What does failing probation mean for future job prospects?

[epicFAIL23]

Name changed for this.

I'm most likely going to fail my probation at work. It was already extended due to us WFH and the fact they can't really gauge my progress when they can't see me, but now I'm coming to the end of the extension and it sounds as though they don’t think I'm up to scratch.

If I have to put down on job applications that I left my previous job because I failed probation, will I ever get another job?

Be kind please, I'm stressed

[Dazedandconfused10]

You just say it wasnt the right fit for you.

[Dazedandconfused10]

Also why would you put why left on an application?

[emmaluggs]

Have they given you solid reasons why they don’t think you have been up to scratch? Have you had regular reviews for you to improve?

[epicFAIL23]

@Dazedandconfused10 I've done job applications in the past that have a bit where it asks your reason for leaving your previous job

[epicFAIL23]

@emmaluggs we've had regular interviews, yes. Problem is that in my role, you just can't do anything right. You'd have to be superhuman, telepathic and psychic to actually excel in this job.

[KurriKawari]

App forms do ask why you left a job role. I usually write something vague like "career progression".

[Plussizejumpsuit]

I normally write career progression. Or perhaps in these circumstances it wasn't a good fit. And wouldn't use most recent job as a reference. I feel there is a bit of stigma about this when actually awful employers can use it as an excuse. Or it can actually be a 'failing' in your part but that just makes it not right for you.

[epicFAIL23]

I don’t think it is the right job for me, but I have been trying my hardest to live up to their expectations - but ultimately it's unrealistic. Most days it feels like The Devil Wears Prada. Except she actually got respect from her boss in the end, lmao.

[CloudPop]

Under the circumstances, surely you could just cite COVID as the reason you left the job.

[epicFAIL23]

@CloudPop I really hope so. It's not entirely untrue. It's really hard to learn the ropes of a job when you're alone in your bedroom!

[orchidsonabudget]

This happened to me. I hated a p:t job and was def not focused and doing my best work, ppl were horrible.
Was called in and they said "this just isn't working out."
I was a bit shocked as thought I would talk my way out of it but actually the relief of not having to do it again felt amazing by the time
I had driven home.
Probationary periods are meant to be both ways

[epicFAIL23]

I hate my job too tbh, and I think I would be quite relieved to be told to leave - I'm just concerned about where I go from there.

[daisychain01]

[quote epicFAIL23]@Dazedandconfused10 I've done job applications in the past that have a bit where it asks your reason for leaving your previous job[/quote]
Unless you were dismissed for gross misconduct, which you obviously weren't, there is no reason to be explicit about "reason for leaving" and most recruiters are wise to the fact that people will rarely if ever give the real reason.

That's why there are so many "relocated from the area", "wanted career advancement" or "left for personal reasons" as well as "redundancy" which is easy to evidence, on interview forms.

If your probation was only 3 months, you could just drop it from your CV altogether. Let's face it there are going to be a helluva lot of disjointed dates on CV due to the lockdown/furlough/furlough + redundancy etc. It will be relatively easy to explain away the time since you left your previous job. You can always say "brief career break looking for new opportunities" if you want to join up the gap!

[epicFAIL23]

That's true @daisychain01 thanks for the advice. It's actually been a lot longer than three months, I was in the role before lockdown, but the office closing and everyone WFH definitely made it a lot more difficult and completely changed the dynamic.

[gingajewel]

@daisychain01, both nhs and local councils ask for the reasons you left your job and that’s just two I can think of off the top of my head!! On cv’s I wouldn’t put why I left but you will find a lot of application forms (especially online processes) ask for this.

[BashfulClam]

I would say it was a temp contract and don’t put them down as a reference.

[daisychain01]

[quote gingajewel]@daisychain01, both nhs and local councils ask for the reasons you left your job and that’s just two I can think of off the top of my head!! On cv’s I wouldn’t put why I left but you will find a lot of application forms (especially online processes) ask for this.[/quote]
Ok agreed, I'm not saying that places don't ask for it, nor that the candidate shouldn't put anything. what I am saying is there is nothing to stop someone putting a bland reason in, it doesn't have to give chapter and verse, it's just to sift the people who were forced to leave due to gross misconduct versus people who left for other reasons which won't deter them from being employed elsewhere. Keep it simple is my suggestion, less is more.

As suggested for the OP if you want to avoid saying failed probation, the work around is a brief gap and include the reason I gave above.

[Dazedandconfused10]

As a thought. I do references for people and simple put job title, start and end date this has been standard for all my jobs so chances are no one would ever say anything references wise

[Siennabear]

I had this. It was telesales for a newspaper and I was rubbish at it.i just put it was a temporary contract.