Patrick writes:
I have a problem: 2 months ago I was terminated from my job on conflicts on a safety issue where I knew I was right about it. Well, finding a new job has been both depressing and not going well at all. It makes me wonder if my past employer is giving me a bad reference and reputation to where the prospective employers don’t want to sit down with me for an interview. Is there anything I can do about this?
And what should I say when asked on the applications why I left or reasons for leaving? The 20 or so rejection letters I can handle, But what will it take for someone to give me a chance and let me show them that I’m not what my old boss says I am??
The Career Doctor responds:
It’s certainly possible your former employer is giving you a negative recommendation, but it’s more likely that you have not properly dealt with the issue from a psychological and job-hunting perspective.
First, from the psychological perspective. Being fired is a traumatic experience. I don’t care what anyone says. Being fired hits us right in the ego. Our self-esteem takes a shot and it takes a little while for us to get over the shock and the hurt. It’s during this time that our mental well-being can affect our job-search efforts.
Second, from the job-hunting perspective. It’s not uncommon for people to give off signals even when we’re trying not to, and after being fired and feeling mentally hurt, we often do not do our best job-hunting, oftentimes signaling our fragile condition to prospective employers. What can you do about it? First, try and get over the disappointment and move onward with your life and your career. Next, make sure you have all your job-search materials in good order and that there are no indications of your termination in your cover letter or resume. Remember that you c ontrol what prospective employers learn about you; and on job applications, simply state that you left to seek new opportunities.
If you are not getting any interviews, it’s probably more to do with your job-hunting techniques or materials than your previous employers. References are usually not checked until an employer becomes a little more serious about you as a candidate. And if you’re really curious, you can always hire one of the companies that calls your former employers and tells you what they’re saying about you.
I suggest you read my article, Getting Fired: An Opportunity for Change and Growth.
Finally, if you’re interested in one of these reference-checking services go to the Job References & Career Portfolio Services section of Quintessential Careers.
