A question about jobs you get terminated from.

[coloradodem2005]

I got terminated from two jobs in the last year and a half. The first one I was there for only three weeks and the second for six weeks. I don't put them on my resume nor do I discuss them on job applications. There are two job applications that ask me if I have ever been terminated from a job. Do I have to talk about those jobs? Would it be dishonest and potentially troublesome for me not to?

[datasuspect]

1. hell no

i'm surprised ANYTHING gets done in the workplace.

most people have their heads so far up their ass hatching CYA schemes that they aren't even really gonna notice.

unless you are a felon or unless you have failed a piss test (these show up on standard $20 background checks).

they'd have to do a social security search to find out EVERY job worked (that reported wages). and even then you have to sign a consent form for this.

[Sporadicus]

2. Depends on the Reason for Termination

If it was because of something like not meeting production quotas, the issue can be skirted. If it's for whizzing in the coffee urn, there could be a problem.

[Wat_Tyler]

3. No.

Just pretend they never happened and forget them.

[tjdee]

4. That's tough, since they were so little time.

I don't know...

[XanaDUer]

5. I've yet to be fired

but if I was, I would NOT mention them at all, especially if they were short-term positions.

[philosophie_en_rose]

6. Be Honest.

Not mentioning those jobs may come back to bite you in the ass. A safer option might be to answer "yes" to the termination question.

If you were terminated due to "downsizing" or "reorganization" or something more negative, simply focus on the fact that those weeks were a learning experience.

Stay positive, but don't omit. Unless you're dead sure you won't get caught (i.e. your job is at a small business or your old boss doesn't do business with your potential employer.)

[jburton]

7. As a former HR person, here's my view

If you want to get an interview, you better not mention them.

1-They are such short term employment periods they don't really add to your experience level
2-You could be seen as a "job-hopper"
3-You could be seen as somebody who is difficult to work with

If this is a position that has an actual application, then they are expecting to get swamped with applicants. If you check the "Yes" box that you have been terminated, your application gets put in the reject pile. It is one of many ways used to narrow down the applicants before the interview process.

They aren't going to ask you to come in and explain the circumstances around your termination. It just doesn't work that way.

[kodi]

8. no.

unless your prospective employer knows your past employer or you are employed in a field at a level where you are widely known.

if challenged about past employment and the reason you left, repeat after me: "I quit."

[CanuckAmok]

9. No. explain the gaps by saying you were in prison.

Or working for the CIA, and that you can't get into it.

[Skittles]

10. forget them

even if said businesses were contacted, they're very reluctant to give out any information other than that you did indeed work there