Discussing termination with prospective employers

How about this: "I had a bad experience with that company and it wasn't a good fit. It's never good to speak badly of an ex-employer, but what I've learned is that Safety and Compliance is really important to me. I'm looking for a company who makes Safety and Compliance their top priority."

You don't really need to go much further into it than that. Your prospective employer will know what you're trying to say. They might ask you further details - but leave that to them.

BTW, I don't know your experience, but how about a large training carrier (i.e. Schneiders.)

 

Keep in mind, most employers really don't care why you're no longer employed with your previous employer - unless the reason for the termination was severe (i.e. embezzling, DUI, accidents, etc.). They already know why you're at their company - you want a job.

What they want to know is what YOU can bring to the table that will not only benefit their company, but also make it profitable, too. When you're trying to sell your skills/experience, make sure that those skills/experience you're talking about are what the company is looking for. For example, if you're interviewing for a driver position that hauls CS process piping on a flatbed and the only experience you have is reefer and dry load hauling, try to pull any similarities between the types of freight to show the employer that you can handle it.

 

Since you state you have communication problems with people why not pull your dac report and whatever it states let that speak for you?
If I were to be asked about my driving record I just produce my MVR which right now is blank meaning no tickets and thats all I allow.
Sometimes you can talk yourself out of a job.

 

KD8FQB......Not to worry you'll find another job eventually.

Don't get down on yourself. You mentioned that you don't feel you communicate well at times......it takes modesty to post that.
I am sure that will come through in an interview. Don't let them mistake being modest with being timid though.

If you have been away from driving for 3 months prospective employers will ask "Why?".
You need to keep the explanation of what went on at the company that caused you the issues at a minimum as others have said.

You explain the employment gap as this :

"Well,it's not my ideal plan to be out of work for any extended period of time and I would like to find a company that I can stay at long term. So it seemed reasonable it was better to take the time and find a company that I felt I could fit in with. I don't want a repeat of what happened at my last company so I feel it is better to wait for the "right" opportunity so I have a more stable future in driving."

It will make recruiters and saftey guys all warm and fuzzy...........they'll believe your worth taking a chance on.


Naturally ANY company feels they will be the right company for you.

For future refrence.......keep every copies of every reciept,trip sheet and record po#s. If a company dicks you around,you just have to let them know that "all your ducks are in a row" and most will let you leave without trying to flush your career down the toilet.

 

Although honesty is usually the best policy, I would have no problem omitting the 2 week stint if the situation warrants it, Two weeks is almost like having no job. Like was mentioned, pull a copy of your MVR and get your free copy of your DAC report and see what they say. You certainly don't want any speeding tickets or accidents from your two week stay to be on there. Not that it matters a whole lot, you don't mention why you and your previous employer(s) parted ways but if you have let your prospective employers know why you left that could also be part of the problem. Or length of times that you list as being employed at your past places of employment. Do they see you as a job hopper? No accusations just something to think about.

 

You explain the employment gap as this :

"Well,it's not my ideal plan to be out of work for any extended period of time and I would like to find a company that I can stay at long term. So it seemed reasonable it was better to take the time and find a company that I felt I could fit in with. I don't want a repeat of what happened at my last company so I feel it is better to wait for the "right" opportunity so I have a more stable future in driving."

It will make recruiters and saftey guys all warm and fuzzy...........they'll believe your worth taking a chance on.

That right there is PERFECT! Well said, Down the Road!

 

I actually have extended the gap by 3 wks to cover a job I don't want to list.

they wanted me to go back out and run over my 70 when I came in on sat. , I said no, they said do it or else.

see ya !!! and quit.

no one has ever questioned me on it and it's been 12 yrs and 3 diff companies

 

I've seen a lot of good advice here, Dave. I sure can't top it. But it is very easy to become depressed when you can't find work. And this can show in an interview, as can just plain desperation.

Perhaps you could do some type of "practice" interviews, using either a trusted friend or family member as being the "prospective employer." You are a HAM, so I KNOW you can communicate. Sometimes it just takes a bit of practice. Not only in learning what TO say, but in learning what NOT to say.

On your applications, keep your explanations as brief as possible. That little box where they ask you "What was your reason for leaving this job?" is small for a reason. They don't want a book. "It was not a good fit," is probably as good as any. If they are interested in you, they will likely pursue it in an interview. Try to weasel your way through this as best you can, without badmouthing that company, no matter what type of SOBs they are.

Good luck to you.