Free Career and Job Search Advice

Mike22_85 · Newbie Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

Hey folks,

My situation:
I got fired from my last job (at a well-known retailer) that I had had for one and a half years. The reason why I got fired was because I posted some negative things about my employer online. Basically I said I was not satisfied with the company, their policies, or my pay ($6.45/hr) and not getting a single raise the whole time I was there. Somehow they found what I had wrote and decided to fire me over it.
In retrospect: I made a big mistake, but I don't think they were treating me fairly either.

Recently:
Just this past Monday I had an interview at another retail store. I haven't heard back from them and I don't think I will. I think the interview went bad. One of the first things he asked me was "why did you leave your old job?" I was honest and said I was fired for back-talking the company. I think the guy that interviewed me there decided at that point that I was probably a bad person and I think the interview failed.

Another interview this weekend:
This Saturday (7th of April) I have an interview at a different retail store. I filled out the application online. It asked me "have you ever been fired from a job before?" I put "Yes", and then it asked "what was your reason for leaving your last job?" and I put "personal, but will discuss at interview."

I know the HR guy will ask what happened to me at my last job. He'll notice that I put I had been fired from a job before. He'll see on my application that I said I'd discuss at the interview why I left my last job. I don't want to mess up my interview on Saturday like I did the interview I had this past Monday!

My big, fat, ugly question:
What should I tell him during the interview when he asks about my former employment?

ANY help is extremely appreciated!!

ank06 · Expert Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 247 Career Advice: +1/-0

Woooah.....
It is said that one should tell nothing but the truth when being asked the "why were you fored" question, but in your case, things are a little bit tricky because...well...usually the prospective employer is somehow identifying himself with the previous and if you say you have "backstabbed" the first one, this is something he things might be repeating. So you need to cover it up smoothly and diligently. Not to lie entirely about the reason, but just word it up to sound less bad.
Here are some tips on how you should answer the question:
http://www.cvtips.com/justification_for_being_fired_interview.html
But basically you just need to distract the prospective employer's attention from this issue. And what better way that attract him towards you and your skills and what you can do for his company. Also, do make your point regarding the salary. Meaning there's no point in entering the job if it is not good paid. The history might repeat itself and it will be harder for you for the future.
Good luck!

si_uk · Newbie Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

If the question comes up again then a better way around it is that you posted comments about the company which they disagreed with. Then emphasize how you realise it was a mistake and how you have learned from it.

Employers prefer honesty and even though you back-talked your past employer then atleast you were honest enough to admit that it was a mistake.

Good luck in the future Wink

lexa10881 · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 5:04 am Post subject:

Be honest about what happened and why, but try to not do so in a way that bad mouths your former employer. You were unhappy with your work situation and became vocal about it in the wrong way: instead of convening with your boss, you spouted off online. You went the wrong way about voicing your displeasure and got bit by karma. Try to chalk this up to a learning experience while stressing during the interview that you realize now how much better it would have been to have communicated effectively with your emlpoyer at the time instead, and that your goal is to be a better communicator. Do not overdo it; let them ask questions and you provide bits at a time.

http://www.cvtips.com/justification_for_being_fired_interview.html

dorothea · Expert Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 123 Career Advice: +1/-0

The most important thing is that even if you have something against yur former employer and you have a lot to say about him, you should make it as short and concise as possible to the prospective employer. He will understand the situation even if you put it in less words. Offering too many details (usually badmouthing your ex employer) will only make the future one oscilate even more.
Otherwise, the postsers before me have said it all. Good suggestions.

Randy · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 2:40 am Post subject:

quote="si_uk"

Employers prefer honesty

No they don't. They might prefer honest "answers" to a specific question, but the very last thing they "prefer" is "honesty of character" and so forth. If that was the case, there wouldn't be so much discussion going on about how to "tone it down."

lostash · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:20 am Post subject:

Randy is 100% correct with that last statement. Honest answers and honesty on a professional level, yes! If you are the type of person that is not comfortable breaking, or even bending rules then your card will be marked I'm afraid.

I'm not saying that you have to be a 'yes man' at every opportunity, but if you end up working for employers who push certain boundaries there is only one thing to do.

Leave.

safri · Expert Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 213 Career Advice: +1/-1

Ha! I totally agree with the last two posts.
But here's how things are in fact: employers WANT you to be honest in what your relationship is regarded. They do not want to be lied, they do not want you to have secrets because you'd be highly suspicious. Instead, they want you to "twist" the truth in what the benefit of the company is regarded. They want you to act in a "witty" way, meaning get something by all means Very Happy

Even via lying.

lostash · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:16 am Post subject:

Lie? I don't really think that is very good advice. I have a set of personal standards that go with me through life, and lying is certainly NOT one of them, and certainly not for any employer.

If a Company wants an employee to lie for the benefit of the business, then I personally wouldn't want to hang around and be covered in the eventual fall-out.

Evil or Very Mad

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