A few weeks ago, we announced “Ask PrimeCB,” a new feature where we answer all of your burning questions.
This week’s question comes from B Nelson:
“When asked why I left my previous employer, I explained that I was terminated because of expiration of medical leave. I did not get hired. I have been given advice to say that ‘I was laid off due to reduction of work force.’Any suggestions to my situation would be greatly appreciated.”
Great question, B, and a difficult one to answer. You probably feel as though you’re in a catch-22: You want to be honest about your termination, but you don’t want to scare your potential employer into thinking that you might have to take extended medical leave with them, too.
You definitely don’t want to lie — doing so requires too much wasted energy and it will probably come back to bite you.
If you were on medical leave for a an operation or something that probably won’t happen again, I would explain that. Telling an employer that you underwent surgery and were out longer than planned, which resulted in your medical leave expiring and ultimately in your termination, is something that they can understand.
On the other hand, if you have an existing medical condition and there is a possibility that you might have to go on leave again, you should make them aware of this as well. The key is to focus on your strengths and abilites, not your condition or the “what ifs” it may cause.
If this is the case, try answering the question like this:
INTERVIEWER: Why did you leave your previous emloyer?
BJN: “I was on medical leave for an existing medical condition. Unfortunately, it expired before I could get back to work, which resulted in my termination. My condition has never interfered with my work before this and before I went on leave, I was able to accomplish X, Y and Z. I’m confident that my termination was not due to my work performance.”
Obviously, you should tailor your answer to what is accurate for you, but answering in this manner ensures that you work to the best of your ability when possible, and your medical leave expiring was probably a one-off situation.
In addition, it is considered discrimination is you aren’t hired because of a disability/medical problem. But, I’m not a lawyer so I would advise doing your research before going down that path…
I hope this helps. Good luck in your search!
Continue to send us your questions at info@primecb.com
August 20th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Considering the fact that businesses and companies have no problem lying to you about the job, benefits, hours, etc. I don’t see any reason to always tell the truth. Companies can tell you anything they want regardless of how off base they are, of course you won’t know until you go to work for them. This has happened to me several times over the years. They can tell you what ever they want and can not be held accountable for any lies or misleading info they may give. I don’t think they need to know any more then necessary as it relates to the job. Right now the ball is in their court, way more people needing jobs then there is jobs, so the employers can do what they want. I miss the good old days, talk in person with the person that does the hiring, discuss your experience, answer a few pertinent questions and then end with “can you start Monday?”
August 20th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I totally agree with K. Williams on this one. The ball is in the employer’s court for sure. They know it and they will take this opportunity to land more experience for less money becuase they can. Back in the day it was great to be able to walk into an establishment and talk with someone in person. This new way of job searching just does not seem natural. So much red tape involved just to apply, send your cover letter & resume & then not even get a courtesy response back. I wonder what these companies will do when the economy starts to become strong again and there are more jobs available. What will these overqualified underpaid employees do if they are once again given better opportunities? I think those companies who took advantage of this job market just may find themselves in a bind.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:09 pm
I recently heard/saw on tv apoll was done saying that close to 75% of current employees are going to look for greener pastures once the economy rebounds. I wish i could remember where i heard/read/saw this