In 2007 (August to be exact), I was fired from a company named Centerplate, who are the hospitality/food service provider for Qualcomm Stadium and the San Diego Convention Center. I worked at both venues. They fired me for accidentally hitting a fire sprinkler with company equipment, which was located in an inventory-storage area. I was in the process of putting away the coffee cart back into storage. Unfortunately, I forgot to pull down the adjustable sign so it would not hit the sprinkler above me (probably due to fatigue).
I was fired immediately. After I received the termination letter in the mail about a week later, it was official. The letter, written by H.R., indicated that the water damage from the accident cost the company thousands of dollars. Not only was I fired, I ended up being outcast by my fellow subordinates. No of them would even speak to after visiting the convention center through a different employer (It was for event-security staff.). I approached some of them to say hi and to see how they were doing (small talk). Although a few acknowledged my presence, I could tell they were uncomfortable around me, so I said bye and just left right away. Management, I assume, told them not to speak or associate with me.
Months later, I relocated back to my native Washington State to live with my family. I was hoping a change of scenery would reverse my career misfortunes. Moving has not cured my bad luck so far -- mostly because of the recent recession. Luckily, 2-year unemployment and now the Post 9/11 GI Bill have kept me off the streets. I've been going to a community college during the last couple of years with aspirations of transferring to a 4-year school to pursue a bachelor's in English. After the school year is over, I want to take a year off from school. In order to take some time off from school, I need to find a stable job by either spring or summer.
This brings me back to my ex-employer—Centerplate. Through my own research, I've discovered they have the food-services contract at SafeCo Field, home of the Seattle Mariners. It has been over five years since my termination from them. I would like to work for them again because it's a perfect gig for a college student. And guess what? They're currently hiring for the upcoming baseball season, so I would like to apply for the position of Concession Stand Manager, my previous position before being fired. I believe company protocol requires keeping terminated employee records indefinitely. But -- here's the catch (from H.R. boards online): while my employment records are always kept (for legal reasons), there's a good chance that it would not show up on the computer or in a paper file (I'm referring to not showing up as a former employee in the system initially). Why? They usually only hold such records for three years.
knowing this, I'm pondering calling it too much water under the bridge by simply applying without telling them about my previous history with the company. Besides, the job is in different city and state. Nobody is going to know who I am anyways. Five-to-seven-year terminations are considered ancient history for employers. The only way they possibly find out is through vetting me. Also, I know for a fact (due to such fast employee turnover) that Centerplate does not do background checks. Should I take a calculated risk and do this? Should I be upfront and honest with them, even though I'm in a "catch 22?" Responses from current or former H.R./Admin guys would be helpful. Peace.
Here's an illustration of the type coffee cart I was working with during the accident. You see where the sign is located? This similar looking sign hit the sprinkler, activating it in the process:
I was fired immediately. After I received the termination letter in the mail about a week later, it was official. The letter, written by H.R., indicated that the water damage from the accident cost the company thousands of dollars. Not only was I fired, I ended up being outcast by my fellow subordinates. No of them would even speak to after visiting the convention center through a different employer (It was for event-security staff.). I approached some of them to say hi and to see how they were doing (small talk). Although a few acknowledged my presence, I could tell they were uncomfortable around me, so I said bye and just left right away. Management, I assume, told them not to speak or associate with me.
Months later, I relocated back to my native Washington State to live with my family. I was hoping a change of scenery would reverse my career misfortunes. Moving has not cured my bad luck so far -- mostly because of the recent recession. Luckily, 2-year unemployment and now the Post 9/11 GI Bill have kept me off the streets. I've been going to a community college during the last couple of years with aspirations of transferring to a 4-year school to pursue a bachelor's in English. After the school year is over, I want to take a year off from school. In order to take some time off from school, I need to find a stable job by either spring or summer.
This brings me back to my ex-employer—Centerplate. Through my own research, I've discovered they have the food-services contract at SafeCo Field, home of the Seattle Mariners. It has been over five years since my termination from them. I would like to work for them again because it's a perfect gig for a college student. And guess what? They're currently hiring for the upcoming baseball season, so I would like to apply for the position of Concession Stand Manager, my previous position before being fired. I believe company protocol requires keeping terminated employee records indefinitely. But -- here's the catch (from H.R. boards online): while my employment records are always kept (for legal reasons), there's a good chance that it would not show up on the computer or in a paper file (I'm referring to not showing up as a former employee in the system initially). Why? They usually only hold such records for three years.
knowing this, I'm pondering calling it too much water under the bridge by simply applying without telling them about my previous history with the company. Besides, the job is in different city and state. Nobody is going to know who I am anyways. Five-to-seven-year terminations are considered ancient history for employers. The only way they possibly find out is through vetting me. Also, I know for a fact (due to such fast employee turnover) that Centerplate does not do background checks. Should I take a calculated risk and do this? Should I be upfront and honest with them, even though I'm in a "catch 22?" Responses from current or former H.R./Admin guys would be helpful. Peace.
Here's an illustration of the type coffee cart I was working with during the accident. You see where the sign is located? This similar looking sign hit the sprinkler, activating it in the process:
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