Expert: Andy - 12/18/2007

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.

Regards,
Andy