You have already received great advice above so I am only going to respond to the part about what the company told the agency when you applied for unemployment compensation. Since I used to be an ALJ for unemployment appeals, I can tell you that the initial response from the agency is not the final response. If you are within the designated appeal time (usually 30 days from the denial), then you can appeal the decision (see your state rules for doing so: usually in writing, etc.). You will be given a date for the hearing, which may be by telephone if you so desire. It is run similar to a court hearing, with both sides given a chance to speak and present evidence. If you didn't sell anything, show that by people testimony, documents, etc. You can also ask your employer questions about these "alleged" sales, and subpoena documents, which of course they wouldn't be able to present because it wasn't true. ALJs are highly trained and experienced. They can often sniff a liar out. What's it worth to you? Let's say your unemployment check would have been $300 weekly. If you win, then you get all the backpay, which at $300 week is $1,200 a month.

Keep professional - show that you have moved on emotionally.
Never bad mouth ex-employers. Keep any explanation very short and factual. See if one of the other employees that was let go/moved can give you a reference if required.

I agree with Atkins. There isn't a person on the planet who hasn't experienced a mixed situation having little to do with who you truly are. There are times where you are told one thing but then you discover that a company isn't faring as well as they either indicated ... or more likely are 'hushed'. As you contribute all that's possible, if a company is facing real trouble..., there's major challenge residing at the managerial top. However, front line workers may often have little direct knowledge as to what's really going on..., and they're offering their best. The thing to do is to dust yourself off. Grieve a little..., but then re-frame this situation for yourself by chalking it up to life experience. There are people in this world who should never have authority because they compromise those who are genuinely working. However, you can share this experience with future employers by telling them -- "Here's what took place." Then..., name the challenges directly. It's not a crime to tell them that you were facing one job description which turned into an undefined, overworked role. You spent more time trying to figure out what the real organizational challenges were but you were not being properly informed. The truth is -- prime talent must be nurtured and valued. That's an ultimate reality many decent companies know. You could say -- 'I was working in the company at a time when their sales were lagging desperately'... but any senior manager worth his or her 'seasoned weight' will spot these signs and see them for what they readily are. Barbara Brinkmeyer, MBA.

Every day the role is unfilled, that company losses out on productivity--so be confident and interview them. Be honest, but turn the tables. "I have been active in the job search, and I have neen working improving myself by ____ and _____. I have also stayed active in my community by ____ and ___, which I have found very rewarding."

I suggest you call the better business bureau and explain that to them and I assure you something will be done about it

If I was in your position, I would tell the potential employer that it just didn't work out for and everything that you put into your post was very well explained. You just have to remember to stay positive and that you are a great worker. Just don't let what has happened get in your way of following a new path.

Hi Carrie. Sorry that things didn't work out with your last job, but thanks for sharing your story. Many others have probably gone through something similar, so you are not alone. What I would say is to take everything as a learning experience, and when you talk to future potential employers, you can spin your negative experience into something more positive by talking about what you learned, and how you now understand that this employer may not have been the best fit for you. I advise people that just like you as a potential employee are seeking a company and job that fits you, you should also be determining whether you fit with the company. Don't sell yourself short. As you mentioned, prior to this job, you had worked for another company for 5 years, and you have never been terminated before. So, maybe it was more about the company than you. People get terminated for different reasons, and it sounds like the employer was looking for a reason to let you go. In right to work states, an employer does not even have to give you a reason to terminate you, and can just say that they decided things were not working out and they will let you go. Unfortunately, this is legal, so there is very little you can do, unless you feel like you were discriminated against because of your race, sex, age, nationality, or religion. If you do feel like you were discriminated against, then you can speak with EEOC about a possible complaint. Otherwise, I would say that as you look for a new position, look for the warning signs in new companies to make sure that you believe the company is a place that equally fits you as well as you fit them, then it is a matter of selling yourself. In today's market, it is more about being able to show what you can offer a company so that the company feels like you will help them generate revenue or offer something they need. So, think about your skill set, and focus on that, not on the one company that terminated you. It is challenging getting over an experience like that, but I think that by accepting that it was not a good fit and you learned something from your experience, many companies will be willing to overlook the termination. Good luck with your job search. And, give Larry a call to see what he has to say.

Hi Carrie, That’s probably one of the most difficult questions to answer during an interview due to the negative stigma associated to getting fired, whether you’re at fault or not. However, don't beat yourself up because you still have some options to turn a negative into a positive. Good employer’s understand that not all employee/employer relationships are a perfect match. Be honest and describe the experience in a concise, straightforward manner, sharing only the facts and not your feelings or perceptions. Take ownership and don’t make yourself out to be the victim. Point out what you learned and how you grew both as a person and a professional. Make an outline of what you want to say and practice, practice, practice. Hope this helps & Good Luck!!