Fired from job - required to disclose?

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flexed: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 49; Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 2:09 pm; Thanked: 2 times

by flexed » Wed Aug 15, 2012 7:26 pm

Hi,

I was 'let go' from my employment a few years ago - it wasn't for performance issues, but I wasn't "laid off" due to downsizing or economic reasons either. Let's just say that my work required me to pass certain levels of a professional accounting exam, and unfortunately I was unable to pass them successfully, which was the reason for my departure.

I don't want this to reflect poorly on my MBA application (it is not representative of my aptitude, skills or professional performance) - am I required to disclose to MBA adcoms the reason for my departure? i.e. do I need to tell them I was "fired", for what reason, etc. or can I just say that I felt the employment fit and career path wasn't right for me, so I decided to take another road?

Thanks!

Source: Beat The GMAT — The Application Process | Wed Aug 15, 2012 7:26 pm

machichi: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 174; Joined: Wed May 02, 2012 7:57 pmFollowed by: 17 members; Location: San Francisco; Thanked: 35 times; GMAT Score:730

by machichi » Wed Aug 15, 2012 7:42 pm

I don't think you need to say anything about being fired. What was your next job like? Was it a vertical jump? You could mention your desire for increased responsibility. If it was a lateral switch you can say you were looking to try a different career area.

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flexed: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 49; Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 2:09 pm; Thanked: 2 times

by flexed » Wed Aug 15, 2012 7:55 pm

machichi wrote:I don't think you need to say anything about being fired. What was your next job like? Was it a vertical jump? You could mention your desire for increased responsibility. If it was a lateral switch you can say you were looking to try a different career area.

My next job (current job) is more of a lateral move into a new industry that I had a strong interest in. I can definitely rationalize my decision, but I just wanted to make sure that I'm not obligated to disclose that I was 'let go' or 'fired' in any way - i.e. if the adcoms will check my employment history with my past employers, reason for dismissal, etc.

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