Arielle Cruz
Alcoholism is a disease that can have serious ramifications on one's personal and professional life. While it is classified as a disease, it is not considered a disability, and therefore, protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are limited. If an employee's alcohol consumption interferes with their job performance or causes safety issues, they can be terminated. When applying for new jobs, it is best to avoid disclosing alcohol use or addiction as the reason for termination. Instead, focus on the skills you gained from that role and how you've made positive changes since. If asked directly about your termination, be honest without providing unnecessary details, and emphasize that you are eligible for rehire.
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What You'll Learn
- Be honest about your termination, but you don't have to disclose alcoholism
- Alcoholism is a disease and employers cannot legally ask about health status
- If eligible for rehire, emphasise this when answering why you were terminated
- Focus on how you've grown and improved since being fired
- Consult an employment attorney if you feel you were terminated unjustly
Be honest about your termination, but you don't have to disclose alcoholism
Being fired can be a setback, but it is not a deal-breaker for landing a new job. Prospective employers do not look as negatively on candidates who have been fired as they do on candidates who have voluntarily quit jobs. Knowing what to say when you've been fired will impact how the hiring manager perceives you.
If you were fired due to alcoholism, you should be honest about your termination, but you don't have to disclose your alcoholism. Alcoholism is considered a disability, and employers are prohibited from asking candidates questions about their health status. Interviewers can only inquire about your qualifications and ability to do the job.
If your former employer is contacted and they disclose that you were terminated for alcohol-related misconduct, you should have a response prepared. For example, you could say, "I was in a rough personal spot at that time, but I've done a lot of thinking and made some lifestyle changes, and I'm excited for this new opportunity." Focus on what's going to be different going forward.
Before your interview, practice responding to questions that focus on your skills, rather than the reasons why you left your previous employer. For example, you could say, "When I left my role as supervisor with ABC Company, I found better advancement potential with XYZ Group." Even if you were in the same type of position, there is always something that distinguishes one company from another, which you can use to make the segue from one job to the next.
If you are struggling with alcoholism, it is important to get help. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides some protections for employees with alcoholism, and if you seek treatment before your job is at risk, your employer may be required to make reasonable accommodations, such as allowing time off for rehab.
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Alcoholism is a disease and employers cannot legally ask about health status
Alcoholism is a disease, and it is classified as such because it involves changes in the brain that affect behaviour, control, and decision-making. While the initial use of alcohol may be a choice, the development of addiction involves changes in the brain that create a compulsive need to drink. Alcoholism is a chronic disease, much like diabetes or heart disease, which requires ongoing management and care.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offers some protections to employees who suffer from alcoholism, including protecting workers seeking treatment from discrimination or termination. However, because alcoholism is classified as a disease rather than a disability, the protections afforded to employees under the ADA are limited. The ADA bars companies with 15 or more employees from discriminating against recovered or recovering alcoholics, and it is illegal to deny employment based on a past condition. An employer can ask disability-related questions or require a medical exam only after making a job offer. It is important to note that employers cannot legally ask about an applicant's health status, and questions about disabilities or past addiction are not allowed on applications or during interviews.
If you were fired from a previous job due to alcoholism, it is generally advised not to disclose this information on your resume or during interviews. If the issue comes up, it is recommended to be honest without providing unnecessary details, and to focus on the changes you have made and your excitement for the new opportunity. For example, you could say something like, "I was in a rough personal spot at that time, but I've done a lot of thinking and made some lifestyle changes, and I'm excited for this new opportunity."
If you are seeking treatment for alcoholism, it is important to know that you are protected by law from discrimination in the workplace. Additionally, there are various treatment programs and approaches available, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), behavioural therapies, mutual-support groups, and medications. Seeking professional help early can be valuable in preventing a return to drinking.
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If eligible for rehire, emphasise this when answering why you were terminated
If you were terminated from a previous job due to alcoholism, it is essential to handle the situation carefully when applying for new roles. While it is important to be honest, you should also focus on showcasing your skills and qualifications for the position you are applying for.
Before the interview, take the initiative to contact your former employer and ask if you are eligible for rehire. If you are, this is an important piece of information to emphasise during the interview when discussing your termination. For example, you could say, "I was terminated by ABC Company for violating a company policy related to conduct. However, I want to emphasise that I am eligible for rehire by that company." By stating your eligibility for rehire, you signal to the interviewer that your termination was not due to egregious or unlawful behaviour.
