Getting a Job After You've Been Fired

The easiest way to do well at your job is to have a job that you like. But how do you land that job with a work history that already stinks?

Plenty of people are afraid to put the truth on applications, but what you don't fess up to could hurt you later. For instance, my brother-in-law worked for a tree trimming service for three years. On his application he claimed to have his high school diploma when he really didn't. Come Christmas when they were hard pressed to lay people off, they found out about the discrepancy and not only fired him ... they didn't give him his $3000.00 bonus.

In addition to being honest, it's important to be discreet. Your potential employers want someone who is going to show up and do their work, not cause drama and draw attention to themselves. If you are asked specifically why you are fired, be as honest as possible without giving too many details.

Last, but not least, DON'T MAKE EXCUSES. If you were fired for being late, don't blame someone else changing your schedule or your car breaking down. Don't blame your boss's attitude for you not showing up, and don't put responsibility on your daycare or your kids. The people you're talking to could very well be parents with not one, but two babysitters, plus a back-up in case of emergencies.

It can feel like your at odds with the world when you walk in with a bad resume, but honesty can set you apart. If this is the job that you want, and you're prepared to do well, it only helps to start out on the right foot.