First time being fired and now trying to get my life back on track.

[lsquare]

In Pain

 

[lykaon78]

Sorry about your job loss. If you're looking for similar work in a similar field you're not going to want to mention that your were fired. If you are looking for a different type of job you can say that "My past job was my first job after graduation and I wasn't a good fit in that role. I think my skills are closer aligned to this job because..." and be ready with a couple of reasons that you meet the requirements on the job descriptions.



With all that being said... in this economy it is plausible to say you were downsized and depending on the voracity of their H.R. screening process your potential employer may never know the difference.

 

[Wyndru]

With all that being said... in this economy it is plausible to say you were downsized and depending on the voracity of their H.R. screening process your potential employer may never know the difference.

Don't most companies call the previous employer and ask if they would hire the person again? I thought that was the main question they ask (other than verifying dates of hire). So while they wouldn't say that he was fired, they might say they would not hire him again either, which indirectly says the same thing.

Unless this experience is absolutely necessary, I'd leave it off and explain the gap as just being unemployed. It's fairly common these days to be without a job for a while. I might actually tack on some of the duties I did at the previous job in another section of the resume, like other skills, knowledge or something, and fill them in about your knowledge of these skills at the interview.

 

[Batti]

While that's a possibility, you'd be amazed how often they don't even call the references. References are a very small part of the process.

Can you provide other references (co-workers, colleagues) that would speak better of you?

Hang in there, this will pass and you'll likely end up in a better position.

 

[Red Squirrel]

If it was not your fault that you got fired (ex: overreacting manager) then I'd just explain that whole situation. They'll find out one way or the other. Though, don't put your old boss as a reference, that's kinda asking for it as they'll just backstab you to ensure you don't get another job. From what I understand you don't even have to put employers as references, put people you know, etc.

 

[ShawnD1]

While that's a possibility, you'd be amazed how often they don't even call the references. References are a very small part of the process.

My references are all people I still talk to, and they've never received calls. I get jobs based on the interview, and this is for half a dozen jobs where I listed references.

They probably stopped caring about references when companies became afraid to trash talk past employees.

 

[Jeffg010]

Don't sweat it man a bank teller is the bottom of the ladder when it comes to banking. No one ever wants to make it their career. Only thing worst would be a in house call center for the bank.

These type of jobs have high turn over rates and any employer with half a brain will recognize this.

Your real mistake is majoring in Psychology good luck with that.

 

[sao123]

i think it depends on why you were fired...

if you were screwing off, lazy, etc, etc... yea that would affect future employment.

 

[Spydermag68]

I have heard that some companies are now not hiring people that are unemployed. Basically if you are not employed your resume goes into the circular file.

 

[lokiju]

Pad your resume.

It's about getting in the door.

You were "laid off" for downsizing reasons.

Took some time off with money you had saved up.

Did you do anything that you're job was related to while you were out of work?

For example, you work in IT, were fired, but while you were not working helped out friends or family with their systems.

Then you were doing private consulting.

You'll be your own worse enemy if you put you were fired and then list a long gap of not working.

 

[BrownShoes]

Good luck, buddy. You'll find something better.

 

[Wyndru]

My references are all people I still talk to, and they've never received calls. I get jobs based on the interview, and this is for half a dozen jobs where I listed references.

They probably stopped caring about references when companies became afraid to trash talk past employees.

Is this something new? I know for a fact the last 3 jobs I've had contacted at least 1 of my references, usually the most recent. My last job (2 years ago I got hired) contacted all 3 that I provided, going back to an employer I had over 6 years ago.

 

[Schfifty Five]

Just a couple questions:

Were you fired or laid off?

If fired, were you fired for performance issues or because you broke company policy or something (aka showed up late, left early, stole shit, etc)

Did you immediately file for unemployment?

I've seen some companies application forms ask if you were terminated or not. I do not know the legality of that or if you absolutely have to answer it or not. If a potential employer asks about a gap in your work history or asks why you left your previous job, be honest about it but try to make yourself look "better", and DO NOT bad mouth the company that fired you.

What I mean in more detail:

1. Don't just say "Oh I was fired." and then leave it at that. Make it sound less dramatic...like you were let go because your goals weren't in line with the company, anything to take away the negative connotations with the word "fired".

2. You may have had a horrible boss who hated you which was why they fired you, but do not complain about being fired or say negative things about the company. Again, just find a way to take away the negative aspects about being fired and put emphasis about your skills, what you have learned, your goals, etc.

3. I heard that when companies call your previous companies about your employment, the only info the previous company can give is your employment dates, nothing else.

 

[dmcowen674]

lsquare

Good advice in here so far.

Do not take this personally.

They made something up for a business decision that has nothing to do with you.

 

[scorp00]

Getting fired was one of the best things to happen to me. 33% raise with the new job that I liked better!

