Dealing with those "skeletons in the closet"

First, let's be clear about what things we'll help you to address: unpaid parking tickets, being let go, bad credit, etc.. But, if what pops up from your past is a felony, well then..... "Houston, we have a problem".

We're all human and have made mistakes. So, if you are put in the position to confront something, just tell the truth. Providing your mistake is not "dangerous or destructive", you should be fine and the manager will  probably understand and move on.

Examples...

• being let go
  
• bad credit
• misdemeanors
• incomplete degree
• resume discrepancies
• personal interests of a sensitive nature

These things may not be noticeable on the resume itself but will typically surface from a further investigation done on you via background & reference checking or any deep online searches into your background. 

Should you roll the dice and hope no one finds out? Well, while this actually may work, I don't recommend it if you are certain the employer is going to check you out at some point. Now, that doesn't mean that you need to sing like a birdie either and air all your flaws the second you meet a hiring manager.

First, find out what type of checks they do before voluntarily bringing anything up from your past. And definitely wait until after the first round to divulge any skeletons that you feel are destined to be revealed.

Regarding dirt being dug up online about you. Managers care much more about facts then they do opinions, especially when they come from anonymous or unknown sources. However, assume all managers will "google" you. Take the initiative to search yourself to find out what's being said out there. Don't bring this stuff up unless you think there is a real (factual) issue with might they might see. You don't want to lower yourself with defensive commentary on any trivial stuff like rumors or negative commentary about you or your company on some online forum. Also, if you have anything that you've made public like a blog, online profile or photo sharing account that hosts information of a personal nature, take it down if it is not something you want employers to see.

If  you are ultimately forced to address a particular "skeleton", there are a few good rules to follow...

• Beat them to the punch.  Get in front of this dirt that you have determined will inevitably surface. The worst part for the Manager is being caught off guard. Not telling them beforehand makes you not only guilty of the incident, but now you're also a liar. 

• Be brief and accountable. There's only ONE side to any story (the truth). Don't ever wrap your explanation into a long-winded, finger pointing, "let me tell you my side of things" story. Just state what happened with minimal qualifiers or "spin" and take responsibility for any bad decisions that you made. Again, they'll care less about what you did THEN and much more about what you have learned about it and the way you look at it NOW.
  

• Express your regret. Make sure they know that this choice will not repeat itself. "You know, if I could go back, I'd handle things differently.Luckily, I've learned from the experience."

From there, you'll have to hope that the employer can look past this incident. If you handle things well, hopefully your level of maturity, honesty and perspective on the situation today can make up for your mistakes in the past.

 

Comments

[Loans]

Very nice picture!

[Acai Berry]

Wonderful post Beth... That skeleton up there sure looks like Ahmed The Dead Terrorist from Jeff Dunham... lol

[qings blog]

Very beautifully defined. Thanks a lot for the share. Good post.

[Payday Loans]

Some good points here... and a cute picture :-)