Most people have at least one thing in their past that they’re not proud of. Whether it’s being fired from a job, having a long employment gap, or having a criminal record, everyone has something that they’d rather keep hidden from potential employers.
The good news is that there are ways to spin these negative aspects of your past so that they don’t look so bad on your job application or in an interview. With a little bit of creativity and some careful planning, you can turn your weaknesses into strengths and increase your chances of getting the job you want.
If you’ve been fired
Losing a job is never easy. It can be even harder to deal with if you were fired. You may feel like your career is over or that you will never find another job. Here are some tips on how to effectively spin the fact that you were fired:
1. Be honest
The first step is to be honest about what happened. Lying on your resume or in an interview will only make things worse. Be upfront about the situation and take responsibility for your part in it.
2. Focus on the positive
It is important to focus on the positive when talking about being fired. Instead of dwelling on the negative, focus on what you learned from the experience. What did you take away from it?
3. Use it as an opportunity to grow
Use being fired as an opportunity to grow. What did you learn from the experience? How can you use what you learned to improve in your next job?
4. Don’t take it personally
It is important not to take being fired personally. It is not a reflection of your worth as a person. Things happen, and sometimes people lose their jobs. It is not the end of the world.
5. Move on
The most important thing is to move on from the experience. Learn from it and then move on. Don’t let it define you or your career. You can use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
If you have bad references
It is not uncommon for job applicants to have a bad reference or two. In fact, it is quite common. The key is to not let it derail your job search.
- Do not contact the person who gave you the bad reference. This will only make the situation worse.
- Do not try to explain away the bad reference. This will only make you look defensive and guilty.
- Do not try to change the person’s mind. This is a waste of time and will only make you look desperate.
- Focus on the positive. When you are asked about the bad reference, simply say that you are not sure what happened, but that you are confident in your abilities and qualifications.
- Be prepared to provide other positive references. This will show that the bad reference is an isolated incident.
Finally, keep in mind that a bad reference is not the end of the world. It does not mean that you are a bad person or that you will not get the job. Just keep your head up and keep moving forward.
If you have a long employment gap
If you’ve been out of work for a while, you’re probably wondering how to spin a long employment gap. Here’s some advice to help you effectively manage this potentially tricky situation.
1. Don’t try to hide your employment gap. Recruiters and hiring managers are savvy enough to spot a gap in your work history, and if you try to cover it up, you’ll only end up looking dishonest. Be upfront about the reasons for your employment gap, whether it’s due to parenting, caregiving, illness, or something else.
2. Focus on what you did during your employment gap, rather than on the gap itself. If you spent time volunteering, caring for family members, or pursuing other interests, highlight those activities on your resume and in interviews. Emphasize the skills and experience you gained during this time, and how they can benefit your new employer.
3. Don’t let your employment gap become a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you’re feeling down about being out of work, it will show in your job application and interviews. Instead, focus on the positive and project confidence. Let your potential employer see that you’re the right person for the job, despite your employment gap.
If you have a criminal record
Most job applicants are required to disclose their criminal records, if any, on their job applications. Many employers also conduct criminal background checks as part of the hiring process. So, what happens if you have a criminal record?
Don’t panic. It is possible to get a job even with a criminal record. You just need to be prepared to explain your criminal history in a way that puts it in the best possible light.
Here are some tips from expert resume writers on how to effectively spin a criminal record in your job application and interviews:
1. Be honest
The first and most important tip is to be honest about your criminal history. Don’t try to hide it or downplay it. The truth will eventually come out, and it will only hurt your chances of getting the job if it is discovered that you lied about your criminal record.
2. Be prepared to explain your criminal history
When you disclose your criminal history on your job application or in an interview, be prepared to explain what happened and why. This will show that you are taking responsibility for your actions and that you have learned from your mistakes.
3. Focus on your positive qualities
When you are discussing your criminal history, be sure to also focus on your positive qualities. For example, you might say something like, “I made a mistake, but I have learned from it and I am a better person for it. I am hard-working, reliable, and trustworthy.”
4. Highlight your skills and qualifications
In addition to focusing on your positive qualities, be sure to also highlight your skills and qualifications. This will show that you are more than your criminal record and that you have something to offer the employer.
5. Be positive and confident
When you are discussing your criminal history, be sure to remain positive and confident. This will show that you are taking responsibility for your actions and that you are ready to move on with your life.
Conclusion
Above all else, don’t lose hope! Be patient and persevering in applying for jobs, and you will eventually find one that’s a good fit for you. Keep in mind that not every job is perfect, and that even the most qualified candidates may have a few red flags. But if you focus on turning these red flags into green lights, you’ll increase your chances of getting hired.