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Previous employer out of business
We're moving to a new city in a few weeks and I'll be applying to jobs. The last job I had, I was laid off from, and the company has since closed due to the owner being arrested and charged with fraud, among other things. Ugh, it's a terrible situation and I'm embarrassed that I worked there honestly, and as an accountant on top of it.
If they ask, how do I explain that there's really no way to contact anyone there to verify my employment or get a reference? It was the only job I've had since getting out of public accounting so I need the experience on my resume.
On another note - my husband is military, so how do I explain why we are new to the area without bringing that up? Not that I want to hide it necessarily, it's just hard enough to get my foot in the door without them thinking I'm going to leave soon.
Thanks!
Re: Previous employer out of business
If you are a fast talker you can say you moved here when your husband got transferred ? if you talk fast enough, you can move away from that particular thought before they would have a nice opening to friendly ask what he does. I am pretty sure they are not supposed to ask you about your husband?s employment ? and even more sure they aren?t supposed to hold it against you. You could say something like, ?My husband?s job was transferred and we are always up for trying knew things so we packed up and moved here. So far I have found it to be a good experience; I like xy and z about this city and I am excited to get settled here.?
Do you know any coworkers from your past job you could list as a reference? If not, would you be comfortable offering some kind of employment verification of your own? I know for my mortgage, my employer gave me a printed off form which was from some government agency ? it listed the first time they received a SS payment from my employer for work I had done, maybe you could track down a document like that . Or do you have any old annual reports or publications that list employees that you could give them? You could say ?I was let go from a company that went out of business shortly after. I cannot provide you with current contact information from my former employer, but I can give you this to validate my employment?.
If you have co-workers who are willing to be a reference for you, that is a plus - or any other supervisor type that is not your fraud boss.
Also, some companies will accept copies of old W-2 forms as a reference.
Your H's military career should not matter when YOU are applying for a job. What your H does is not relevant. Chances are you live in a military town, so they'll probably assume that's why you are new to the area anyway.
I know, I agree with you. Unfortunately, some people care and take it into consideration. I know I've lost out on jobs because of it here after I was laid off. I wish people would realize that just because someone is "local" doesn't mean they'll stay at a job for more than 2 years. And, it is hard to disguise when my resume has jobs from all over the country listed every 2 - 4 years. It is what it is.
I am still in touch with my supervisor from my old job and she said she'd be happy to be a reference, so I'll just go that route. I definitely do not have any contact with Mr. fraudster.
Thanks!
In a perfect world this is true, but unfortunately it does matter. I have been turned down from one good job specifically for this reason, and recently, I applied to a position I used to have at the same agency, and when my old coworker mentioned to the manager I was moving back and applying, she expressed concern about how long I'd be there for and if we'd have to move again.
Deeczw - I don't really have advice for the first part - well, for either part really, I was hoping there was some good suggestions for how to handle the military wife issue, as I still don't know how to work that angle. I don't want to lie about it but but it is really affecting my ability to get a job! but, like you, I don't really think there is any possible way I can hide it.
Good luck!
This.
Why not just tell the truth? That they went of bussiness. If they ask you why, be honest. I would believe it if someone told me, this is too weird not to be true. This is beyond your control. I think using your coworkers for references is a great idea. I too, have lost job offers because my husband works for a company that moves around. It sucks, but thank God I can sub teach. ( Luckily, we can afford for me to sub.) In subbing we you can quit anytime.
I am a child of the military and my Fi recently EAS'd. This has never been an issue because I refused for my FI's career to impact mine. Don't hide it, but don't disclose either. Really, this should be a non-issue.
Yeah, my experience lines up with MsHark's. I've had great jobs and gotten good experience, but when you have a job in NY, then a job in KY, then a job in AL, and now you're looking in Texas, anyone with half a brain knows what's going on and can put 2 and 2 together that you probably won't be there in 2 - 3 years time. For some employers it isn't worth the investment, and I've had them tell me that in not so many words. I think it is harder in smaller areas, at least it has been for me so far. Put that together with the crappy job market in general and it can be a struggle.
Moving around so much DOES impact my career, there is no way to avoid that. If I had stayed in one place my career would look very different than it has turned out. I'm not saying that it's necessarily a bad thing, but to say that you don't let your husband's career have any effect on yours whatsoever is naive, imo. Finding ways to work around it or with it and thinking outside of the box, sure.
MsHark, I think it is a matter of really emphasizing your experience and what you can bring to that company. Focusing on the positive of working and living in different places and what you've learned there that you can use to contribute to and improve at a possible job. For example, I'm very good at adapting to change quickly now - that is something that I can bring to a team and company.
I'm not a military wife, but I can't say I've ever stayed at a job for more than 4 years. I think 3 1/2 is my max.
I would take the rings off for the interview, and do your best not to mention him. You can just say that you go where the opportunities lead you, and you have family in the area. That's vague, but still true.
I always try to keep the conversation on work experience and the ideas I'd bring to the company. I avoid as much personal talk as possible. I might throw in some hobbies, but I don't talk about family at all.