PILON

[Islandblue99]

I’ve posted previously along similar lines but things have moved on and I’m looking for any advice about how to tackle this awkward situation.

I am having to leave my job (not my fault) and can’t mention the circumstances to prospective employers. I have been applying for jobs and received a possible offer but they want references before confirming it. They know I’m employed currently but that will end next week, prior to signing a contract for the new job. This will show on LinkedIn and in my reference.

How the hell do I explain that??

I'm not sure I understand - will your current workplace provide a reference for you, even if it's just bad basic factual one?

Why is it awkward. You are leaving and need a reference.

Do you have any discussions with HR about your references in future? Can it be said your contract ended? I'd say don't update linked in but I don't use it so not sure how it works

/ a basic factual one

Sorry not to be clear. I have come to an agreement with my employer to terminate my role. A condition of this is that I can’t say why. In a normal application process I would sign the contract with my new employer before terminating my old job but instead my old job will terminate next week irrespective of whether I’ve signed yet or not. This will likely look a bit odd to my new employer who have only just made an offer (and it will show on the basic reference and on LinkedIn (I have to remove them as current employer)).

I’m worried it will just look strange that I jumped the gun and quit before signing the contract.

I think you’re possibly overthinking this.
linkedin doesnt matter at all but just come off it or set your profile to private if you’re bothered.

The leave date on your reference, if they question this why not say you only had a one week notice or similar. Cant imagine it will be questioned

What have you agreed with your STBX employer to say? Normally that's part of the discussion - agreement of neutral reference to be provided and "by mutual consent" or similar when discussing the exit elsewhere.

Don’t overthink it.

Have you agreed with your current employer something you can say about why you are leaving? Just repeat that.

People will probably wonder what’s behind it. But people leave before finding a new job for all sorts of reasons, many totally innocuous. Recruiters know that, and unless you have enormous ‘I’ve been fired for incompetence’ vibes you’ll be fine.

Thank you. I know I am massively over thinking all of this- it’s just been so stressful and, despite having done nothing wrong I feel like I’m trying to hide something I should feel guilty about. The job offer is great but I’m waiting for something to go horribly wrong to take it away.

No wording has been agreed about why I’ve left but we have a basic reference agreed.

you are allowed to leave jobs, it is no issue