Trying to get a job after being fired...

[]V[]essenjah · Post by **[]V[]essenjah** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:05 pm

So.... I was recently fired from a job and I'm trying how to get a new start on things. Sadly, I was kind of relieved when I was removed from this job as it was incredibly stressful and I never really felt like I was happy there or that I really fit in with the type of work I was performing.

In short, why I was let go, was for something most companies wouldn't fire you over but in this case, I was let go and I do understand the reason behind this. Basically, I was being trained for about 5 weeks and on the 6th week, on my 2nd day of over the phone work, I was let go for saying a curse word under my breath and apparently the mic picked it up. The other bad thing, is that I have been out of work for over a year due to returning to school, which I have now completed.

I guess, what I am trying to figure out, is when working on a resume or a job application, should I mention the previous company or ignore it all together? Should I give them a generic reason for leaving or explain that I was let go... and if it asks me if I have been fired before, should I mention this job? It was VERY short term 5 weeks and 2-3 days and I was still in training.

Pandora · Post by **Pandora** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:33 pm

How old are you, Messenjah? And how many other things can you put on your resume?

Generally, my bias would be to not put it on. Being fired never looks good, if they should find out.

[]V[]essenjah · Post by **[]V[]essenjah** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:49 pm

I'm 25 and have worked for about 3 other companies. I was out of work for a year because I chose to go back to school and get a GED and HSE, both of which I have completed. I also took on some ballroom dance courses at the local college and met the love of my life during this time. If I could just get a foothold with a steady job, I'd be set. Everyone I have ever worked for has liked me and has offered to recommend me in the past. I just don't want this one flaw to prevent me from ever having a job again or from making a better future for myself or my family.

snoopy · Post by **snoopy** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:10 pm

Have you contacted your old employers?

If you really made a good impression, they might hire you back on, maybe even at a bit better of a position.

Here's what I'd say on the one you got fired on: don't put it your resume, but if asked about being fired in the past, be up front and honest about it. I.E. don't volunteer the information, but be honest if they ask you questions that lead to you needing to tell them about it. (\"Have you ever been fired before?\" \"What were you doing between when you got your GED and now?\") I think the fact that it lasted 2 days, on a theoretical 5-month duration temp job justifies not putting it in your resume, but at the same time if you lie, and they find out for whatever reason, you're definitely not getting the job. I'd say that when questioned (in general) in interviews the best way to go is to be honest and specific about past employment experiences, just try to put a positive spin on it, and (with mistakes that you've made) give them a sense of confidence that you learned from it and won't repeat the same mistakes for them.

AlphaDoG · Post by **AlphaDoG** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 5:47 pm

In ANY interview it is always BEST to be UPFRONT and honest. That only makes you look so much more mature and responsible. ★■◆● happens and you should not try to hide the ★■◆● any more than you would the shinola.

woodchip · Post by **woodchip** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 6:41 pm

Too many times people use the term \"fired\" when in actuality they were let go do to cut backs or lack of work. If this is the case with you then just say that was the reason. OTH if you went postal then I would try to avoid mentioning why.

[]V[]essenjah · Post by **[]V[]essenjah** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 11:06 pm

Yep, first and formoste, I didn't go postal.

Second, this was really the only time I've been actually truly fired. Technically, I could say I was fired at two of the other jobs if I really wanted too but in those cases, I know the difference. I was simply let go on one, because I was being hired by a competitor and I took the job and I put in my two weeks notice. That boss later tried to re-hire me. Another job, I was let go because I gave them an extra month so they could train the guy replacing me properly this time around and my manager offered me a position fixing computers as a part-time job but I was let go after a week because it was too slow and they wanted regular full time employees to do any PC repair work. That was being let go as both employers liked my work, however, I can't go back for a number of reasons. The first employer, I don't want to return to because they are in another town completely and the other because they simply don't have room as they only have like 2-3 guys total work in that particular position.

This was a direct breach of policy and they way they phrased it as \"removal of employment.\" I would say where it was a breach in policy, I was fired in that case but I don't hold it against them as it was my fault and I take ownership of that mistake.

Valin Halcyon · Post by **Valin Halcyon** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 6:46 pm

This last job didn't happen to be a callcenter or some such? If so, I'd not even bother listing it.

Being \"fired\" isn't going to ruin your life, but lacking a skillset might. I'd either go back to school or try to teach myself something that's marketable if I were you. Ever consider programming or maybe Linux Admin? Web Dev pays pretty good right now.

CUDA · Post by **CUDA** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 6:52 am

as a manager I look at alot of applications. gaps in employment history make me wonder. I'd rather you list it and tell me the truth. because I WILL ask you what you did during that time period, and if you make up some kind of BS the interview is over.