I was terminated recently on the last date before the end of my three-month probation period, without any warning. On my termination letter they only said that I did not meet the standard of performance, and I strongly disagree. I tried to find out more information from HR and my ex-manager but they give me the exact answer, stating that if someone is let go during the probation period, there is no reason required. How should I explain this situation for my interviews in the future?
Probationary periods of employment are designed to allow either party to find out more about each other to determine if a long-term relationship is warranted. After all, most employment offers come after a short hour or two of interviews in which both parties are usually putting their best foot forward. Technically, probation also allows employees to leave at a moment’s notice (for example, if your supervisor has suddenly turned from Ms. or Mr. Nice to the devil incarnate), just as it allows the employer to end the employment relationship without incurring further costs. In practice, it is usually considered to be a tool that protects the employer more than the employee.
Dealing with a loss
What you have just gone through can be quite a devastating experience for any of us. As you have described, there are many unanswered questions, unknowns, and uncertainties about what happened, as well as frustration that you are simply hearing the same lines over and over from your former employer. In the three months you were with them, you started to form relationships with your co-workers and fall into a regular routine. Avoid the temptation to ask your former colleagues for information about your termination. They will likely not know the true reasons for the termination in any case, and can even provide wrong information in an effort to try to mend your wounded ego.
Things are not always destined to work out
Although we all understand the concept of “probation” as a time when employee and employer can determine if each party finds the other suitable for the role, many times it can come as a complete surprise to hear that your employment is terminated. This is where many of those old clichéd phrases come into play: “time to dust yourself off”; just “get back into the saddle”; or “what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger”. Whatever your grief and stress coping mechanisms are, now is the time to engage them and start to deal with your loss. As with any loss, time is the only true healer. Always try to remember that it is never only one side’s fault — this is something that while sad and hurtful now, has likely saved you a lot of grief with this employer down the road.
In the meantime, however, you have some things to do, so as soon as you feel comfortable, start focusing on your job search. You need to find another organization that values your unique set of skills, experience, and personality — and they are out there.
Picking up where you left off
One of the silver linings to losing your job after a relatively short probation period is that you can jump more quickly into job search mode than someone who is starting from scratch. Take a look at your old files to see where you left off — you might be pleasantly surprised to find that some jobs have not yet been filled, and you may still be in consideration. Reestablish the contacts you made with recruiters and prospective employers with whom you had been dealing. There are times (as you yourself have just seen first-hand) when things don’t work out — so you may find opportunities at organizations that had hired others before. Don’t be afraid to call and ask if things are working out for them.
Turning it around
The most important question now is how to explain your recent experience to prospective employers. Remember, your resume is not an affidavit of every position you have ever had, but rather it is a sales document. While it is never a good idea to lie about your past, you can certainly opt to leave off a job of short duration such as this. If you are specifically asked about what happened, try to put things in the best possible light, and never say anything negative about your previous employer. Most hiring managers know that not all working relationships turn out to be beneficial for both sides, and are usually willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. They themselves could have been in the same situation you yourself have just experienced.
You will succeed
As always, with perseverance and determination you will be working again one day. During your first three months of your next job, try to communicate regularly with your supervisor so you can adjust any behaviours as may be required. Use this recent event as a learning experience.
Good Luck!
Mitchell Stephenson M.A., CPCC, is a senior partner and a certified professional career counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a career transition, counselling, and outplacement firm. Mitch has been involved in human resources, career counselling and coaching in the health and legal sectors for many years. To contact him, visit: www.catalystcareers.ca.
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