During the interview, be prepared to answer questions about your previous employment. Interviewers often screen applicants to determine their skills and qualifications for the job. They may also inquire about the reasons for leaving past jobs. In such cases, it is advisable to respond without disqualifying yourself based on your skills, abilities, and interests. Focus on what you can bring to the new role and how you plan to contribute in a positive manner.
Additionally, you are not obligated to disclose the underlying reason for your termination if it was alcohol-related. Alcoholism is classified as a disease, and employers are prohibited from asking candidates about their health status or matters concerning disabilities. However, if you feel compelled to address the reason for your termination, be candid about your experience and provide concrete examples of your improvement and commitment to following workplace rules. Emphasise your desire to move forward and succeed in a new opportunity.
Remember, it is essential to be honest and not provide false information during the interview process. However, you can also protect your privacy and focus on showcasing your strengths and how you can contribute to the company.
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Focus on how you've grown and improved since being fired
It is understandable to be concerned about how a firing, especially one related to alcohol, will be perceived by future employers. However, it is important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and it is not necessarily a deal-breaker. In fact, prospective employers may not look as negatively on candidates who have been fired as they do on those who have voluntarily quit.
That being said, it is crucial to take time to reflect on what happened and focus on how you have grown and improved since. This will help you identify areas of personal and professional growth and demonstrate maturity in acknowledging any mistakes you made. When discussing the incident with a prospective employer, be honest and succinct, and focus on the positive changes you have made. For example, you could explain how you have taken steps to address the issue, such as seeking professional help or joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Emphasize your commitment to sobriety and provide concrete examples of how you have improved and how you plan to maintain your progress.
Additionally, focus on the skills you have gained and how they will benefit the new role. For instance, you could discuss how you have developed better time management or communication skills, or how you have enhanced your knowledge in a particular area. This will showcase your adaptability and positive attitude, which are valuable qualities in any workplace.
Remember, the goal is to show that you have learned from the experience and are now in a better position to contribute to the company and be a valuable asset to the team. By highlighting your growth, self-improvement, and the steps you have taken to address the issue, you can turn this setback into a defining moment that showcases your resilience and determination.
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Consult an employment attorney if you feel you were terminated unjustly
If you feel that you were terminated from your previous job unjustly, you may want to consider consulting an employment attorney. This is especially true if you believe you were fired for an unfair or illegal reason, which is often referred to as "wrongful termination", "wrongful discharge", or "wrongful dismissal".
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an unlawful reason. For example, if you were fired because of discrimination, you can file a report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you were fired in retaliation for reporting unsafe or illegal work practices, you are protected as a whistleblower and can report your termination to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
In addition to these statutory protections, most states in the US have a "public policy" exception that protects employees who are fired in a way that could harm the community. For instance, if you are fired for disclosing a threat to public health, you may have grounds for a wrongful discharge lawsuit, which could help you get your career back on track.
If you've been terminated because of alcoholism or any addiction-related reason, consulting an experienced employment attorney can be a valuable first step. Alcoholism is classified as a disease, and employers are prohibited from asking candidates questions about their health status. If you took leave from your former employer to seek treatment for alcohol addiction, you are not required to disclose this.
If you feel you were terminated unjustly, try to stay composed and polite during the termination process and avoid burning bridges. You may need references, witnesses, or access to documents later on. Ask your employer for a written explanation of why you were let go, as this could become valuable evidence if it contradicts their actions or your documented performance.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not advisable to disclose your alcoholism on your resume. Instead, focus on your skills and qualifications for the job. If the hiring manager asks about your termination, be honest but keep your explanation concise. You could say something like, "I was terminated for violating a company policy, but I am eligible for rehire."
No, you are not required to disclose your alcoholism to a prospective employer. Alcoholism is considered a disability, and employers are prohibited from asking about health-related matters. However, if the employer does ask about your termination, it is important to be honest without providing unnecessary details.
It is essential to be prepared for questions about your termination during a job interview. Practice responding to these questions beforehand, focusing on what you've learned and how you've grown from the experience. For example, you could say, "I was in a difficult personal situation at the time, but I've made positive changes, and I'm eager to move forward."
