trouble". How to avoid if possible?

[StampyShortnose]

How long was the person in the job they were dismissed from? If just a short time it is usual practice to leave this job off the cv and make up some shit about travelling or having a career break.

In that was they don't have to declare they were dismissed or have the new employer ask the old employer for a reference which will probably say they were dismissed.

[StampyShortnose]

did the settlement include an agreed reference?

[Shakey1500]

3 years, no sick days/other disciplinary action. And no, settlement didn't include agreed reference (though there is scope to ring and ask what the status would be, albeit reluctantly)

Thanks Stampy

[ElphabaGreen]

If you settled before the tribunal what were the agreed terms of settlement? Was the GM charge dropped?

I think you're best to call the HR dept of the former employer and ask what they will be putting in a reference.

[Shakey1500]

Hi Elphaba

The only agreed terms of the settlement was the confidentiality of the agreed settlement. Nothing relating to references or the charge being dropped. (wicked eh? )

Yes, I think you're right. Best for them to ring the (small) HR Department.

Is it acceptable to put on a new application form "Job Ended"? Or is that too "loose".

I'm sure if invited to interview the person would be able to explain the circumstances. Ex employer was in the wrong after all, but then there's how to put that across without coming across as a "troublemaker"

[Unexpected]

Why did the employment lawyer not deal with this as part of the settlement? Pretty poor on their part, it should have been integral to the settlement.

[Shakey1500]

As far as I'm aware, the employer would not agree to the reference and settlement was agreed despite that. Perhaps it should have been negotiated harder. But it is what it is and was looking for advice going forward. Thanks

[flowery]

I agree with Unexpected, dealing with the issue of a reference is key when negotiating a settlement. You shouldn't be in a situation where you're having to ring the employer to find out what they are going to say! Poor from your lawyer.

[flowery]

Sorry x-posts

[Shakey1500]

Thanks. So, any suggestions on how to word on application form? More for, as mentioned, to hopefully progress to interview stage where the situation can be explained?

[peteneras]

I would just say left last job in mutual agreement with employer for a change of environment.

[ElphabaGreen]

Don't apply until you can find out from previous employer what they will say when asked for a reference.

Whatever you put, if the two stories don't match new employer will smell a rat.

[rhoneducote]

Could you write something bland like "end of contract"?

[Shakey1500]

Ooh could they use "contract terminated" you think? Not exactly untruthful? Thanks for suggestion

[ElphabaGreen]

I think putting something like 'contract terminated' is unlikely to net an interview.

[Shakey1500]

Hmm. Yes you're right. Thanks again all

[flowery]

It's crucial to establish what the ex employer will say. I would suggest complaining to the employment lawyer who advised on the settlement agreement and asking them to address this issue, given it was incompetent of them not to sort it at the time.

[AdventureBe]

Dh got round it by asking a senior ex-colleague to give a private reference - everyone at the company was outraged at the treatment he got from them though. He settled too.

[Shakey1500]

The ex employers head office has been contacted and they've said it will be a reference consisting of start/end date and job title.

The employee has since noted that the ex employer is third down on the list of current employers. The first being (recently self employed) and the second an agency which never asked for references anyway so employee is going to put the accountant (as requested) and the agency.

With any luck the ex employer won't be contacted but if so,at least employee is aware.

I agree that lawyer should have (and still may need to) addressed it.

Great idea about private reference, definitely scope to do that.

My thanks again all