Julie writes:
I was fired from a job last December (2009). My employer and I had personality conflicts and she labeled me a negative person. At the time I was not angry at her for firing me. I didn’t really care. However, I have had leads for several good jobs and have filled out applications for them knowing I was qualified, have had several interviews, but am still unemployed. I have put on the application for reason for leaving “will explain in interview.” I do not know what else to do. How do you explain a personality conflict without sounding like a whiner? How do I find out what the previous employer is telling prospective employers? How long does a past employer count?
The Career Doctor responds:
I’m not a big believer in putting anything on a job application that could be perceived as withholding information or as some negative aspect — and putting “will explain in interview” is a big turn-off for me. It’s a red-flag that would put you in the “maybe” pile at best.
That you have had some interviews is a good sign that not all employers share my perception.
That said, it has now been several months since you last worked, and there are several issues that raise concern. Please do not take this advice the wrong way — because I see it every time I talk with someone who has been fired — you may be psychologically damaged, and that manifests itself in many different ways.
Whenever job-seekers are getting interviews but not getting offers, the first thing I look at is performance in the interview. Yes, you could be getting a harmful reference from the old job, but I really doubt it; most people just do not want to take the risk of providing a negative reference. Instead, you may be giving off a verbal or nonverbal cue about the firing, just enough to sabotage the interview.
My suggestion would be to contact one of the interviewers — one you felt rapport with - and ask if s/he would mind sharing a critique of your interviewing skills. That may provide you with some needed answers.
The other concern is time without a job. As the gap grows larger, you may want to pick up some consulting or temp work, do some volunteering, or something to show you are actively involved and not just sitting at home.
Pick up some more tips and tools in this article published on Quintessential Careers: Getting Fired: An Opportunity for Change and Growth.
