Still no luck finding work after being fired
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 5,229
from what i can gather they cant ask why you where let go just give start and end dates.
I'd be inclined get references doesnt have to be a supervisor could be anyone you worked with lean on them to vouch for you.
I might even go so far as to say I have not finished working there yet and i'm not comfortable with you calling as they dunno i'm looking even. or you can call but my old supervisor is long since gone maybe talk to this guy etc.. I dunno something.
I'd be inclined get references doesnt have to be a supervisor could be anyone you worked with lean on them to vouch for you.
I might even go so far as to say I have not finished working there yet and i'm not comfortable with you calling as they dunno i'm looking even. or you can call but my old supervisor is long since gone maybe talk to this guy etc.. I dunno something.
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Join Date: May 2015
Location: PA
Posts: 562
Don't tell anyone you got fired ........ You left for personal reasons and they hired someone to take your place while you were gone.......your skills were necessary to the company and they couldn't wait for you ...... Done. Look them in the eye when ou say you left for personal reasons.....it was personal.....you worked on yourself ..... And now your sober but do not mention booze......nope. Forget about that. And be confident but not cocky......you want to come off as competent.
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Join Date: May 2015
Location: PA
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I have worked for more companies than you can imagine as both an employee and consultant.........I must be at 30 or 40.........anyway.....interviews are conversations.......treat them like that. Good luck I'm sure you'll land on your feet.
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Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 14
Originally Posted by mebutmuchbetter 
I think this is really important to remember that the main thing is to get in to interview so focus on your skills and what you can bring to the job rather than the things that will prevent you from getting an interview.
When a prospective employer is looking at your resume you will get to the next stage if they feel like they need to know more about you.
Are there that many jobs that ask you to fill out an application though? I find this sort of thing so impersonal as I'd want to hire a human being not someone that fills the boxes out best. Maybe look for jobs where they require a resume/profile and not old fashioned applications, they sound laborious. I know this sounds easy, I don't know what the job market is like where you are but having to fill out an application would make me feel like I am 'being processed' rather than hired for being a great individual so you might be in for a better work experience being hired from a resume submission.
I think you might be surprised how employers are more interested in the personality and skills that are sitting in front of them at interview rather than drilling you about reasons for leaving past jobs which, if questioned, maybe say something like you left to do a short course in *some area of mechanics* to skill up that you had wanted to do for a while (and make sure you have an enthusiastic answer), or some other positive spin.. the fact it coincided with you being fired, they don't need to know about.
When a prospective employer is looking at your resume you will get to the next stage if they feel like they need to know more about you.
Are there that many jobs that ask you to fill out an application though? I find this sort of thing so impersonal as I'd want to hire a human being not someone that fills the boxes out best. Maybe look for jobs where they require a resume/profile and not old fashioned applications, they sound laborious. I know this sounds easy, I don't know what the job market is like where you are but having to fill out an application would make me feel like I am 'being processed' rather than hired for being a great individual so you might be in for a better work experience being hired from a resume submission.
I think you might be surprised how employers are more interested in the personality and skills that are sitting in front of them at interview rather than drilling you about reasons for leaving past jobs which, if questioned, maybe say something like you left to do a short course in *some area of mechanics* to skill up that you had wanted to do for a while (and make sure you have an enthusiastic answer), or some other positive spin.. the fact it coincided with you being fired, they don't need to know about.
I saw an ad in the paper for a company I actually interviewed with years ago. The same position. They seemed to like me then and called me in for a second interview, but said they had one other candidate to consider. Maybe it'll work out this time now that I have more experience under my belt.
But yes, most jobs take resumes and applications online now at the same time. That's the new trend. I even rode around one day looking at places where I'd fit. I'd either see a sign that said not taking applications, or to apply online.
Things are very impersonal now. Nothing like it was when I was job hunting before. But the section for "were you ever fired, why, and from what company" is what's tricky. If you check 'no' and they find out later...
Maybe I'm making this into an inquisition in my head. I'll just try take some of the advice here and not stress over the negative.
Humanoid thing
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 87
If you check no and they find out later, the worst that can happen is either they won't employ you or if you get the job and they find out, worst case scenario you'll get fired again but I'm 99.9% certain if you fill it all out, warts and all, they won't call you.
I read your last comment two or three times "Maybe I'm making this into an inquisition in my head. I'll just try take some of the advice here and not stress over the negative."
