Terminated Last Summer over a Roommate Issue –Question about Application?

[ZooBoo]

Hey! So, I am applying for the Fall Advantage internship! Yay! However, I have run into a bit of a problem. I did the program last summer and was a fantastic cast member...and then I majorly screwed up. Once. I put my trust in a roommate, and without going into too much detail, something got said and taken out of context, and this roommate used it as a way to get me terminated. I wish I was just being dramatic, but she did the exact same thing to a previous roommate.

Anyway, my question is how do I explain this on my application? There is a place spot in the work history section that asks me to explain why I left the program. I’m afraid that they will just see that I was terminated and write me off without knowing the situation or that I was actually a great employee.

 

[keymon]

Well, they do ask for your previous work experience. They have a 'Reason for Leaving' text area. I think that's the best place to put it (if it fits) because I don't remember anywhere else to type detailed information. Although your application might be a little different because you were previously a CM.

 

[Musings]

I have heard of people getting on a 2nd Program even after receiving a no rehire status, which I believe is what happens automatically when you are termed for roommate/housing issues. You'd want to talk to recruiting about it as you are a former CM, you have a rehire status and that determines whether you will be considered for the CP or not.

The best advice I've heard for these situations and that I've heard of people getting 2nd programs is to write a cover letter explaining your attributes, demonstrate you've worked since you were termed and provide references. People have been allowed to go on other programs despite being termed before so it is not impossible.

 

[ZooBoo]

Thanks for the advice! However, I'm actually more worried about how to phrase it on the application right now. How do I honestly explain that I was terminated, but put a positive spin on it? Within the tiny space allowed? Like, within a sentence?

 

[gister]

Sorry to hear that, hope the second time works out for you.

 

[Agent7]

Firstly if it hasn't yet been 6+ months Disney is unlikely to rehire you. In termination cases you're usually on a restricted rehire or a do not rehire. Just a warning.

Secondly you didn't go into much detail on why you were termed, if you're doing this to "let Disney know" then you won't have to, they'll cross check you. They know why you were fired.

Finally I'm personally not sure I would mention the termination. It's been a while since I did the application so I can't remember way it wants exactly/what room there is. If you want to mention it don't call the termination "unfair" or "uncalled for because I was awesome". Why? Because Disney agreed to term you, calling it unfair raises questions about the company that you don't want to raise in a job application to said company. Say something like "Even though I was previously terminated I'm extremely motivated to be the best cast member I can be and provide wonderful guest experiences.". Focus on what you want to do right. And honestly it's unlikely that a sentence will get you a phone interview if you wouldn't already get one. Not impossible but unlikely.

 

[dsanner106]

Personally, I would apply without mentioning in the initial app. Disney often cleans the slate at 6 months on prior issues and you may be lucky in that regard. Take it one step at a time after that and see if it is brought up in the interview phase.