Admit to Being Fired From a Job?

by Patricia
(Peoria, IL)

Mike-
Do you ever admit to being fired from a job? Is it true you are not suppose to say you are looking for a better job opportunity when you already have a job. How do you explain that there is not enough work on your job and you are bored. Thanks

Mike Petras comments:

Hello Patricia-

Thanks for your email. Here are my thoughts on your questions:

1. Admitting to being fired - There is no cut and dried answer to this question. As a general rule you want to avoid admitting you were fired, but never lie about it. Many times people are unjustly fired for all kinds of trumped up reasons, or they just weren't a good culture fit for that particular company and were "let go".

I was fired once in my career and was asked in every job interview how I lost my job. For a detailed explanation as to what I said and why, go to my web page: Why did you leave your last job?.

The best way to protect yourself is to be proactive with the company that fired you. Call or meet with the HR manager and ask them what they will say to prospective employers if they call for a reference.

Most companies today will not divulge any information about you to outsiders except your employment dates. If this is the case, you can put your own spin on your job loss without fear of your ex-company bad-mouthing you.

The reason most companies won't do references anymore is because they're afraid of a lawsuit. Several well known companies have lost these lawsuits because ex-employees have successfully argued in court that their ex-company was black balling them from getting a job and denying them a livelihood.

However, if your ex-company doesn't have this policy in place, you need to ask them if they would commit to only proving your references with employment dates. They will probably agree to this because they don't want to deal with the liability or aggravation.

It's easy for them to simply say nothing.

If you were fired for just cause (safety violation, not showing up for work, insubordination, etc.) you are better off admitting this to prospective employers, telling them what you learned from it, and vowing never to repeat the behavior; then, let the chips fall where they may. I know this is risky and could sabotage your job interview, but at least they'll know you're honest.

I know someone who was fired from a 20 year job because he showed up to work slightly intoxicated. He was out of work for an entire year, but continued to tell interviewers the straight up truth as to why he was fired. He was finally hired by an excellent employer who decided to give him a second chance. Because of his honesty, work ethic, and perfect attendance he received a pay raise and survived 2 major lay offs.

I know another person who was eagerly hired by a company who told him on his start date that he was destined for great things with them. Thirty days later the company discovered he lied about having a college degree, and despite a glowing performance report from his boss, he was promptly fired and walked out the door.

2. Better opportunity and job boredom - I would tell prospective employers you are quietly looking to make a change because you're not challenged at work. Share with them the work pace is very slow and you enjoy working in a fast-paced work environment.

Most companies today are operating with a minimal number of employees and expect a lot from their people. Your desire to keep busy and work hard will be music to their ears.

Also, job seekers who are employed are more attractive to prospective employers. So, they will probably ask you in your interview why you want to leave your current employer, but may not even ask you why you left your other jobs...unless you've changed jobs a lot.

Best of luck with your job search. Hope you land an exciting job soon.

Mike Petras

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