Hi Prudencia, can not signing off your probation before you left public sector affect your future applications?

Good morning 😊 I hope this message finds you well.
That’s a really good question! In most cases, not having your probation signed off before leaving the public sector usually doesn’t affect any future applications. Lots of people leave before probation ends for totally normal reasons, and it’s rarely ever an issue.

Recruiters mainly focus on your experience, strengths, and employment history. If it ever comes up, you can simply explain that you left early because the role wasn’t the right fit or another opportunity came up, perfectly normal.

Thanks for clarifying. The reason I asked is that over the past year, and again recently, I’ve applied for several public sector roles that i am well experienced and equipped in, including a Power BI Developer position at HMRC recently. I have over six years of experience in this area and have successfully delivered solutions for public sector organisations such as GLD, DWP, and NS&I (which are highlighted in my CV). However, I haven’t been shortlisted for interview for any of these applications, which has made me concerned that there may be a specific reason behind this.

Maybe I am overthinking it.

I completely understand why you’d feel this way. When you know you have strong experience and proven results, it can be really disheartening not to be shortlisted, especially multiple times. You’re definitely not overthinking it, anyone in your position would naturally wonder if there’s something more behind it.

Recruitment processes in the public sector can sometimes be unpredictable, and great candidates do get overlooked for reasons that have nothing to do with their ability. It doesn’t take away from the value of your skills or the work you’ve delivered for GLD, DWP, NS&I and others.

Please don’t be discouraged. Your experience speaks for itself, and sometimes it’s just about the right role meeting the right sift panel at the right time. Keep going, you are absolutely on the right track.

Thank you Prudencia