Reader Question: "I was recently terminated from a banker position in New York. The real reason was personal / family difficulties that caused problems with time management within the branch.
"For the past 5 months, I have used Position Eliminated as the reason. I really do not think the interviewer believes me. Why did they let you go and not the other branch bankers? I answered: seniority!" I would appreciate your thoughts.
My Response: The most important thing to do is to contact your prior employer and ask how they will characterize your leave taking when they are called for a reference check. You need to know so you can prepare the potential new employer for what they will hear.
Then, I suggest that you honestly tell the potential employer why you and your prior employer agreed to part ways. Be prepared to say why the problems no longer exist because the potential employer will want to know.
Then, spend the interview time emphasizing how much you can contribute to the new organization.
Any untruthfulness regularly comes back to haunt people and, even if you've checked with your former employer, the potential employer may get the real story from a friend, an acquaintance, or a chatty HR person.
Even in organizations that have a no reference policy, an astute HR person or manager can provide a lot of information in a phone call. There is a big difference between, "I'm sorry, our organization's policy precludes me from providing references," and, "How is Mary? I hope she is doing well. Please give her my best when you see her again." I'm sure you get it.
More importantly, telling the truth is the right thing to do and you'll sleep better at night.
And, yes, given the number of applicants who lie, exaggerate, or leave out information, on their application materials, resumes, and cover letters, and during the interview, the potential employers may not trust what you're telling them. If you've been doing interviews for awhile, you develop good radar for when an applicant may be trying to deceive you - the B.S. factor, so to say.
Do you have additional thoughts for this reader?
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