Asked to Resign During Orientation

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I was asked to resign before my orientation was over, I was told I could do a Performance Improvement Plan but that I would definitely not be able to perform to the standards that would be set. How do I explain this to a prospective employer? Also, if I don't put it on my resume will it show up on a background check?

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Dear Asked to Resign,

I'm sorry to hear about your experience.

Employment applications may ask if you were ever terminated from a position, and it's important to answer all application questions honestly.

But in your case, you were asked to resign, you were not fired. If you resigned as asked, then you don't have to put that you were terminated on an employment application.

Even if you were fired, typically background checks only reveal dates of employment and position held. That's because employers recognize the liability of providing any negative information about an employee, especially if the employee were denied employment due to the feedback.

Either way, whether you resigned or were fired, you will be asked to explain your short tenure. Never say anything negative about a previous employer, and don't tell them that you were not given an opportunity to meet your Performance Improvement Plan. Simply say that it wasn't a good fit and you look forward to working in an organization that shares your values. Of course, you will research and find out what the mission and values are before your interview.

It would also be helpful to reflect on your performance to identify any areas for improvement. You want to do everything you can to make your next job a success.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[LadyT618, MSN, APRN, NP]

I wonder why she wasn't given the opportunity to complete a Performance Improvement Plan? Isn't that the purpose of these plans to avoid having to let folks go? Give them the needed education and remediation in order to be successful? That's pretty messed up, in my opinion.

[caliotter3]

Something about this employee, and/or her performance, convinced the employer that they did not want her around any longer, so strongly, that they were inclined to give her the heads up. Whether that was done out of "kindness" or because of convenience to the employer, it had the same effect.

[By-a-thred, RN, ADN]

"I was told I could do a Performance Improvement Plan but that I would definitely not be able to perform to the standards that would be set." Setting up an employee for failure...sounds like toxic, old school administration tactics at work here. I think you dodged a bullet and need to take this knowledge and work someplace that will appreciate you.