Free Career and Job Search Advice

smr · Newbie Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 4 Career Advice: +0/-0

I was let go from my job 15 months ago for what HR stated to be a “communication problem” between me and my immediate supervisor, who was a self described control freak, and once even signed an email to me this way. He often referred to himself as GOD. In the five years he’s been there, 5 people have been in the position I held, so I know it was nothing I did.

I know once I get an interview (if I ever get one, that is) that I’ll be able to explain that I was simply told I was let go because of communications problems, and if asked to elaborate, I’ll state that 5 people have held my position in a 5 year period.

In the time that I’ve been unemployed, I’ve only filled out a handful of online applications (most of the time I’m able to just send my resume). I’ve been listing the HR manager as my immediate supervisor, naively thinking that only my dates of employment and job title would be given out, but I recently learned that “communication problems” is what is being told as the reason for my departure as well. As far as my performance, this person stated that they could not comment, since they never evaluated my performance. When asked if it was possible to speak with my supervisor, it was stated that it would probably be very difficult to get a hold of my supervisor, who is rarely in the office.

FWIW, I don’t think speaking to HR would be effective. I'm not even sure upper management realizes there is a problem. This person comes off as very charming if there is something he can gain from it. Otherwise he is very arrogant and condescending. Also, my supervisor and the HR manager are quite friendly, and the entire atmosphere at my former workplace is one in which you aren't valued much unless you're a "good ol' boy".

So, what do I do? Any suggestions on how to fill out online applications (or any application, for that matter) that ask for the name of my supervisor and reason for leaving?

Also, for the record, in my state, former employers can give out documented information from a personnel file regarding performance, as long as it’s not misleading or reckless.

C_Vaughan · Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 7:59 pm Post subject:

You are not in an enviable position. There are no cut and dried answers, but I salute you for not even hinting at lying about what took place. I read many questions from job-seekers asking if they should lie about the situation. That answer is always "no". There are ways to circumvent the problem, however.

First, you need to face this head-on and write a cleverly worded cover letter that addresses the "communication problems" in as positive manner as possible without slamming your former boss (even though he sounds like he deserves it). When the prospective employer contacts your past employer, there won't be any surprises.

Second, dazzle the prospective employer with everything you have in the interview (don't load the resume so much that you have nothing new to offer in the interview). Once they see how fantastic you are, the words of a former employer will not carry as much weight. Again, be straightforward without being bitter or negative.

Most people have had a supervisor before that they didn't care for too much, so make an ally of your interviewer when the topic comes up. Ask him/her if they ever worked for or even with someone they didn't always see eye to eye with. Very few people can say "no" to that.

You'll do fine. Maintain a cheerful attitude, ambition and confidence and you will be well on your way to your next (and definately better) job.

Best of luck.

~C. Vaughan

smr · Newbie Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 4 Career Advice: +0/-0

Thank you so much for your reply.

I haven't made any mention of it when submitting my resume, but it's hard to get around in an online application when there in no option to attach a resume. I wonder if stating I was let go in my cover letter would help me or hurt me more. There will be no surprises, you're right, and at this point I'm feeling so discouraged I don't know what to do anymore. I'll have to think on that.

As far as answering the question on an online application, I considered stating "will discuss at interview" but at the same time I worry that my application will just get passed over completely if I do answer it this way, especially when combined with the fact that I've been out of work for over a year. Will those two factors make me even less hireable to prospective employers?

Any thoughts on any of the above would be greatly appreciated.

I like your idea about asking the interviewer if he/she has ever worked with anyone they didn't see eye to eye with. Very clever!

As for my resume, I've posted it in the CV and Resume Forum. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it.
http://www.cvtips.com/career_advice_forum/unemployed-for-15-months-no-interviews-yet-need-help-vt639.html

Thanks again for all the advice!

mie8588 · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 9:35 am Post subject:

Your resume is impressive, but it seems like you are still new to your career.
I would simply state the truth as you have been. You need to remain current in your field, so perhaps offering your services to a non-profit or contact a temp agency-if they get you a job, the new employer will get to see your work before an offer of full-time employment is made, making your previous history not so important. Also, try contacting your school's career development dept and see if they have any contacts, ideas or position postings you might be interested in. Read your local newspaper for groups and meetings with others in your field. Simply state you have had a "false start" and are eager to get a chance to prove yourself. Your field is highly competitive so I think it is not so much your previous job but the fact that the field is saturated with those that might have more experience than you. It is the quintisential problem..can't get the job because you have limited experience and can't increase experience because you can't get your foot in the door. You might even want to go back to school and take a certification or increase your degree level or in some way get new training so you are a new hire. After a while, this bump will be so long ago no one will care. Your area might be experiencing growing pains in your area too, so don't take all the negativity to heart, just keep plugging away and concentrate on your strengths. Get any job to show an employer you are a good employee, then you say you are looking for a different job to work in your field. Good Luck!

jeter4982 · Posted: Thu Mar 23, 2006 1:21 am Post subject:

Some very good advice in this thread all the way around...My only other suggestions for things that haven't been mentioned yet, is to just try to meet with future employers as much as possible in person. The internet is a great tool, but as you have already said you can't always say everything you want in a form with only so much given space. In a face to face conversation, you could explain your whole situation beforehand, answer any questions the employer may have, and go over your resume and particular skills. Going back to school might be a route you want to look into, but it sounds like you still have some potential, so use it! Very Happy

Tom

KA · Expert Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Posts: 239 Career Advice: +2/-0

Join our Newsletter
CopyRight © 1999-2008 cvtips.com This material cannot be published under any form or condition.