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Dismissal due to performance issues

Alex

So I was recently dismissed from my first Legal Secretary position; the company cited performance issues 5 months into my probation.

Now I won't lie, some of the work they gave me I found extremely difficult to get my head around and asking for help was difficult because everyone else has such a heavy workload. It also didn't help that they had processes in place which various people didn't stick to at times.

The annoying thing is that I work I was able to do I thought I did to a high standard and the main body of lawyers seemed very happy with my work? One even recommended me for a job at his friend's firm after I left.

I didn't contest the dismissal because I, myself, hated working there and was planning to hand in my notice anyway, but hey-ho.

I've spoken to a few recruiters and they've pretty much said it will affect my chances of 1) landing a permanent role for the next 5-7 years, 2) means I won't work in the Legal sector ever again, and 3) will most likely mean I won't land a role in HR either. I've come to terms with all these 3 points now.

I wanted to get some feedback from everyone as to how I should present my dismissal in interviews?

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  • Hi Alex

    Do you know what they will say in a reference? Could you contact the person who recommended you for another position and ask them to be your reference?

    In the first place, I have to say that I think honesty is best. Obviously, it’s the ethical choice but it is usually the pragmatic choice too - there is nothing to be found out which could bite you and you don’t have worry about keeping your story straight. Therefore, if you can say that you tried it but you weren’t playing to your strengths and it didn’t work out, that would be best. However, if you were to say you were only there for a fixed term contract, would anyone find out anything different?

    I think the recruiters you have spoken to have been very pessimistic. People with criminal records manage to find jobs and all you have in your record is a job that didn’t work out. Yes, job-hunting might be harder but not impossible. And once you manage to secure your next job, your problem is over because they will be the employer that provides a reference for the job after that.
  • in reply to Elizabeth Divver
    Ignore what the recruiters said. At the CIPD annual conference many years ago, two separate firms of recruitment 'consultants' told me I was too old to get a start in HR. A few months later I proved them wrong.

    I also agree with the other posters and Elizabeth's comment about being hones. But that also includes keeping quiet and not mentioning anything if they don't ask!!!
  • in reply to David Perry
    Yup, as David says: If a prospective employer doesn't ask you about it, then don't tell them.
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