What are the most popular job interview questions?

Application/Interview questions: Should I change my application and/or what i say about a previous job?

• I am looking for a job, currently unemployed. I am still fairly young and have never been much of a job hopper so I have only had the two jobs, both in the same field. The first for three years and the second for seven years. Unfortunately, the second job I was terminated for being absent/late too many times. It has been awhile since then and I have applied for many, many jobs (both in my field and outside it) and been too many a interview. I have never made it passed that first interview. I do not believe that it is I in the interview that is killing my chances, I believe it may have to do with being ended for being late/absent. Despite being adamant that I had made a mistake and such a thing would NEVER repeat it self, i still get passed over. My question(s) are this: 1. Should I even include/talk about the second job to a potential employer? If no, how would i explain the 7 year gap in employment? 2. Should I perhaps tell an employer something other then i was terminated? (I was Laid Off, etc) 3. If I should keep it completely honest and include both jobs, what should i say when they bring up what happened at that job and why wouldn't do the same at this one? I know these seem like a bunch of obvious question/answers but im pretty desperate and maybe someone has a point of view i am simply not seeing Thank you!

• Answer:

  I would not recommend leaving the job off your work history or lying about how you left them. A 7 year gap in employment would have to be explained, and there really isn't much you can explain it with. Plus if they call your former employer to verify your employment there they will probably ask if you are eligible for rehire, and if you claim to have been laid off rather than fired, that will come out. I would recommend explaining it along the lines of "I had some personal issues that unfortunately made it difficult for me to be a reliable employee. Those issues have been resolved and I can assure you that I am very dedicated to being at work on time and every day I'm scheduled." You can also stress the fact that you were dependable for 7 years before having your personal issues.