Need advice after being fired years ago

[OrangeBocks]

I've only had one job and I was fired from it. I've done some voluntary work since then and I'm sure they would give me a good reference, but I fear applying for jobs incase they ask for a reference from a payed job, and ask why I was fired. Am I supposed to lie? Pretend I never had the job I was fired from? Or is that illegal?

It looks pretty bad, the official reason is gross misconduct, my boss thought I may have stolen some money due to the records shown of money in and money out, however this was all down to me not given proper training, and I made some mistakes on the till. I have no idea what to tell future employers as to why I was fired. Do I tell the truth? Do I pretend I am applying for my first job?

Thanks

[Bree'sOpinion]

First of all, are you still sad and emotional because you were fired? If so, then it is still not the right time for you to get a job interview. The reason for this is you are not at your best right now and it will significantly affect the way you carry the interview. Remember that most hiring managers have background on psychology and they can read you.

Second, since you apparently know what went wrong or why you got fired, use this as your weapon for improvement. You said that the reason you made mistakes and was blamed for something you unintentionally made is you did not have proper training. So, did you took some trainings to improve your skills?

Third, so ok... You are ready and have the best training possible. When the interviewer asked about why you were fired, do not lie. Instead, tell her honestly but briefly. Do not elaborate too much. You could say that "it was a misunderstanding and you have acknowledge your mistakes. I treat that experience as a lesson in life. After I was fired I did trainings and self-improvements to keep me on track... and so on." Never say negative about your previous company.

Hope this helps!

[OrangeBocks]

Thank you. So on my CV I should put where I last worked and a breif message why I was let go, such as "Let go by company, happy to explain in person". Then if I get an interview, explain how I made mistakes on the till and as a result I was let go, but I now realize my mistakes and have learned from them. I guess that makes sense, thanks for the advice. I never realised how much of a knock-back effect being fired would have :P

[Bree'sOpinion]

Thank you. So on my CV I should put where I last worked and a breif message why I was let go, such as "Let go by company, happy to explain in person". Then if I get an interview, explain how I made mistakes on the till and as a result I was let go, but I now realize my mistakes and have learned from them. I guess that makes sense, thanks for the advice. I never realised how much of a knock-back effect being fired would have :P

You're welcome. and yes indeed! Being fired is something we should avoid in the future, if possible. Also, mistakes make us humans and we learn from them. So, use them as your guide to learn and grow, instead of using them as a weapon of your downfall.

Oh btw, you do not really need to specify in your CV that you were let go by the company. Just write the date you started working at the company and the date you stopped. So, AAA Company (Dec 2009-Jan 2010)....working as a ghostbuster. lol. just kidding. So the only time you need to do your explaining is during the interview. If you want interview tips, go to www.interviewmastermind.com and sign up for his newsletter. you do not have to worry because its free. Actually, I also signed up for his newsletter. He gave unique interview tips that are based on human psychology. quite interesting indeed.