YES, character matters! Think about that phrase - Character Matters!

I have spent a large part of this year responding to issues in and around termination. Many more people get fired today in the natural flow of an organization today than any other time in our history.

For some people, termination has come by their own poor choices. Character Matters!

For some people, a manager has chosen to fire people for no apparent reason, other than because they don’t like an individual. Character Matters!

For some people, they are not clear why they are unemployed. All they know is that they don’t have a job. The sad commentary here is that the manager did not have the courage to give and receive feedback. Character Matters!

Let me define Character: is a distinctive trait, a pattern of behavior that shows moral strength, self-discipline and fortitude.

What I want you to consider as you read this post tonight is, what is your pattern of behavior within the scope of your employment? Are you honest in how you go about your business? Do you cut corners to accomplish the task given? Do you steal? Do you lie when asked a direct question? Do you omit information? These are just a few questions for you to consider when evaluating your character. Character Matters!

If you consistently lose your job because you are dishonest, you must take a look at that. You must consider that your lack of integrity is getting in your way of holding down employment. If you have a pattern of behavior that continually pops up with your managers/bosses, you must take a look.

My question to you, does Character Matter in employment? Should it matter? Or do you believe that people should do “whatever” it takes to get the job done, no matter who it hurts? I really want to know what you think! Scroll down and leave a comment!

What do I do if I’ve been fired has become the most frequently asked question I get asked weekly here at Interview Chatter. The question is usually written in a comment on my most popular post, So You’ve Been Fired. I thought I would take a moment a restate some of my recommendations to people who have been fired.

My Recommendations:

1. BE Honest, Don’t Lie - I can not stress this first point. If you have been terminated from your employer for cause or without cause, you are facing a rather large hurdle. Dishonesty on your resume or application, will only make scaling the hurdle more difficult.

2. If they ask you directly, “Have you ever been fired?”, the answer is “YES” in a word. My point here is, don’t try to skirt the issue. If they ask you directly, answer directly and then follow-up.

3. If you have been fired, and you admit you have been fired, you may be screened out. Be prepared. There is nothing you can do about it. What you can do is continue to move forward in your job search. Every hiring manager gets to decide who they will interview and offer a position. You can not control them. Don’t let it frustrate you. Move on to the next potential opportunity.

4. Choose out of “Shame and Blame”. No matter whose fault it is. Choose your ATTITUDE. How you respond to a termination, just or unjust will be one factor that will determine how long you spend in your job search. Savvy hiring managers can smell a bad attitude. They can sense when you are carrying baggage into the interview. Get your emotions in check. Choose out of frustration and choose to see your great potential.

More to come on this topic. In the meantime, please feel free to scroll down and leave a comment. How can I help you navigate the turbulent waters around terminations?