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OK, I know I am going to take a lot of heat, but I need some advice from those who sit on interview panels.
Here's my story. I was fired from a department a number of years ago during my probationary period. I can only say that my termination was not due to poor job performance or bad behavior. It was a very unique situation and the department felt it was best to cut ties rather than invest more money in my training. I feel that termination was far too harsh, but I fully understand their rationale and accept full responsibility for the situation. The issue in question was fully rectified within 2 weeks of my termination. Since then, I have worked very hard to continue to advance my education and experience. I have never had legal troubles, any other work problems, behavior issues, I don't do drugs, don't drink, and am a financially responsible father and husband who was a successful career firefighter prior to accepting the job with my dream department.
That said, I am now participating in a new hiring process for my dream department. I have successfully completed the first three steps and am in a small group moving on to a structured interview, which is the final step. I am likely one of the highest qualified candidates and have a spotless history other than this one event. Even so, my only hope for consideration is to express my unparalleled passion for the department and try to make it clear that I both understand and accept their previous decisions and that they have actually motivated me to work even harder just to get a second chance.
How do I do this during a structured interview?
How can I prove to them I am still an excellent candidate, when most of the members of the department only know that I was fired, not why?
Do I explain my situation, even if they don't ask me about it?
I have lots of items and documentation that prove my dedication and passion...how do I present them to the panel?
I am sure it would be unprecedented, but I know I will be a great employee for them if they just give me a second chance. Any advice will be appreciated.
Here's my story. I was fired from a department a number of years ago during my probationary period. I can only say that my termination was not due to poor job performance or bad behavior. It was a very unique situation and the department felt it was best to cut ties rather than invest more money in my training. I feel that termination was far too harsh, but I fully understand their rationale and accept full responsibility for the situation. The issue in question was fully rectified within 2 weeks of my termination. Since then, I have worked very hard to continue to advance my education and experience. I have never had legal troubles, any other work problems, behavior issues, I don't do drugs, don't drink, and am a financially responsible father and husband who was a successful career firefighter prior to accepting the job with my dream department.
That said, I am now participating in a new hiring process for my dream department. I have successfully completed the first three steps and am in a small group moving on to a structured interview, which is the final step. I am likely one of the highest qualified candidates and have a spotless history other than this one event. Even so, my only hope for consideration is to express my unparalleled passion for the department and try to make it clear that I both understand and accept their previous decisions and that they have actually motivated me to work even harder just to get a second chance.
How do I do this during a structured interview?
How can I prove to them I am still an excellent candidate, when most of the members of the department only know that I was fired, not why?
Do I explain my situation, even if they don't ask me about it?
I have lots of items and documentation that prove my dedication and passion...how do I present them to the panel?
I am sure it would be unprecedented, but I know I will be a great employee for them if they just give me a second chance. Any advice will be appreciated.
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