Facing Job Applications After Being Fired by a Bad Boss: How Should I Explain My Termination?

One of my friends sent me this question. I would like the inputs from fellow members. Kindly guide.

Another guy and I used to work for a "bad boss." You know the type - he will lie, cheat, steal, etc. if so inclined. This other guy quit, and after the "non-compete" period was up, he started his own "competing" company. His company grew enough to bring on additional help, and he offered me a job. I accepted his offer and turned in my notice to HR at the old company. A week later, this "bad boss" found out I was leaving to go work for this competing ex-employee and drummed up a number of bogus reasons to fire me, and I was walked out 2 days earlier than planned.

I worked for the new employer for a year before the economy slowed down, and I was laid off. My problem is in applying for new jobs. They ask, "Have you ever been terminated? Explain." If I say "No" and they contact the "bad boss" company, will a "He was terminated" response make me look like a liar? If I say "Yes," what do I put for the "explain" when I was really terminated for planning to work for a competitor? Will the potential employer get my "bad boss's" bogus reasons for my "termination"?

Please help.

Regards,

Amit

How to Manage Human Resources! Global Trends in Human Resource Management

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Hi Amit,

The only thing I can recommend is that you narrate this story to your potential new employers by being honest with them. Just don't mention how horrible your ex-boss was. Don't blame anyone but use words like "unfortunately" or "unluckily."

Let them feel that you were wronged and you took the decision of joining your ex-colleague because of career enhancement and not because you did not like your old boss. Tell them, unfortunately, your old company got wind of it and hence asked you to leave 2 days prior to completing the notice period. You can show them the copy of the resignation letter and the date of being terminated. It will work in your favor when they see there is only a two-day difference.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Kenneth Lewis

Thank you, Kenneth, for the response. These days, companies are very aggressive in terms of reference checking. In case they obtain the above information, how can I protect myself? Kindly provide guidance.

Regards,
Amit

http://www.howtomanagehumanresources.blogspot.com/

Well, tell the truth before they find out the truth... that is the only escape.

Truth be told, you will find yourself at ease. You may want to warn the HR of the new company you are joining that the reference check will come as terminated, although you spent only two days less of your notice period. So, in effect, you resigned before you could be fired. Any HR person would understand that, especially when you have proof.

Regards,
Kenneth

It's a tough situation. You need to tell the truth to your future company but also provide references from your previous colleagues who have a positive opinion of you and truly know your worth. Exclude any references from the bad boss.

Hi Amit,

Could you please let me know if you have already resigned before being terminated? According to the law, once you have submitted your resignation, no one should terminate you.

Regards,
Vyakhya

Hey Amit,

Vyakha is right. Technically, you can't be fired because you had already put in your papers.

Besides, if you say to your potential employer that you have been terminated earlier, they are never ever going to take you in; it's a fact. And on top of that, if you have a relieving letter, you always have something to fall back upon.

You are right when you say that companies nowadays are aggressive about reference checks, but you have a good referee and a bad referee, and you may just pass through it because even background screening guys don't believe 100% of what the past employer says.

Your best bet is that you don't tell your potential employer about your termination, go through the reference check, hope that you pass through it. If it doesn't work, then tell them how it happened. While doing this, keep some proof such as any appreciation letter or promotion letter, etc., to strengthen your argument. The corporate world is not about being moral to a Gandhian extent; when companies are not, why should you be!

Wishing you luck.

Regards
Team GroupHR

Hi! As per my knowledge-

I don't think the new employer will trust him. Releasing an offer is not a one-man job. It includes 2 or 3 levels of HR, then a technical panel, and many more according to the size of the company. Even if someone gets convinced by this, another person might overrule his decision, since many candidates have a similar story. This situation makes them think, "What is the guarantee that in the future this candidate will build good relations in our company?" (Manager), I am also searching for this solution :)

Vijayeta

Hi Amit,

I think it would be good enough if you just clear up the things right at the first go. That means when you first go for the interview and come across this kind of question or instance, just clearly mention that this kind of situation occurred and you never had any other option left. Also, mention that it was unfortunate on your part that this thing happened to you, but still, the truth is better to be told rather than hiding or manipulating it.