Reason for leaving on job application when fired?

Question

I was fired from a previous job for really complicated reasons, but ones that definitely do not look good.

Essentially, there were no cameras in the freezer, and employees and managers had been going into the freezer to do drugs, and I anonymously tipped off the general manager. Unfortunately, as I said, one of the managers had been doing drugs in the freezer, but of course I had no solid proof with no cameras.

I tipped off the manager, because I was uncomfortable with people snorting pills in the freezer, and wasn't comfortable with that, as I felt it made for an unsafe work environment. I have no problem with what people do at home, but this was people doing their jobs whilst impaired. 

My handwriting was apparently a dead giveaway. In fact, I wish now that I had typed the anonymous tip. I didn't name names, but the company instituted "random drug tests" after the tip. Within three days, one of the managers who figured out I'd tipped them off (the general manager had no idea it was me) accused me of saying I was going to hit someone with my car.

This is ridiculous and something I'd never say. In fact, I don't think I'd really even say that in jest. I seldom ever saw the manager out and about, and just went to work and drove home without really saying or doing much of anything. She told some other crew members who had also been doing drugs in the freezer with her, and one of them gave her an alibi.

I had no alibi, as they lied and made it seem like it was just me and them. My general manager told me he believed me, but would have to terminate me as I had no alibi.

I really have no idea how to explain that on a job application. I mean, no charges were ever brought against me (because the manager knew it wouldn't stand in court, I'd imagine) but that's not an especially good character reference.

What should I put on the application? I really need to get a job, and don't know how to do that.

Commander · Accepted Answer

First thigs first, I'd go higher up in your old company and see if hey had some type of "whistle-blower protection" policy and show how you were retaliated against for blowing the whistle. I'd think you'd stand a good chance of getting your old job back.

For the new job, I've done a fair few interviews from both sides of the desk. I always asked people to explain why they had "terminated" or "fired" by the reason they left their last job. But sometimes, just that would put their name out of the stack. So here's a tip, that I've seen, and definitely helped. Write "terminated: see attatched sheet". Then attatch a typed explanation of termination and put at the bottom that you'd be more than willing to discuss this further in person. Just try not to be dramatic in it and only put things that are relevant.

- · Answer

Just say what you said here, but make it shorter. Say you alerted higher management about unethical activities at work, and it resulted in a backlash from your direct higher ups. Leave your theories and emotions out of it.

Honestly, weren't you ever raised with "mind your own business"?

Unless it directly impacts you, just mind your business, especially when it comes to something like work, or community. YOU usually pay for it, not the person you snitched on.

Kelsey K · Answer

You could always go with simple/vague yet true. You had ethical differences and felt uncomfortable and it led to tension in the workplace after speaking up?

Anonymous · Answer

Employers like to see honesty in prospect employees, I wouldn't see why withhold just putting the truth

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Reason for leaving on job application when fired?

4 Answers