Termination: will it affect hiring?

[Zoysya]

Hey this is my first time here and I have a not-so-great question. I just graduated and Im applying for a lot of jobs in law enforcement. The problem I have is I was terminated from a restaurant job back in June. Because I have to list that on my applications, do you think it will affect my chances of getting a job?

The grounds for the termination were that I gave away chips and salsa (go ahead and laugh) because I was bartending and that I didn't have a check in front of the customers. I have records of my termination and thats exactly what it says.

I have a great record as far as work though. I worked at one restaurant for two years, then went to the same corporation I was fired from and opened two stores for them (worked there almost 2 years.) When I got fired I was immediately rehired by the restaurant I started with. Ive graduated college in three years and everything else on my record is fine.

My professors say it isn't a big deal. Am I just paranoid? Suggestions? My plan right now is to just fess up to my mistake and try to move past it in the interviews. Thanks for listening to my babbling and thanks in advance for the advice!

[keith758]

If you're interviewed, be honest about it. If you made a mistake, accept it, acknowledge it, and move on. Don't try to make excuses: just tell the truth.

[BadgerFan]

As long as you tell the truth about it, you shouldn't have to worry. There are many other more important things to "worry" about in the application process, and you'll be much better off focusing on those (written test, oral board, physical fitness, etc) instead of this one incident

[LPDtactical]

another vote for just being honest. If thats all that happened and you don't try to downplay it, I wouldn't think it will be a big deal. Can't believe they would fire you for that...

[Zoysya]

I really appreciate the encouragment. Off to the first interview!!!!

[BrickCop]

I agree it's no big deal but he got canned in June which, according to my calendar was only about 6 weeks or so back.

This was a relatively minor case of bad judgement but expect to be grilled (no pun intended)about it during an Oral Board or a Background Investigation interview.

[Delta_V]

I think that it could be a problem simply because of when it happened. There are agencies out there that won't hire people if they have been terminated from a job within one or two years, just like there are agencies out there that won't hire people who have gotten a speeding ticket within the past year or two. Make sure to read an agency's requirements carefully before making an application.

[ftlaudcop]

could not imagine any agency taking that seriously because it does not seem like a real job, such as fast food, clerk at 7-11.
but from the postings from different regions of the country, some ,ake a mountain out of a mole hill.

[HonorTheFallen]

It will all depend on how uptight the department is.....just be honest.