Tips - No. 134

Tip No. 134

Q. I was diagnosed and have begun treatment for ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Because of my illness, I experienced harassment in the workplace and was terminated from my job. When applying for a new job, what do I say when asked "reason for leaving"?

A. It sounds like the past year has been a difficult time for you. Sometimes even when we are good at our work, there are other things that get in the way of us being successful, which seems to be the case in your situation. I am sorry to hear that you have lost your position with the hospital, but glad that you are looking forward and seeking a new position in which you may find satisfaction.
It is difficult to present being fired in a positive light, so the best you can do is present the information in neutral terms. I would simply leave the space blank on application forms that ask for the reason you left your last position. When you are interviewing, if asked, state that you were dismissed and briefly state the circumstances and take responsibility for your part. Whatever you do, do not blame your former employer, it is important to be accountable in the work place. Instead, state what you have learned from the experience and what you would have done differently in retrospect. Most employers realize that there are simply times when there is conflict between managers and employees.

I recommend that you work with your psychiatrist to work through the emotional issues related to your situation, so that you may present yourself confidently and enthusiastically and in the best light in your interviews. Try to see this as a learning situation and be more cautious in the future about the people to whom you divulge personal information.

Think about the accomplishments you have had in your career, despite your difficulties in the last year, and focus on your successes when you are interviewing. Demonstrate to the interviewer that you are good at your job and willing to go the extra mile by sharing these successes with them and showing them how you have made contributions to your previous employers. Focus on the positive in your interviews.

Best of luck to you!

CMI
Career Management International

If you have a question for CMI, please send email to jobbox@cmi-lmi.com with "Question for CMI" in the subject line.

TipsArchive | About Our Counselors | Career Management International


	Tip No. 134
Q. I was diagnosed and have begun treatment for ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Because of my illness, I experienced harassment in the workplace and was terminated from my job. When applying for a new job, what do I say when asked "reason for leaving"?
A. It sounds like the past year has been a difficult time for you. Sometimes even when we are good at our work, there are other things that get in the way of us being successful, which seems to be the case in your situation. I am sorry to hear that you have lost your position with the hospital, but glad that you are looking forward and seeking a new position in which you may find satisfaction. It is difficult to present being fired in a positive light, so the best you can do is present the information in neutral terms. I would simply leave the space blank on application forms that ask for the reason you left your last position. When you are interviewing, if asked, state that you were dismissed and briefly state the circumstances and take responsibility for your part. Whatever you do, do not blame your former employer, it is important to be accountable in the work place. Instead, state what you have learned from the experience and what you would have done differently in retrospect. Most employers realize that there are simply times when there is conflict between managers and employees. I recommend that you work with your psychiatrist to work through the emotional issues related to your situation, so that you may present yourself confidently and enthusiastically and in the best light in your interviews. Try to see this as a learning situation and be more cautious in the future about the people to whom you divulge personal information. Think about the accomplishments you have had in your career, despite your difficulties in the last year, and focus on your successes when you are interviewing. Demonstrate to the interviewer that you are good at your job and willing to go the extra mile by sharing these successes with them and showing them how you have made contributions to your previous employers. Focus on the positive in your interviews. Best of luck to you!
CMI Career Management International

If you have a question for CMI, please send email to jobbox@cmi-lmi.com with "Question for CMI" in the subject line.

TipsArchive \| About Our Counselors \| Career Management International