Whether on your initial application or during a final interview, most job candidates will have to explain minor sins of their past. This week, I received the following email from a very conscientious applicant. In this article, I will explain how to turn this type of problem into an advantage for yourself.
Dear Sergeant Godoy,
The personal history statement (PHS) asked if I had ever received disciplinary action from a previous employer. I received one while working security for Target about a year ago. Here is what I put down for the explanation:
"I have received a disciplinary action only once. My employer was Target. It happened in 2020. I was employed as a security specialist. A disciplinary action was given because the company did not specify rules based on the totality of the circumstance. I searched a customer's unpaid shopping bag with verbal consent. The policy indicated, "no AP (Asset Protection) member shall conduct a search on guests' personal bags." The company did not define what personal bags are and what happens if I obtain consent from the customer. At the time of the search, the customer did not pay for the merchandise, and the merchandise was still considered the company's property. A week after receiving the disciplinary action, the company changed the policy to "no AP member shall search anything that is in a guest's possession under any circumstance."
At first glance, this sounds like a well written explanation. But there are several improvements that would turn this problem into an advantage for your application. Read on to learn what advice I sent to this deserving candidate.
Charlie -
Your explanation is pretty good. However, there are very small refinements that will help you – in life as well as on this application.
1. Provide Proper Context.
The term “disciplinary action” can cover a wide range of sins. Did you get fired? Did you get a hand-slap? Etc. If it was a “warning” that sounds better than getting fired. From your description, it is hard to tell what “action” the company responded with. Take control of the playing field!
2. Accept Responsibility.
When you get in trouble, accept responsibility, and do not blame ”the system.” A better phrasing, therefore, would be something to the effect that:
“I received a minor warning when I misinterpreted the company policy about what type of customer bag could be searched. My error led to the company improving the wording of their policy.”
3. Be a Problem Solver.
Presenting yourself as an individual who helps solve problems and improve organizational outcomes is a very attractive quality when seeking a job. This wording demonstrates you accepting responsibility, not blaming the company for their error, AND showing a positive outcome that you contributed to. Even if this is an exaggeration, your involvement did help improve the policy.
4. Be Concise
Following my example – strive to keep these explanations as short as possible. Don’t throw more fuel on the fire.
Sergeant George Godoy