How do people get round the "reason for leaving" question if they were dismissed from their last job?

Answer 1

bad news folks.
i do lots of recruitment and we always check references for last 5 years, including reason for leaving. also check education with the issuing authority, and criminal record. best bet is to tell truth if you are applying for a reputable firm - better than getting found out later and getting the sack twice.

oh, and you can tell people why someone left your company if it is a reference request. it can include disciplinary record and absence through illness too.

Answer 2

A valid question!

I once got dismissed from a job that was tedious, boring, and mid blowing because I did not pay it enough attention. I was working in a call centre at the time so, loking back I am not surprised. Nevertheless, in answer to your question I think there are three good approaches.

1) be honest. Your new boss will ideally understand that you hated your last job, and will think more of you for your honesty.

2) Just omit it completely. Don't even mention that you worked there. Change the dates so that it neatly covers the time spent with other more worthwhile jobs. And, they will never bother to check the dates anyway.

3) Lie. say that you were looking for better alternatives and that it was only a temporary measure until you found this job.

Hope that helps. power to the people!

Answer 3

I think this is a hard one.....it would depend what you were dismissed for...can you add details please? If the person who interviews you is likely to work with you you need to be careful on what detail is given out. In reality, I don't think people do keep information confidential and the information may be shared with other senior management. If you think there will be an issue.... is there a short interim job you can do such as voluntary work or get a job for six months with an employer unlikely to ask questions or a possibility for you to go self-employed for a stint or even go back to p/t, f/t education? I have been dismissed twice and it was devastating. I was going through a tough time and self-harming...and one of the reasons for this was that I was being bullied at work. I mentioned the name of one of the employers on my CV and stated at interview that it was an unfortunate situation , that it was out of character for me, that I reconised I needed help which I got and that I am ready to start a fresh. I was lucky as I was interviwed by someone from head office. I recall being brutually honest to a carrers advisor I told him everything and he made references to me trying to look 'credible' on the application form....to be honest that just made me feel crap. When I was dismissed I was dismissed on a months extra salary...so I was wondering whether you too have had the same...whether you could take time out to clear your head. I have always been a high acheiver and did not tell my family.

Answer 4

By lying!!

But lying is not really a good idea when it comes to employment interviews: as you always run the risk of being found out, and being dismissed again!! This 'Definitely', would not look good on your CV twice, or for your chances in the next interview!!

Any company at all worth it's salt, 'Will' check up on both personal references, and especially references from previous employers: and most definitely you 'Last' employer!!

Honesty, once again, is always the best policy!!

If you are honest and upfront about 'Why' you were dismissed from your previous employment: the new employer may be taken by your honesty and willingness to own up, give you a chance to give 'Your side' of the story: and make his/her own judgements about you/the situation!!

Obviously by being honest, you also run the risk of being thrown out of the office with a flea in your ear, your CV being shoved where the sun don't shine: and being blacklisted from ever working in that Field again!!

A Boss does not like to employ liars, or people he/she can not trust!!

You also have to remember, that in some cases:-

To give 'False' or 'Misleading' information on your application form, as well as dismissal: you could end up facing 'Criminal' charges, and prosecution!! This once again, would not look good on your CV, and is a lot harder to hide in your next interveiw!!

But at the end of the day, the choice is yours: Its up to you!!

Answer 5

Either tell the truth or use one of the following claims....

1) Left to return to college
2) Left to take an agency position (you don't have to state the agency or the job)
3) Attacked my boss with a pick-axe/sledge hammer

Number 3 tends not to work as well as the others!

Answer 6

i was sacked twice in 1 yr from the same job and just put on my application that a new computer system was in place (which is true) and they no longer needed me which is also true. i was going threw a hard time at that point and just wasn't turning up to work that's why i got sacked but the new computer system no longer needed a human to work it just got on with it it's self. but my new employer doesn't need to know that and also my previous employer will stick up for me tell them how great i am which is also good!

Answer 7

some good answers previously..

I would repeat that honesty is best..

but if nothing else, just say you were working on your 'art'. I personally have professional experience as a writer, which takes up the bulk of my resume.... for the gaps... "I was working on a novel, which turned out to be brilliant, and which I subsequently shopped around to publishers--all of whom wanted something more commercial, or more post-modern, or more awful..."

Answer 8

I usually say it was a temporary contract and the company couldn't guarantee that I would be kept on in a more permanent role.

That or I didn't like anyone else who worked there, the hours were too long, there was no parking nearby or I slept with my boss!

Take your pick!!!!

Answer 9

You didn't feel you were fulfilling your full potential in your last job and thought you could achieve more elsewhere! So yeah basically lie unless that is the truth and then you can be happy!

Answer 10

well if you werent working there for long you can just not put that job on your CV. If you were then it might help to just be honest, or say you had a disagreement with a new manager!!