Which is better to say..You are giving an interview. The question "Why did you leave your last job?" comes up. The interviewee (me) says..
A. very confidently, "I was let go" and states her reasons up front. [i was "let go" because i technically took merchandise unknowingly out of the store and returned it a few hours later upon realizing that i had it]
B. say i was laid off
B. Say you were laid off. Never go into explanation if not necessary - just opens up a can of worms..
What does your old employeer's record say. That is what need to match. A friend went through a lot leaving her last job. It may have been between a firing and a layoff. But it was called a lay off. That is what is on her record for termination. If probably won't have details if you were let go. It will probably say "violation of company policy". See if you can get your old employer to write a statement as to what happened. It is best to be honest, but If it is called a layoff there is not reason to counter that statement.
I am a former recruiter. The TRUTH is always the best answer. At my company, if we found out that you lied about anything on your application or in your interview, you were automatically disqualified.
I was a recruiter before having my kids.
It is always good to be honest... but the thing is, when a company does reference checks on the applicant, the applicant's previous Employer cannot just say things willy-nilly about the applicant (you). If it is a positive reference and they have good things to say about (you), they will. But, if things are sketchy and "negative" all they will say is to confirm that you worked there, and when you left, or IF you would be eligible for rehire.... not giving much details. Otherwise, is can be "discriminatory" or opening up a can of worms.... and they can be liable for what they say.
One thing is, if you can get a letter of reference from your previous Employer as well.... If you are confident that you would get a positive letter of reference. AND, you can SPECIFY "who" to call, for your reference checking/background check... by the company you are applying to for a job.
Another thing is, Companies/Corporations all have "policies" on how to respond to inquiries about past employees regarding reference checks, when that person is applying for another job elsewhere. Some Companies will not go into "detail" about their previous employee nor giving out personal information either. Which is a Privacy issue. Other companies/Corporations will just give bland comments about that previous employee, just giving out "yes or no" responses.
All the best,
Susan
I would tell the truth. If your last company is contacted by the person interviewing you, they will definitely tell the truth.
Honesty is the best policy. Think about it if you were the one doing the hiring. It was an honest mistake.
Just say you were laid off and leave it at that. It's not lying. If further questioned, then you can get into the whole story, but why bring it up if you don't have to. People are laid off for all kinds of reason, especially right now with the bad economy it's really common. Your old employer is not allowed to give out any details regarding your past employment except for dates worked and job title. I am assuming you were not convicted of theft because you willing took back the mechandise a few hours later, so in this case, a police report would not show up on a background investigation.
(similarly, I worked at a Las Vegas casino several years ago and accidentally walked out with a big bank bag of money underneath my coat, purse & stuff I was carrying out. I quickly realized my error before I got to my car, went back inside and turned in my money. I was very lucky and surprised that I wasn't caught)
The truth....always best, and you can explain exactly what happened. Best of luck to you!
