Tip No. 199
Q. I was recently fired from my position of one year. Recently our company had to deal with an employee feeling she was being treated with discrimination. Soon after, all employees had to sign a zero tolerance letter regarding language. I was overheard on the phone using slang to another colleague that was deemed inappropriate, which I did not know was inappropriate at the time. I was suspended then "let go". How do I address this in an interview?
A. Thank you for contacting Career Management International. I am responding to your question, "How do I deal with this in an interview"? Most managers realize that they are wise not to speak to prospective employers about a former employee, and should know that all they are required to discuss are the dates of your employment. You may want to ask the Human Resources department at your former company to tell you specifically what information is provided to callers and under what circumstances. The policies may or may not differ for those terminated with cause. You want to know if they would say you were fired, if you resigned or if they simply do not even address that question, even if it is asked. Do not offer up the information that you were fired during the interview. If you are asked, be honest and make sure you package the reason in the best possible light. Most especially, tell them what you have learned from this experience. Good luck with your interviewing!
CMI Career Management International
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