Subject: Seeking Advice on a Troubling Situation
Hello, I’m using a throwaway account to discuss an unsettling issue I’m facing.
I find myself in a strange predicament involving someone with a similar name in the IT sector. We’ve both worked at the same company and have backgrounds in UK Finance. Recently, a recruiter mentioned there was some “overlap” and seemed quite uncomfortable during our conversation. It struck me that perhaps this person’s actions have inadvertently been linked to me, or there’s a chance I’ve unknowingly upset someone in my past. I even heard a story that mirrored an incident I can’t recall.
Just recently, I was considered for a new role, but out of the blue, the recruiter told me that the position was no longer available. He also shared a story about a candidate he wanted to recommend who is “blacklisted.” I argued that blacklisting is unfair, but he stated his hands were tied by his superiors and ended the call. I was unfamiliar with this agency, and I’ve never worked with them, yet it feels like my chances are being limited for reasons I’m completely unaware of.
This isn’t the first time I’ve encountered this issue within the IT sector (since 2019). It raises important questions: Who is behind this? Why am I being held back? As a candidate, I lack the information to understand this situation, only the awareness that my opportunities are being restricted.
Other agencies have reached out to me about my job search, hinting that they know more than they’re revealing, suggesting a culture of secrecy. The IT field can be cutthroat; I’ve seen talented professionals lose their positions due to petty jealousy or personal vendettas. For example, a Programme Director once sought to meet me outside of work hours. When I declined her advances, my contract was terminated the very next day.
Additionally, I’ve been assigned team members who lacked qualifications, and when I raised concerns about project delivery, I faced accusations of bullying from the Programme Director, who told my manager I was the incompetent one. It turned out that the person she placed on my team was involved in a questionable arrangement, and by raising my concerns, I inadvertently disrupted those dealings.
I’ve also encountered situations where projects were violating regulations. When I alerted the Data Protection Officer, my contract was terminated as a consequence. Any of these scenarios could have painted me as a problematic candidate to recruiters—despite my ethical stance. In the UK, ethics often seem optional; after all, I could have advanced my career by not being faithful to my partner or by overlooking damaging company practices. Unfortunately, this has made me question whether keeping my integrity has hurt my professional prospects.
I recognize the toxicity within our sector. Telling the truth can feel like a revolutionary act, which is why scandals like the Post Office case occur. However, I’m reaching out to see if there’s a way for me to clear my name without resorting to hiring a private investigator or seeking legal action. I need to find a way to end this blacklisting as it’s becoming financially draining.
Any insights or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
