How Would You Deal With This Regrettable Experience?

by John White
(Milton, WA)

I was a Department lead in a sheet metal manufacturing plant for 27 years. 3 years ago management asked me to take a drug test. Offended, I replied "I don't think so!" and walked out--saying so long to my career in the process.

How do I explain this on my resume and in an interview?

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May 11, 2009

The Power of Emotion
by: Kathi

John, Sounds like emotion took over reason that day for you. It's fairly common these days for employers to do RANDOM drug testing. I'm guessing your name came up--at random--for your former employer. In all likelihood, it had nothing to do with you personally. So, it's a shame you walked out. But you already know it was regrettable...

I believe in honesty. So, my advice is to be completely honest as you search for a new job. In your cover letter, you can mention that you left your former employer in the heat of the moment over what you perceived as a lack of trust... and let the chips fall where they may.

If you try to make up some other excuse or story, it will probably come back to bite you. Lies have a way of doing that. If you're honest about your mistake and talk about what you've learned from it, hopefully future employers will respect your honesty and give you a chance.

To your success,
Kathi

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