Many people have difficulties at work or just used bad judgment when leaving an employer. In prosperous economic times when jobs are easy to find, this may not be detrimental to a job search. But these are difficult economic times and thousands of people are laid off each week. If you have done any of these actions, you may be a “bridge burner:”

• Were you absent/late several times a week at your last job or any of your jobs?
• After getting the job, did you fail a drug test?
• Were you ever fired for being intoxicated or high at work?
• Did you ever walk off the job in the middle of the shift?
• Have you ever yelled at your boss and quit on the spot?
• Did you get another job and leave your former company with giving notice?

If you think these habits may be getting you blackballed you are probably right. You can’t change the past, but here are some ways you can keep it from destroying your future.

• Be honest. In most job applications, there is a space that says “reason for leaving last job.” Answers can include “personal reasons” (you were a big idiot back then and that is personal), “unhappy with job” (you were so unhappy you yelled at your boss and walked off the job) or “another position” (you just failed to give notice). If you don’t want to put the reason, you can say “will explain later.”
• During the interview, you will likely be asked about your past work history. Again, just be honest. Tell them you were young and made some bad judgments. Explain how how you learned from your past mistakes. If you have taken positive steps (joined AA for your drinking problem, for example) let your future employer know.
• Talk to your previous employers. More than likely, a future employer will call references. If you are concerned about what someone will say, call them and apologize for you past bad behavior. They may still be upset, but at least you will have tried. Most employers fear giving past employees a bad reference and will say very little or nothing. This can be just as damaging as a bad review. You can’t control what they will say or not say.

If you have burned bridges, it is important that you learn from your mistakes. Make positive changes in your life. A future employer will admire your new, mature attitude.

Michael D. Hayes is a native of Arizona, and is a graduate of Northern Arizona
University and Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International
Management. Read his blogs at
www.momentumstaffing.wordpress.com or
www.phoenix.jobing.com