Question on explaining adverse information

[Scorpion75]

Okay, I recently went through my oral board and turned in my background packet. Beside the DUI I was arrested for 3 1/2 years ago (which will probably disqualify me anyway) I explained a termination in my employment history. This is what I wrote:

"Parole and Probation (volunteer): Approximately the middle of November 2007, I was called into the volunteer coordinator’s office (Name omitted) and was told that “things were not working out.” She stated that she had received complaints on more than one occasion that I was staring at people, and that that kind of behavior could not be tolerated in their office. I was unaware that I had been staring at anybody. This was the first (and only) time any complaint had been brought to my attention. However, I do take responsibility for my actions in that I did sign a statement regarding the county's policy on harassment. I should have been more sensitive of these issues. In addition, I was planning on resigning after fulfilling the six months I committed myself to (oral commitment), although, I didn’t tell anybody this. It is possible that people sensed that I was losing interest, which may have been a contributing factor in the decision to terminate. In retrospect, I should have quit when I started losing interest. Overall, I think that my personality was not a good fit in their office environment."

Provided I do get an interview with a BI, I am almost positive that I will be asked something like, "If you lost interest with a parole and probation agency, what would make you think you wouldn't lose interest here?" I am trying to come up with some kind of intelligent answer to give them (obviously not to lie). I was planning on saying I've researched the postion more than I did with parole and probation and I know that I would not lose interest in this field.

Overall, everything right now is up in the air, and I am more than likely "hanging on by a thread." The only reason I can come up with for this is the fact that I have a Masters degree and military. I probably won't have to worry about seeing a BI, but if anybody could give me any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated. Finally, I apologize for such a long post.

[noelchabanel]

If you already put your explanation on your application, and presumably mentioned it during your oral board when they asked about your history and they still chose to keep spending time on you, I would think you should not worry quite so much. Only your former supervisor and you know what happened and how to best explain it, I don't think anyone here can really help with that, not even if you post the same question again in three weeks ;). Just tell it like it is and hope for the best.

[AmarulaCream]

From my experience with the process I have found that almost everyone gets at least one "free" firing, provided it is not for dishonest means (theft, forgery) or assault.

Were you convicted of the DUI? Because 3 years is usually the bare minimum, convicted or not, and usually a conviction needs more like 5-10.

When it comes to situations like yours with the job, I believe that many people have found themselves in situations where "it just wasn't a good fit" and the defamation that results from being "fired" is not exactly telling of your performance and abilities. While maintaining an honest demeanor, try to spin the story in your favor and by all means down-play it. Don't walk into the oral or any meetings with dept. shrinks or investigators wearing your negative histories on your sleeve.

Based on your side of the story, i would imagine only a really small and competitive agency would have a problem with the firing. The DUI, is another story. Good Luck.

And don't compare parole and probation to police-work, it is one step above working at the DMV or SS Administration. I don't blame you for staring...