Facing Job Termination for Disciplinary Issues: Should You Be Honest with Future Employers?

Should a person hide the fact that their service was terminated from their last employer due to disciplinary issues? How should it be handled when the person goes for a new job?

In situations where a person's service has been terminated for disciplinary reasons, transparency is crucial. It is generally advisable not to hide such information from a potential new employer. Being upfront about past issues demonstrates honesty and integrity, which are valued traits in an employee.

When addressing this during a job application or interview, the individual should take responsibility for the past actions that led to the termination. They can explain what they have learned from the experience and how they have grown as a professional as a result. Presenting a clear and sincere account of the situation can help mitigate concerns that the new employer may have.

Ultimately, openness and a proactive approach to addressing past challenges can help the individual navigate the job search process successfully.

Hi,

Honesty is the best policy. We may think that the moment it is disclosed that the services were terminated on disciplinary issues, it is an end of the career. If it is hidden, then anytime this can come out either by the antecedent verification or any post-process and may lead to further complications. It can be explained and also indicated that due to certain misunderstandings, this had happened, and the previous employer did not have any leniency. There are instances of people having gotten employment after making such revelations and confessions. The only case where it becomes extremely difficult to convince is that of termination on grounds of breach of integrity and sexual harassment.

Kind regards, Dayanand L Guddin

Hi Dayanand,

You have a valid point there. Well, my reason for termination was that I was drunk in the office. It's a first offense I've ever had in my decade-long, well-run career through various organizations. Would this be a 'breach of Integrity'? Having been there for just a little over a month, should I write it off my CV?

Hi,

I agree with the views of Mr. Dayanand. I would also suggest that you should approach your previous employer and request him to convert your termination into resignation by submitting a resignation of the same date. I believe that no prudent employer would like to spoil the career of an employee, and he will definitely accept your resignation.

ANIL KHOT

Hi,

You may just write it off. This does not amount to a breach of integrity but amounts to an act subversive of discipline. However, the better way to present, in case this needs to be admitted, is to indicate that due to late-night partying, you went to the office with a hangover.

Kind regards, Dayanand L. Guddin

I agree, but the question will always come up as to why you left your previous employer. So be honest about your reasons for dismissal and also explain what steps you have taken to prevent such occurrences happening again.

Dear Whiplashavalon,

Under the circumstances, you can write it off your CV. A one-month gap can easily be explained by saying that you took a break and were looking for suitable opportunities.

Securityexpert

Hi, thanks for the replies. I can request my previous employers to provide me with a relieving letter. Also, are HR and senior people in organizations open to honesty if I were to tell them the truth during an interview, or does this type of honesty backfire? I want to come clean and don't want to be confronted about it later. The world is a small place.

Thanks, Security Expert,

It's a good idea to write it off. That's what I want to do as well, but shouldn't I have a relieving letter? Also, do all companies conduct checks of previous employment?

Dear Whiplashavalon,

It will be ideal if you can get a relieving letter from your previous employer. Not all companies conduct background checks of previous employment, but most of them do.

Securityexpert