Job Advice

apjv

Hello All
I need some advice for someone who was terminated from a job a few weeks ago (wrongfully, but that is another story!).  The person is struggling with whether or not to put on his resume that he no longer works at the place or just say that he still works there.  What would you do?  Apply to places as if you still work at the old job so they won't know that you were terminated?  He feels that if he puts that he no longer works there that he won't even be considered for any job, but then if they find out they won't hire him anyway.  Stuck between a rock and a hard place! 

TIA!

stacyinluv

I would still place the job on his resume.  When potential employers contact old employers they cannot state the reason they left the company.  All they can give are dates of employment and if the employee is eligible for re-hire.  When asked point blank why he left the company, I wouldn't state that he was wrongfully terminated.  Ohio is an at-will employment state, an employee can be fired with or without notice/cause at any time.  I would state some vague reason such as not enough growth in the company.  Hope this helps.

triumphantreturnofplanningbug

Don't lie.  Your friend is far more likely to be damaged in the job market if it's found out he thinks he can beat the system and be untruthful than if it's found out he isn't currently employed.  Like the pp suggested, list dates of employment honestly, and be vague about the reason for termination.  Things like "restructuring" are both vaguely honest and understandable.  GL!!

BuksFan

I agree with the previous poster - definitely DO NOT lie. If the job he was terminated from is in his industry and the experience could help him with another job he wants, I would put it on there and be vague about the reason for leaving. If he leaves it off altogether he might be forced to answer questions about the time that isn't accounted for on his resume. And if he lies and gets a new job and they found he lied, that could be grounds for termination yet again. Good luck to your friend!

apjv

Thank you everyone for the advice.  I hope it helps too and he finds a job soon. 

He just wasn't sure b/c he thought that it would look bad and no one would hire him b/c he was terminated. 

thanks again!

aleeandbry

My advice is to NEVER lie on a resume.  If he does not work there he should put Dec 2007 as his end date.  That does not necessarily mean to a future employer that he was terminated.  He could have quit or been layed off.  He doesn't have to tell them but definitley shouldn't lie on his resume.