Expert: William Payne - 12/17/2008

Question
Hello,
I was terminated about a year and a half ago for unlawful harrassment(sounds horrible, and completely devistated me).  To make a long story short, I had no say in the matter and was never really told what had happened.  I had to find out everything from hear-say by co-workers.  My employee made accusations about me to HR that were un-true.  I have several people that can back me on the matter.  California is an "at will" employment state so they can get rid of you for any reason.  I have never had a bad employment review or been written up by an employer in my life until this point (only promotions). I am now at the point in the hiring process for the police department that I must complete my background information.  Do I explain the reason for leaving?  Do I make something up?  Do I just tell the truth and go with it?  I am completely clean other than this.  No drugs and no convictions, nothing.  My only fear is that the recruiter will just throw my information to the side since he/she has over 100 people to choose from for 7 open positions.  Please help I am pretty confused.

Answer
Johnny,

Thanks for the question.

ALWAYS Tell the truth. Tell the background investigator what you have written here and give him copies of all of your personnel files.

Also, have many original letters' of reference that you can hand to him that attest to your character and work ethic, and let the chips fall where they may.

Most good investigators can see through false allegations or B.S. and come up with the truth.


Good luck and best wishes!