Don’T Bring Up Old Charges

Q: Many years ago, I was accused of embezzlement at a company where I worked part-time. I was never formally charged or arrested, and the company later rehired me because they had no proof. I had applied to a high-level security government agency and wanted to be totally honest in the interviews, so I explained the incident. An attorney told me to check my employment record and not to mention the incident again if the records are clear. What should I do now?

A: I wish you’d checked with that attorney before you applied for any job. The advice could have saved you a lot of trouble. Companies can be held liable for falsely accusing employees. Since you were never charged with theft and even rehired, your file is probably clean. But write a letter requesting a copy of your file to confirm that.

Your problem now is that you have already mentioned that incident, so if the agency goes forward with any interviewing and asks you about it, you will have to speak openly. Remember though, for all future interviews, that if an incident was not recorded, it’s as if it didn’t happen.

HASTY JOB CHANGE THROWS EMPLOYEE INTO TURMOIL

Q: I was fired after only eight weeks on the job. I am 58 years old and had worked at a university for 18 years. I was only two years from retirement there, but I had been in the same position for 10 years and wanted a change.

When I interviewed for an administrative assistant job outside the university, they were vague about the duties and skills needed because it was a new position. When I started there, my boss never talked about his expectations and goals and had no training set up for me. Policy manuals were left on my desk to read and I had to attend meetings with no preparation, which I sat through in a fog trying to figure out what was going on.

By the sixth day, the lack of training created tension between my boss and me. He then went on a twoweek business trip and sent me long, critical e-mails about my performance and was very gruff on the phone. When he returned, I expressed concern to him about his gruff and critical manner. He said it was because he was an African American and had been raised in a family where everyone was gruff, and that he could not and would not change. I told him I was the daughter of an alcoholic, was extremely sensitive and that his gruff manner flustered me.

I have tried returning to the university, but in this community, graduate students are willing to work cheap. I am sorry I gave up a good job with only two years to retirement. Do I have a case for a lawsuit or any other avenue to pursue?

A: I’m sorry you didn’t seek career counseling to discuss your boredom before you gave up 18 years of job security. You don’t have a case for age discrimination because the organization gave you a chance by hiring you. But I thought that sharing your letter would warn others about making the same mistake.

I don’t mean to be harsh, but you are responsible for asking questions during interviews so you know whether you will be a good fit in a company. A vague job description tells you that the position may require a flexible, independent worker who can take charge when necessary. It sounds like you would benefit from a job that is highly structured, where you can receive training. Also, if you think you may be overly sensitive, pay attention to a potential boss’s personality before accepting a position.