To ask if I’ve ruined my chances either way

[Hourbyehours]

attended an interview a few days ago that was a bit of a disaster so I’m not expecting to hear much… but when I made the application I was on a college course in addition to my regular job… I had started a course but paused it due to overwhelming work pressures, since applying and the interview I’ve handed in my notice at my old job because things are very bad, and I have spoken up a great deal about my boss which is leading to major disciplinary action for them and potential dismissal. There are no concerns around myself not have there ever been but this has placed enormous pressure on me… it also all came to a head right the day before the interview and really affected my nerves and confidence… I don’t want to disclose my profession but nature of persons Negligence means potential loss of life. So my question is really I knew in the interview I’d already resigned from my job and received confirmation I could withdraw from the college course… I’d wanted to be honest on my application so included it and was very clear although I’d started a module I hadn’t finished it. It was one of the questions in the interview and I really fluffed it and didn’t feel I could give more detail other than as it was paused snd funded by my current employer it was not going to continue. In the very unlikely event I am offered a job now have I totally messed up and committed gross misconduct because I’ve not disclosed the full story or did I give an acceptable level of detail considering the nature of the situation…thank you so much if you have read to the end and tried to understand.

I can’t really follow what you disclosed as you’re trying to maintain privacy. However, generally in an interview I think it’s bad form to disclose specifics of a situation either names of individuals/organisations or sensitive details. You should mention things fairly but without giving information. If you have said there was potentially dangerous behaviour at your previous place and you felt that you had no choice but to resign after reporting it, that should be sufficient for an interview panel. Human curiosity will mean some of the interview panel want to know more, especially if it’s a small field, but nobody should ask you.

Sorry it’s so hard to explain, and thank you for reading it… I didn’t disclose anything about my workplace situation at all. I am worried that I maintained that my course was ‘paused’ , when in truth because I have already handed my notice in since applying for the job I interviewed for I have decided to withdraw from the course. I didn’t want to lie on my application so was honest as to where I was at.. and I couldn’t explain in the interview without disclosing confidential information so I gave the most honest answer I could. But I’m worried they might offer me the job and later feel I had lied?

If they offer you the job, you say that you need to explain about your course. Tell them pretty much what you've said here, that the course has been stopped not paused, because you resigned your job and that you are concerned you may have given the wrong impression.

Thank you, I’m not expecting a job offer and think that even if I did get one now this would be a major red flag for them… I feel like a complete failure..

Why would it be a major red flag for them? You haven't lied, not really, and unless its for something you need to do the job, as far as they're concerned, its just something you had started and now have stopped doing for the time being (or permanently), and will have no further interest in it whatsoever. If they're really keen that you have completed the course because it is something you need for the role, you would need to have a conversation with them at the point of job offer to see if they would pay for you to continue, since your previous employer was funding it.