Sounds a bit cheesy but positive mindset will get you a long way, you'll fall down a couple of times but pick yourself up again, smile, carry on, you'll get a job if the will is there for sure.
Go back and read newpage119's post again too. Your perception of things will likely turn out to be very different to actual hiring processes. Employers primarily want to know that you can do the job, you'll be surprised how many things employers fail to cover off when hiring someone.
I read your last comment two or three times "Maybe I'm making this into an inquisition in my head. I'll just try take some of the advice here and not stress over the negative."
Sounds a bit cheesy but positive mindset will get you a long way, you'll fall down a couple of times but pick yourself up again, smile, carry on, you'll get a job if the will is there for sure.
Go back and read newpage119's post again too. Your perception of things will likely turn out to be very different to actual hiring processes. Employers primarily want to know that you can do the job, you'll be surprised how many things employers fail to cover off when hiring someone.
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Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 14
Originally Posted by mebutmuchbetter
If you check no and they find out later, the worst that can happen is either they won't employ you or if you get the job and they find out, worst case scenario you'll get fired again but I'm 99.9% certain if you fill it all out, warts and all, they won't call you.
I read your last comment two or three times "Maybe I'm making this into an inquisition in my head. I'll just try take some of the advice here and not stress over the negative."
Sounds a bit cheesy but positive mindset will get you a long way, you'll fall down a couple of times but pick yourself up again, smile, carry on, you'll get a job if the will is there for sure.
Go back and read newpage119's post again too. Your perception of things will likely turn out to be very different to actual hiring processes. Employers primarily want to know that you can do the job, you'll be surprised how many things employers fail to cover off when hiring someone.
I read your last comment two or three times "Maybe I'm making this into an inquisition in my head. I'll just try take some of the advice here and not stress over the negative."
Sounds a bit cheesy but positive mindset will get you a long way, you'll fall down a couple of times but pick yourself up again, smile, carry on, you'll get a job if the will is there for sure.
Go back and read newpage119's post again too. Your perception of things will likely turn out to be very different to actual hiring processes. Employers primarily want to know that you can do the job, you'll be surprised how many things employers fail to cover off when hiring someone.
I really don't want to stack lie on top of lie for the rest of my life because of one mistake. Not all applications ask that, though. So far it's been maybe 25% of the ones I've filled out. Usually the bigger companies will ask. A lot of people around here know each other also. It's on the rural side and my last company was big. Chances of them knowing someone who worked there are high.
Luckily the last one that I hope will call just required a resume. I have all the qualifications they were looking for and the "pluses". Keeping my fingers crossed on that one.
Humanoid thing
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 87
Fair enough, if you don't feel comfortable. Sounds like the resume route might be better for you.
I work in sales and now in my 40s I'd say I have had 20-30 different jobs since I left school, including part time jobs. Well over half of the jobs I have had never followed up references, maybe as high as 75%. Just stay positive, and at interview, show them that you love the job you do and it won't take long for someone to snap you up
I work in sales and now in my 40s I'd say I have had 20-30 different jobs since I left school, including part time jobs. Well over half of the jobs I have had never followed up references, maybe as high as 75%. Just stay positive, and at interview, show them that you love the job you do and it won't take long for someone to snap you up
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Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 122
I've been through that. Combining being fired with long term unemployment (alcohol was more important than work ) makes it very difficult to get a job.
I finally gave up to an extent and started my own business.
Still looking for a job, though, since I like being employed. Finally, am bypassing the normal job advert / application form method and cold calling for jobs instead because you have a better chance of explaining in an interview.
I finally gave up to an extent and started my own business.
Still looking for a job, though, since I like being employed. Finally, am bypassing the normal job advert / application form method and cold calling for jobs instead because you have a better chance of explaining in an interview.
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Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 14
Thanks for the responses. I guess there's no one size fits all answer here. I've been hearing 'let go' or 'involuntarily separated' can look better than terminated since they can mean a lot of things. There's a lot of information on this out there. A LOT of it is conflicting. One site says say it was for personal reasons. Another says don't say personal reasons. One says use the word terminated, and another not to use the word terminated. I know saying I had health issues that have been dealt with, which would be true. Then that would send up a red flag. "This person may miss a lot of time".
I came here since I'm sure many have been in the same boat and there are ways of bouncing back. I know it's not going to be easy with the limited jobs in my area. I almost feel like I'm rolling the dice. I wish I never, ever picked up a drink that day. I'm sure we've all said that more than once.
