Your Office Coach: Handling gap in employment after a firing

McClatchy-Tribune News Service (MCT) - Q. After being fired more than a year ago, I am still looking for work. Companies simply will not hire someone who was terminated by their previous employer.

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The sad thing is that I really am a good employee, but the boss who fired me was spawned from Satan himself. Now he's ruined my future, and no one will give me a chance.

I've always heard that it's a big mistake to tell interviewers you were fired, so I never bring it up. However, they always find out when they check my background. How do I get past this barrier?

A. Because your termination raises a big red flag, you want to counteract that negative impression with as much positive information as possible. Potential employers need evidence that you will be an asset, not a problem.

The way you dress, speak and act must convey competence and professionalism. Interviewers should wonder why someone like you would ever be fired.

If you had a good record before encountering the boss from hell, emphasize your productive past. Get letters describing your strong work ethic and valuable contributions. Encourage people to contact your previous managers.

You also need to explain your dismissal. Since interviewers will find out anyway, you want to shape their perception of the event.

For example: "After successfully holding two jobs, I ran into a difficult situation with my last employer. I couldn't seem to make my manager happy, so we agreed that it would be best if I left. I've never had that type of problem before, and I don't expect to ever have it again. These references from my previous managers can verify that I am a productive, reliable employee."

To shrink your growing employment gap, take on volunteer activities or temporary assignments. Both can be legitimately listed on your resume. In addition to demonstrating motivation and initiative, these interim work activities will provide current references and possibly some job leads.

Finally, although it may be a long shot, consider renegotiating the official reason for your departure. Contact the most sympathetic manager at your former company and explain your difficulty in finding employment. Ask if the terminology in your personnel record could be modified. The answer may be no, but you lose nothing by asking.

Q. Our receptionist moved into a sales position a few months ago. Since then, she has had breast augmentation and now wears very revealing tops. The sales manager allows this. How do you think business professionals view this type of dress when someone comes into their company to sell a product?

A. "Sex sells" is an old advertising adage, so your newly remodeled colleague probably assumes that suggestive attire will boost her business. Because success in sales is easy to measure, her boss will soon learn whether that assumption is correct. If her numbers start falling, her necklines may start rising.

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(Marie G. McIntyre is a workplace coach and the author of "Secrets to Winning at Office Politics." Send in questions and get free coaching tips at www.yourofficecoach.com.)

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