Victimised and Harrassed?

Question

I went to an job agency yesterday to register with them for a new permanent job. As I discussed my work history I was asked why I left one of my jobs. I said the position wasn’t suited to me. When I told them this they didn’t see it as a good enough reason to leave. They asked why it wasn’t suited to me and I told them the reason why I left was because I was victimised and harassed by the managers about my work. This is the truth. Have I shot myself in the foot and created a problem for myself by telling them I was harrassed and victimised in the past??

Answer 1

As long as you are qualified to do the job and can supply references if needed then you should be OK

Answer 2

It's best not to sound like you might have been a 'troublemaker' in your old job. Employers are looking for hard-working, satisfied, committed, amiable staff who don't complain or cause problems. In other words, few reasons for leaving your last job are good enough!
The best thing to do is to leave out your harassment problem all together and find another, honest reason why you didn't like your job.
A handy way is to find something good about the job you're interviewing for, and use it. ie "My last job didn't put me in such a customer-facing role", "my previous company didn't have such an international position" or, "I didn't feel there was an opportunity to progress within the company". All these answers make you sound like an enthusiastic hard worker - a 'good' person who was in a 'bad' job, and not the other way around!

Answer 3

No not necessarily, people are victimised in the work place all the time and never report it because they feel they dont want to make thigs worse and so leave. If you feel they're not helping enough due to what you have told them, write a letter to the head of the agency and explain to them what has happened. They cannot NOT help you because of your reasons for leaving your last job.

Answer 4

I doubt it. The job agency is out to make money at the end of the day. They will sell you in the best way they possibly can in order to take their cut. I've never heard of a job agency turning anyone down for their books and by the standard of applicants I've received in the past, they're not too picky about who they employ (this is not directed at you by the way).

It's a shame that you were victimised in your last job, I hope your next one works out for you.

Answer 5

They are wrong to say this. As long as you can give some sort of references (usually 2) this should be sufficient.

If you are not happy with there response - Go to another agency or even better - go it alone.

Total Jobs is a great website and you must remember. Agencies are NOT career advisers - they are in effect, SALESPEOPLE!

They dont tend to put you in a job that suits you, just what job suits them. After 3 months they recieve commision from the employer and that is all they are interested in.

They also tend to "dress up" the jobs to make them sound better.

In my experience you'd be better of doing it on your own.

Answer 6

A recruitment agency is fundementally a business out to make money, they do this by 'selling candidates' to potential employers. in order for them to do this they need to know the positive and negative elements of the candidate. they will undoubtedly be asked by employres for reasons you left your job and understand that a 'it was not suittable' answer would not be enough for most employers.

having the information from you regarding your previous treatment will allow them to answers any wuetions put to them by any employer 'creatively' so as in to sell your qualities to employers.

Employemnt agencies are proffesionals and deal with many candidates, some of which will ahve been in a position like yours. i do not feel you have shot yourself in the foot, howveer if you are conceredd speak to the agency direct and ask them how they think it will effect your chances and how they see you working together to ensure thsi does not.

I would not be too concerend, as it si this worry and concern, if manifested in your body lanuage when you attend any interviews or pre-interview discussions which is more likely to put employers off. be confident in yourself and youir own abilities and sell yourself. there is more to a candidate than their reason for leaving.

Hope this helsp and goood luck

Answer 7

You are too honest for your own good - in future tell them you left to go and do some Charity work - helping the old folk etc...
Dont be Harrassed by anyone - especially in the workplace - Have a quiet word with the offender - and let him/her know - your cousin Jimmy from Glasgow is coming to see them at Lunchtime.. watch them use up some flexi..

Answer 8

It might be considered by some that employers hold all the cards in a situation like this as the y may do in many other situations.
If it were true that they did not consider you right for the post, whatever the reason, then there it might just be that there is not alot you can do however unfair you feel it is.

Answer 9

They may think that you were victimised and harassed because your work was poor, there are certain things that you must keep to yourself, because some people may read them the wrong way, good luck in your search for employment, and MERRY XMAS.

Answer 10

it's a difficult one legally it shouldn't but off the record no new employee want someone who is branded a trouble make sorry harsh but true - i totally agree there are lots of people in authority who delight in using their power and are back by work often because its a friends look after friends mentality
why not just say you left due to personal reasons -
you don't need to give anymore details

Answer 11

I'm surprised that they agency werent happy with your reaons for leaving, as normally recruitment consultancies are happy to have new candidates on their books.

Personally, I dont think you have shot yourself in the foot.

Good luck with finding your next job.