What Can Happen if I Don't Tell a Potential Employer That I Was Terminated?
Nothing can typically happen to you for not telling a potential employer that you were terminated in a previous position unless you lie about it when asked. A termination is something that you do not need to include in a cover letter or resume, but you may get a question about it on an application or in an interview.
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Resume/Cover Letter
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Your resume and cover letter are opportunities for you to showcase your experience and skills related to the job. The cover letter specifically is a sales tool to explain your qualifications for the position. You have no obligation or reason to make note of a termination in either of these documents. Typically, your resume outlines your work history including time frames during which you worked at certain positions.
Application
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The first point at which you likely face a significant decision on whether to mention a termination is often a job application. Applications often ask that you record your work history, including your "reason for leaving" each job. You can choose to leave that part of the application blank, but some employers may weed out applications they deem incomplete. Leaving that section blank only on the job from which you were terminated would certainly set off an alarm. If you were laid off versus fired for poor performance, you could put "downsized" or "laid off," versus the more negative "terminated."
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Interview
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The purpose of your job application and supporting documents is to land an interview. Typically, an employer will inquire about why you left your previous job. You need to prepare a strategic response that is both genuine and honest, but as non-concerning as possible. If you are asked directly in an interview about your reason for leaving and you lie, you could risk not getting the job or losing it down the road.
Consequences
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Employers usually do reference checks before finalizing a hire. This includes calls to references you provide, but many employers also ask to call previous employers. Thus, you have no reason to lie or try cover up a termination as it will either come out anyway or you will look quite suspicious in hiding it. Some people have been successful in landing jobs by lying about termination only to have employers ultimately learn of this and immediately terminate. In this scenario, you have another termination to explain the next time you interview. In general, your best approach is honesty when asked, but with a planned strategy that lightens the negative effects.
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References
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