I came here since I'm sure many have been in the same boat and there are ways of bouncing back. I know it's not going to be easy with the limited jobs in my area. I almost feel like I'm rolling the dice. I wish I never, ever picked up a drink that day. I'm sure we've all said that more than once.
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Midwest USA
Posts: 630
Another thing that just popped into my mind...
Be persistent! The last person we hired sent out his resume several times...I think I got it 10 times...
And finally said, "Let's interview this guy, he is really TRYING!"
He came to the interview well dressed and polite and got the job!
And he had a 2 year layoff......
Be persistent! The last person we hired sent out his resume several times...I think I got it 10 times...
And finally said, "Let's interview this guy, he is really TRYING!"
He came to the interview well dressed and polite and got the job!
And he had a 2 year layoff......
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 14
Originally Posted by newpage119
Another thing that just popped into my mind...
Be persistent! The last person we hired sent out his resume several times...I think I got it 10 times...
And finally said, "Let's interview this guy, he is really TRYING!"
He came to the interview well dressed and polite and got the job!
And he had a 2 year layoff......
Be persistent! The last person we hired sent out his resume several times...I think I got it 10 times...
And finally said, "Let's interview this guy, he is really TRYING!"
He came to the interview well dressed and polite and got the job!
And he had a 2 year layoff......
This whole thing is draining. It's a combination of being physically and mentally damaged by years of alcohol abuse, and the stress of what's going on right now. Haven't slept a full night in months. I'll sleep for a couple hours and wake up with a panic attack, then pace around the house until I'm calm again.
It's really hard to focus on anything in that state. Which worries me if someone calls about a job interview. Will I be alert enough to present myself properly? Will I look like I've just been through hell and back?
I'm currently trying to get on some type of medication just to help me remain calm and sleep. Alcohol used to do that. And I'm not going back to what nearly destroyed me in more ways than one.
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Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London
Posts: 170
I lost my job through drinking and also have a lot of convictions spread from 93-05. So getting a job straight is hard, I get work through agencies, this gets my foot in the door, then once the question of work history or convictions comes up they already know me.
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Join Date: Jun 2015
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Originally Posted by IWalkTheLine
I lost my job through drinking and also have a lot of convictions spread from 93-05. So getting a job straight is hard, I get work through agencies, this gets my foot in the door, then once the question of work history or convictions comes up they already know me.
I thought about applying to one. I know they hire felons since they would provide workers for my old job. If they don't hire me I give up.
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Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 202
If at all , you have to explain the long break from last employment, there is no need to use strong words like" was terminated ". As a senior manager, I have hired many candidates, who had mentioned words " was made redundant " .. This actually happened to many people during last economic crisis and it keeps happening in many parts of the world... Off course, it depends on the kind of the job and how big or small is the corporate circuit you live in..
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Originally Posted by Imtehaan
If at all , you have to explain the long break from last employment, there is no need to use strong words like" was terminated ". As a senior manager, I have hired many candidates, who had mentioned words " was made redundant " .. This actually happened to many people during last economic crisis and it keeps happening in many parts of the world... Off course, it depends on the kind of the job and how big or small is the corporate circuit you live in..
I can understand their viewpoint. They're looking out for the company's best interests and don't want to take a risk. With all the people looking for employment and few decent job openings in the area, they can be picky.
My work history isn't bad. I was at my other job for quite a few years. Now that can be seen as good; I'm not a job jumper. Or bad. "They let him go after x amount of years? He must have done something major".
I'll just have to do my best and let the chips fall where they may.
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Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gulf Coast, USA
Posts: 2,229
Bottom line Leo is to go with what you are comfortable with. You are the one that's going to be sitting in the interview. As other's have said, don't offer up anything that will hurt your chances for the hire; otherwise, you might as well not apply in the first place. I definitely wouldn't mention alcohol, at all.
Maybe you meet in the middle with "I was let go because my employer and I just couldn't see eye to eye on several items". If they ask you to elaborate on that just tell them " I would prefer not to due to my personal beliefs". Anyway, just a thought.
Go in confident and have your responses rehearsed.
Best of luck, what ever you decide.
Maybe you meet in the middle with "I was let go because my employer and I just couldn't see eye to eye on several items". If they ask you to elaborate on that just tell them " I would prefer not to due to my personal beliefs". Anyway, just a thought.
Go in confident and have your responses rehearsed.
Best of luck, what ever you decide.
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