Anonymous writes:
After almost 20 years of employment with the same company, I was fired last September due to excessive tardiness. I have read “Getting Fired: An Opportunity for Change and Growth” and found it very helpful. However, the circumstances that led to my termination are very personal. It involved a divorce and a bout of depression that required psychiatric help and medication.
Leading to my termination. I have a very good resume, 11 consecutive years of perfect attendance award, good references from my former employer. I am physically and mentally fit for employment and I am eager to get back into the work force. How can I explain this to a potential employer?
The Career Doctor responds:
First, let me offer both my condolences (on the divorce and loss of your job) and congratulations (for seeking and getting the help you needed).
I think the first thing you need to do in terms of your job search is bury all the bad stuff as deeply as possible. Prospective employers do not want to know any of the personal stuff, so ideally no explanation is necessary. Certainly, never — and I mean never — raise any negative issue yourself.
But you do need to be prepared to discuss why you are without a job and why you are currently seeking a new one. But the story you present does not have to mention your personal issues. I would suggest volunteering, consulting, or temping as ways to get some new experience on your resume — and thus avoid having the question ever raised. And if it were raised, you could say you were fired for some issues that have since been resolved.
By the way, unless you have a very spiteful boss, your former employer will never give a reason for why you were fired… but that does not mean you make up a lie about it either.
As for references, why not ask some of your former co-workers whether they would feel comfortable providing a reference for you? References do not have to be former bosses or supervisors. And, again, by temping or volunteering, you’ll be able to get some new references.