 

[Wyndru]

lsquare

Good advice in here so far.

Do not take this personally.

They made something up for a business decision that has nothing to do with you.

lolwut, thread confusion?

 

[dmcowen674]

lolwut, thread confusion?

No confusion found. Just because they said something does not make it true.

They will say anything.

 

[bobdole369]

Don't worry about being terminated. As someone who (formerly) was responsible for hiring - having someone note they were terminated for "poor job performance" especially within 90 days - is NOT an automatic mark. It would have been different, if you had been there 8 years. The probationary period is just that - to figure out if you'll work. In this case it appears you didn't. Just say what happened, don't lie, don't sugarcoat, don't blame a specific person, just explain you and the company didn't work out and say WHY. Don't say "I got fired" and move on. Any decent hiring manager will realize this.

 

[Wyndru]

No confusion found. Just because they said something does not make it true.

They will say anything.

Oh...your original response sounded more fitting to the "I'm getting laid off..." thread. I guess I just misunderstood your post.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

My references are all people I still talk to, and they've never received calls. I get jobs based on the interview, and this is for half a dozen jobs where I listed references.

They probably stopped caring about references when companies became afraid to trash talk past employees.

That, and is anyone with two brain cells ever going to list a reference who would say anything negative? That's why I always chuckle at the whole notion of references.

 

[SP33Demon]

Psychology, that's a tough one man. Can't help ya.

 

[Gibson486]

In my situation, I had people who I made made good professional relationships with. When it comes to reference time, I am good because they were people who were my superiors. In your situation, you need pretty much dodge the question. When they ask, give an answer like, "I learned a lot, but the job was not for me" and then quickly move on. As for references, is their anyone that can vouch for you?

Psychologically, it is tough. It took me 2 weeks to go over it. But do not make it a pity party. That is the worst thing you can do.

 

[lsquare]

Just a couple questions:

Were you fired or laid off?

If fired, were you fired for performance issues or because you broke company policy or something (aka showed up late, left early, stole shit, etc)

Did you immediately file for unemployment?

I've seen some companies application forms ask if you were terminated or not. I do not know the legality of that or if you absolutely have to answer it or not. If a potential employer asks about a gap in your work history or asks why you left your previous job, be honest about it but try to make yourself look "better", and DO NOT bad mouth the company that fired you.

What I mean in more detail:

1. Don't just say "Oh I was fired." and then leave it at that. Make it sound less dramatic...like you were let go because your goals weren't in line with the company, anything to take away the negative connotations with the word "fired".

2. You may have had a horrible boss who hated you which was why they fired you, but do not complain about being fired or say negative things about the company. Again, just find a way to take away the negative aspects about being fired and put emphasis about your skills, what you have learned, your goals, etc.

3. I heard that when companies call your previous companies about your employment, the only info the previous company can give is your employment dates, nothing else.

As stated in the op, I was fired for performance reasons. Being a bank teller was a tough job. I cost the bank money due to the fact that I couldn't figure out the various frauds that occurred under my watch. You'd be surprised at how many fraud related activities a bank sees in a given day. I gave it my best, but I just couldn't also do the other bank related tasks up to expectations. I was absolutely not fired for being lazy or anything like that. I do consider myself to be a responsible individual and did not do anything illegal which led to the termination of my employment at the bank.

I did not file for unemployment benefits. During this time, I went travelling around to clear my mind. I've never felt this depressed before. In so many ways, I feel so hopeless trying to get my career started, but college graduates with BAs are a dimes a dozens these days. It's tough and I'd imagine things will get worse before it gets better.

 

[lsquare]

In my situation, I had people who I made made good professional relationships with. When it comes to reference time, I am good because they were people who were my superiors. In your situation, you need pretty much dodge the question. When they ask, give an answer like, "I learned a lot, but the job was not for me" and then quickly move on. As for references, is their anyone that can vouch for you?

Psychologically, it is tough. It took me 2 weeks to go over it. But do not make it a pity party. That is the worst thing you can do.

I'm not looking for pity. I'm just looking for sound advice as I navigate through these uncharted waters. I did a lot of self reflection over the past couple of months. I just want to move on, but unfortunately I don't have a lot of references. The ones that I do still dates back to my university jobs. I still talk to them from time to time and I'm sure they'll still vouch for me.

The difficult part for me right now is to figure out how to best explain the work stoppage over the past few months and then convince the potential employer why they should give me a chance. Right now, I really do feel like there's a black cloud hanging over me and for my own sake and sanity, I'd need to get over it.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Best advice I can give is just keep moving forward. I know it's a beatdown looking for work especially with your back against the wall. Been there done that. Treat looking for a job like a job.
You're gonna get yourself out of this hole and you'll probably be a better man because of it. Good luck