WWYD - Job Loss

[RF536]

I was fired from a job last year for poor performance, I later figured out that it was due to being over medicated due to severe migraines. Here is a little back round to give you a better idea. The 1st job I had out of college I held for 10 years, I was let go due to corporate downsizing, company is in big financial problems and I was 1 of 120 people let go at the same time. About 8 weeks later I found a new job job at another big company, but I struggled with learning the new position and retaining the information. I was fired from this job after 6 weeks. I later figured out that one of the medications I was on to treat my migraines was severely impacting my ability to think clearly and to focus, the medication has since been changed and things are now much better. But how do I explain this to potential employers without scaring them away?

 

[Pigeon]

Since you had the second job for such a short period of time, I'd probably leave it off my resume altogether.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

You can leave it off of your resume, but if you leave it off of your application, it could be cause for dismissal. The fact is that companies do not tell other companies why an employees was "let go". They simply confirm employment dates. They provide very little information to avoid possible suits.

So, my advice, list it and indicate that both you and the company realized very quickly that it wasn't a good fit. I would never discuss medical issues in an interview...

 

[lillygator]

So, my advice, list it and indicate that both you and the company realized very quickly that it wasn't a good fit. I would never discuss medical issues in an interview...

I would list it as well, and not bring anything medical in to it.

 

[minkydog]

Most employers consider that any employee separation that occurs within the first 90 days may be due to poor fit unless there was clearly some impropriety. I might include it,but list "will discuss in interview." Sometimes jobs just don't work out. Don't bring up your medical history, it's none of their business and *that* might give them a reason not to hire you.

 

[anniemae]

I would list it. When they ask about it, I would just say it did not work out and the job was not a good fit for your skills. That way it kind of sounds like the parting was mutual, and in reality if you were not "catching on" to the job, regardless of the reason, you were probably not happy there and it truly was not a good fit. If they flat out ask you if you were fired though, I think you have to admit you were. Not sure how to handle that question or if they can even ask you that. I know certain interview questions are off limits.

When they call to verify employment, I always thought a former employer could not go into details about why you left. I don't think they can say you were fired, or go into any circumstances surrounding your job performance. I believe they can only verify the dates you were employed with the company. I am not 100% sure that is correct though, so maybe someone who works in HR can chime in.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

When they call to verify employment, I always thought a former employer could not go into details about why you left. I don't think they can say you were fired, or go into any circumstances surrounding your job performance. I believe they can only verify the dates you were employed with the company. I am not 100% sure that is correct though, so maybe someone who works in HR can chime in.

Some companies will NOT give out information other than dates of employment for fear of a lawsuit. However it has been proven via the courts that as long as a former employer is truthful and stating the facts - we CAN give out information.

For instance I can say an employee was terminated for excessive absenteeism or poor performance. I can say they are not eligible for re-hire.

 

[LilyWDW]

As a manager it was our companies policy to not explain why someone left our store when called to verify someone's employment with us. However, I could say if they would be eligible for rehire or not. In fact, when we called other places for an applicant we had, we ALWAYS asked if they were eligible for rehire by that company.

I would list the job... if you don't then you will have to explain why there was a break in your employment history. If you don't list it and your potential employer finds out, it could mean you will be dismissed. The reasoning, if you lied about that job, what else did you lie about? This would be a red flag on if you could be trusted.

When I was looking at applications the phrase "will discuss in interview" would be something to cause me to think twice about giving an interview.

 

[Planogirl]

How would the potential employer find out about the job if it's not listed? I've always puzzled over that.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

How would the potential employer find out about the job if it's not listed? I've always puzzled over that.

We use a firm that does background checks and they often turn up unlisted jobs...

 

[RF536]

Currently, I do not include the job on my resume because it did not add to my job skills. I do however add it when filling out job applications, with the belief that to omit it would be dishonest, since I did hold the job; I currently leave the reason for leaving the job as not a good fit. I already have a long gap in employment, I have been unemployed since Nov. '08, I did a temp. job from Oct. '09 to Nov. '09.

 

[kathie859]

How would the potential employer find out about the job if it's not listed? I've always puzzled over that.

Failure to completely disclose requested information could result in termination for "falsification of company records" should the gap ever come to light. Much better to list it on the application with no written comment and be prepared to discuss the short period of the job when asked by the interviewer. Not a good match for the applicant's job skills is a reasonable explanation. This is a small world and with various databases of information, it's not unfathomable that the 6 week job could come to light.

 

[kellyg403]

I agree with the others,list it on your resume. I know that when someone calls me about a prior employee our company only allows us to say if they are rehirable or not. Unless you are terminated for cause..i.e. stealing or some other gross misconduct usually you are rehirable.

Kelly

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Since it was recent, include it on the advice of others.

However, I am not certain it is considered falsification unless the job you are seeking requires FULL disclosure of ALL previous employment.

Some apps only require related or relevant work experience.

I have such a varied history--that some jobs aren't going to care what I did in the other industry if it is not pertinent. And after being out of the work force for so long even though i did a few intermitten things--they were insigificant in the grand scheme and I just don't remember it all.

Unless it is clearly obligatory to fully disclosed---you are not obligated.

But there is absolutely no harm in disclosing it. Apps will often ask for reason for leaving and you will have to very carefully think of something that doesnt shoot yourself in the foot. Leaving that part blank on an application could become a red flag that you did not intend.

 

[jstnmarsh]

It will be better if you mention you experience to the future employer as that would have a better impact on your about you. But, you got to think about the reason apart from the point that you were not well. None of the employer will like to recruit an employee who has had an history of some extended leaves due to sickness, you got to think so some different way out that fits perfectly in the place.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I would not list the position. It is not one I would want to be used for references, so I'd keep it off.

If it ever came up, and I was ever questioned I would simply state that I did not list it as it was a very poor fit for all parties concerned and does not comprise any significant portion of your work history or your abilities.

 

[Experiment_626]

I have such a varied history--that some jobs aren't going to care what I did in the other industry if it is not pertinent.

I have some of the same issues. Also, I have worked jobs -- some of them for substantial periods of time -- that I've been gone from long enough that I no longer can provide exact dates. In fact, there are one or two for which I can't even confidently give calendar years anymore, and the companies involved no longer exist!

 

[Sweet]

list it on your resume, i think it would be better..

 

[Normangirls]

Just agreeing/restating some PP's advice:

1. I would not list it on your resume.
2. If they have you complete and sign an application, include it there with no further comment. If they want details, they'll ask you for them.
3. If asked, state that during the probationary/training period, it became clear that the job was not a good fit for you. Immediately go on to point out your otherwise excellent job history, emphasize that your former managers (at the job you had for 10 years) are willing to provide good references to that point. Be prepared to explain what "not a good fit" means with examples ("they needed someone to do this function, which was not an area I had ever learned or experienced -- it became clear they needed someone able to handle that function immediately without much training or guidance, so it was obviously not an area where I was going to fully benefit the company").
4. Never lie or misrepresent, ever.