Explaining termination + neutral references
Cathy A. on January 6, 2017
I had a good job of 15 years managing a doctors office. I was lucky to be able to work through most of my treatments, only taking a month after surgery then a few months later, additional leave of 6 weeks after chemo & radiation. I returned part-time gradually to full-time but had persistent side effects that required accommodation of coming in later. The owners agreed then within weeks, suddenly fired me because they wanted me back to the schedule I'd worked for so many years, which was impossible for "my new normal". I was replaced with someone who could work 10 hour days starting very early mornings. I sued for disability discrimination, wrongful termination and won a settlement that included a gag order (can't even say the suit or settlement existed so I'm not mentioning a thing to potential employers) and they cannot give a poor reference. They agreed to a neutral reference with my replacement giving only dates of employment, job title and verification of salary. It's been difficult even getting an interview, but my anxiety is over what to say when asked why I left - I can't say they let me go for health or attendance reasons without bringing further questions. Additionally, it is customary for doctors to ask prior employer physicians about management candidates They will refer those calls to my replacement and cannot comment on me (or worse, they may confide I was fired for illness/attendance, or that I was litigious). With lifelong experience in the same field, but over a year of no prospects, I'm beyond worried. I'm determined to land an interview through any means, but what then? Thank you for any help or advice.
2 Comments
Maddy Meislin
Jan 6, 2017
Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:
Hi Cathy,
Thank you for your post! I'm sorry to hear what happened with your previous employer, but it is great you are seeking help and thinking through how this relationship may impact your future job search. I have sent your question to our coaches who should be in touch shortly.
In the meantime, I would recommend checking out the following CAC resources to help with your job search:
-Blog on What to Say If You Left on Bad Terms With Your Previous Employer: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/blog/what-to-say-if-you-left-on-bad
-The Swivel: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/interviewing/the-swivel
-Job Search Toolkit (can be ordered or downloaded for free): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new
-Free Resume Review Service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new
- Looking for Work resources: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work
- Exploring Your Options: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options
Please let us know if you have additional questions and our coaches will be in touch soon.
Best,
Maddy Meislin
Associate Manager of Programs
Kathy F.
Jan 6, 2017
Hi, Cathy,
Maddy has made several good resource suggestions for you as you consider your approach to potential employers. I am a big fan of The Swivel, and recommend you work out a statement like the first one in the article to cover your answer to why you left your former job.
That said, it is interesting to me that you have had no nibbles in your search for a year. Do you live in a small town where everyone knows everyone, and docs talk? Or perhaps your LinkedIn profile and resume could use some buffing up. Let's take those scenarios one at a time.
First, we all know that colleagues in particular fields network with each other, whether in a small town or larger employment markets. So, gag order or not, it is possible that word has leaked out about the successful suit but you will never know. You can't let that stop you. Stay positive and just look forward, not back. You have tremendous experience in your field, so to counter your concerns, consider expanding your search area, the fields in which you apply, and the types of organizations you approach. For example, 1) stretch another 10 miles outside your target area, to encompass other doctor's offices, 2) Consider seeking an alternative role such as a consultant, sales professional, advisor, or training professional within your field, 3) consider looking for something in a collateral field such as a pharmaceutical firm, a clinical trial / research based organization, a hospital or clinic, college, university or community college, or a medical insurance firm.
These options, although not exactly what you were doing prior to your cancer, are related, and your skills will be transferable.
As for that resume and LinkedIn profile, they need to be spot-on because yours is a competitive field. Be sure to include accomplishments, stating what difference you made for the organization, using numbers and dollar figures where possible.
Then, once that resume is solid, be sure to post it, along with skills and capabilities on LinkedIn. Employers use this site for professional sourcing, so it is essential in today's job search. I recommend using the free Cancer + Careers resume review service just for peace of mind, even if your is as good as you can make it. You would be surprised what a second set of eyes can accomplish with the essential job search tool.
I know you have faced a horrible patch lately, but I am encouraged by your resilience and stick-to-it attitude. Remember, no one can bring you down unless you give them permission. Your positive approach will serve you well in this process - and you WILL find a job if you keep at it.
My wish for you is that the next one you land feels like a perfect fit.
My warmest regards,
Kathy Flora, Career Coach
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