How should I handle being terminated from a job on applications & interviews?

Question

I'm sure this question has been asked many times before, but I was having trouble searching for a similar question.

Anyway, I worked at the job for 3+ years, was promoted there twice, and more than doubled my starting hourly wage through raises, so I was clearly a valued employee.

I was terminated (not laid off) suddenly during a time of "corporate restructuring" ; my attitude and job performance were suffering because of unhappiness with the changes, and I was looking for another job. They listed on my termination notice "multiple breach of company policy."

I can't just leave them off my work history, because this place is where I gained most of my relevant work experience.

How do I handle this on my resume, on applications, and in interviews? (I have been on 7 job interviews, and suspect that I am either blowing it on this issue, or the past employer is screwing me up on references)

Great answers coming in so far! Thanks to all!

I tried to go to askyourass.com, though, and it seems not to be there anymore, or I'm stupid & am doing something wrong. I am going to the bookstore to see if they have the book.

Answer 1

There is the right way and the way that will work. The right way is to leave this experience on your resume and tell them you were terminated and explain why you've grown and learned from the experience. This is the right way, but your chance of getting hired is dramatically diminished. The way that will work is to leave the entire experience off your resume and list what you learned there in the 'proficiencies' or skills section of your 'resume'. If pressed to explain what you were doing in that period, tell them you were pursuing personal interests (making money) in an unrelated field (a sucky company), or worked for a company that doesn't really apply to what you are seeking to do (work for a firm that doesn't suck). Neither statement is false.

You see, if you tell them you were terminated, that raises anxiety. So, they will avoid you and hire someone that doesn't have 'issues.' Did that person (who got your job) ever get canned? Almost certainly. Did he or she mention it in a resume? Almost certainly not.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

On a job application, it's always better to give a very brief answer that puts you in the best light possible while still telling the truth. In your case, I would handle the termination question by saying something like, "I was terminated because I inadvertently violated company call-in policy." If you are called for an interview and you are asked to explain it, keep your explanation brief, just saying that you were confused about your work schedule because it had been changed several times, and you failed to call in when you were going to be late. It's fine to admit that you made a mistake. Tell the truth, but don't get too defensive, and don't go into long explanations unless you are pressed for more information.

Answer 4

Being Terminated From A Job

Answer 5

Don't really have a great answer for you but if you have a friend that worked there, just give their contact info and have them back you up, basically nobody has to know. You can also check out www.askyourass.com you may be able to find the answer. It is a website ran by author David Laskoff. He also has a book, 'Landing on the Right Side of Your ***, a Guide for the Recently Unemployed'. It is insightful and funny and he also takes email questions on his website or you may be able to find the same question that somebody has asked him in the past.

Check it out and good luck!

***Sorry it's Michael Laskoff and the book is called: 'Landing on the Right Side of Your ***: A Survival Guide for the Recently Unemployed' ....and I checked for the website and your right it is no longer available. I guess I should have checked before. However, the book is a good guide.***

Answer 6

Use the experience that you gained as a positive, evidently you were a valued employee.

"Due to some personal problems and the change in corporate culture, I became dissatisfied and disenfranchised with the organization and I began to look for another position. Unfortunately, during my search, I was caught up in a 'corporate restructuiring'. I believe that I have the skills, experience and attitude to be a positive asset to your firm."

Generally, the former employer will only release dates of hire and responsibilities. However, if you suspect that they are ":screwing me on the references", have a friend call your former boss, as Personnel Manager of ABC Corporation, and inquire as to your work history, attendance, abilities, pay rates, etc. If the employer is engaged in vindictive activity, you will have a witness and a good basis for a lawsuit. (Be sure your friend takes good notes of the conversation.)

Answer 7

Please believe me, i am not being a wiseass, but these days, this is almost a badge of honor.
Being caught in the meatgrinder of corporate restructuring is nothing new these days, there are places where half the people there are casualties of restructuring elsewhere.
Be honest, but don't bad mouth the co.
I'd bet the person intervierwing you has gone through the same thing.

This gives me an an idea. Watch my next post.

Answer 8

You do not have to tell your future employers that you were terminated. And your former employer can only legally verify your employment.

On your resume, only state the years you worked. 2004 - 2007. Do not explain on your resume why you are no longer working there.

If future employers ask what happened at your last job, tell them you were interested in seeking other endeavors. Don't tell them why you were terminated.

Answer 9

1

Answer 10

I going to give you advise to practice for when someday I may go and work for the CIA , FBI , NSA or whatever !!

First , you maybe can screw your first employer finding if he really is talking negative about you . How ?

In a family reunion get someone to call ( with the speaker phone on ) your first employer and ask them for references about you and the reasons of your termination . See ?
The person calling must have a resume and aplication in from of them in case those other people ask details to confirm they are talking with real employers to whom you have applied for a job !!
Well , they will say whatever and you will have a bunch of witnesses in your favor , that only may take a few minutes , but if they talk bad about you then you take them to court for difamation and blah blah blah and you can then collect a pretty good lot of money from them !!

Other way for you is to change your name and social security and not one will know you worked for those people .

Why you don't go and shake those guys a litle bet getting there and asking them to give you a copy of your records with the company if you don't like my first sugestions ?

Hey , go to war anyway and have fun but remember you are in the jungle and you need to fitgh or run .

I always get good grades in school and watch a lot of movies and stuff so you can really like what i had said here today to you !

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