About Andy Expertise I can help prepare candidates for job interviews; assist in discussing problems with your supervisors or peers; help in creating a resume that gets results; answer general work related questions.
Experience I have been in a management leadership role for the past 30 years. I have extensive knowledge re: the interview process, problem solving, team building, communcation with executive management, company mergers, downsizing, outsourcing of jobs, project management, disaster recovery, office politics, management consulting, business ethics,career changes, job relocation to another part of the country & becoming an agent for change within a corporation.
Question Hi Andy, I need some help. I just lost my job due to absenteeism. The problem was the boss I was working for. He would cuss, hit his desk, throw things and have temper tantrums. In 2006 I could no longer endure him. The job was great but I started seeing a psychiatrist. Things only got worse. I spoke to him and the his boss. I followed the chain of command to try to resolve his behavior. Finally I just started getting sick at least once a week due to the stress. I was fired 12/07/07. My question is: Do I put on an application that I was fired and then hope that when I have to explain it (if I get the chance to) I do not come off as not being able to handle the smallest of tasks with out stress, or do I put that I quit? I do not want to lie but I have seen what happens sometimes to my friends when they put that they were fired. Thanks for any help.
Answer Hi Diana,
I would never advocate lying on a resume & you’ve got some extenuating circumstances that are very hard to communicate & explain to any potential employer. Without going into any of your medical history, I would just be honest about the situation. I would attempt to explain the situation in this manner…..
“I really enjoyed working in my last position & it was a great company. I had to leave because I was working for a boss who was violent & abusive. I brought this to the attention of upper management but that only made the situation worse for me & others in the department. I decided I had to find employment elsewhere & as a result my attendance suffered while I was searching for a new job. Eventually, I was dismissed due to attendance reasons. My attendance issue was a result of my job search & prior to my boss assuming responsibility for the department my attendance was perfect.”
Diana, I would be prepared to give brief examples regarding the fits of anger displayed by your former boss. Also, I wouldn’t say “fired” on the application; I would say “dismissed.” Any experienced interviewer will then ask “why were you dismissed?” At that point, I would suggest you answering with my statement above or something very similar.
I hope this helps; if not, let me know & we’ll go back to the drawing board. Also, please let me know if you have any questions with what I have shared. I wish you the best of luck with your job search. When time permits, I would appreciate you filling out the allexperts.com questionnaire. Best of luck to you.
