tough question

I have been suspended for Sexual harassment...You'd think after 1.5 years with this company, I'd have shown my true colors before this. Anyway I am applying for work and they are asking
"Why did you leave this job?"

Note I haven't been dismissed, however this is a temp company I work through and you just know how fair they'll be in deciding. So how would you respond?

I don't think they'll ask about my dismissal, but was wondering how I should answer since I totally disagree with this charge.

personal reasons.  From my experience, if they call your former employer, really all they should be asking is if you were a former employee at the times you listed, and if they would rehire you.  Probably they will say no, but if they go into details they are opening themselves up for lawsuits.

          Yeah Chilly's right, gene,  I know here in Florida employers really have to watch their ass when it comes to relaying info. like that.  Legally they can't divulge too much or they could get sued.  Personal is a good answer usu.  Oh, and by the way.......probably not a good idea to say "Cause my old boss was a Dou*** " 

I think I would be saying personal reasons too.  I would also fight it if you believe you have been wronged on this.  Sexual harrassment is a tough one and can cover a multitude of reasons - even something as simple as a verbal comment.

Here in the UK, employers cannot give a bad reference by law, which sounds the same as in the US from the previous posts.   

Definitely stick to the personal reasons.

blue

I have to agree with everyone gene. Personal reasons should be sufficient. Even if you had an interview and they asked you, you could reply with "personal reasons" and they can't ask for detail on anything personal because of the EEO regulations.

Definitely fight to clear yourself gene. That's a terrible thing to have following you around.

so, if i may ask without being totally rude,  what was the accustions made??  im just curious and sorry in advance if it isnt appropriate.

i must second that agreement and wish u the best

Thanks all, seems my temp employer will let me return to my previous job. I have to admit, they did play fair got my side of the story. I..They tried to get ahold of them, but said they couldn't (I think they waited too long frankly) So I am out 3 days pay.

But what bugs me is what if the person gets angry that I came back? How do you defend against ongoing claims? I think the complaintent misconstrued something I said, and thus I get nailed and lose money. I am almost afraid to go back, fearing I wiill have other claims against me.

As for what was said (Or construed) I cannot say as it was something I'd NEVER say to another co-worker...Ever.

Genenco,I'm glad that you have the option of getting your job back.
  As far as going back,I wouldn't worry since you did no wrong.Sometimes people hear or take things the wrong way.
You have always been a gentlemen on here and I'm sure you're the same at work.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Nowadays when it's difficult to find a job it's good that you got your old job back. I know it's easy for me to say it, but you shouldn't be worried. You did nothing wrong and things will be better very soon.

Glad to hear you can go back Genenco but I can see why you would be reluctant to go back.

My suggestion:  don't speak to that person ever again then nothing can be misconstrued. If you have to talk to them because of your job, tape the conversation through your phone or if you have to email them, make sure you keep copies of your emails.  Don't ever put yourself in this position again with this person. 

Perhaps continue looking for another job whilst you are back at work?

blue

  I would not  even list this job since it was temporary to begin with and there is no Federal Law preventing the employer from stating he reason for termination and the only way to defend yourself is to hire attorney and file suit against the employer for not allowing you to respond to the charges, defamation of character and so on.  But the laws are written to protect the accuser, not the accused and it is difficult to win.
When listing previous jobs the company for which you are applying or job will contact that employer and I am sure they will discover you didn't leave or personal reasons.  So don't even list the job. Explain the gap in employment on your resume or application as taking tme off to care for a relative or some other personal reason. But, I wouldn't list that employer/job

I  can't help asking why you are afraid you might have other claims fild against you, if you stick to performing your job and interact with fellow employees to the extent your job requires you shouldn't have a problem. I have managed up to 40 employees and never had any employee file  a sexual harrassment claim filed by any employee against another co-worker. So, if you  behave  professionally and treat yor co-workers with respect you should have no need to worry.

stand strong and dont let this shake you off your game.  people who falsely claim sexual or racial charges against people usually have a history of making false claims.  it happened to me in the military, where you are guilty before being proven innocent, where a female had accused me of being racist, ( i actually told her to quit acting like a dumbass and do her job) and as the investigation had progressed it was found to be quite obvious that she was in fact the racist as several incidents of false accusations surfaced from her past bases she was stationed at.  i testified on my behalf that I called her a dumbass solely based on her behavior, not race creed or religion hahahahah

Yes, "personal reasons."  HOWEVER, as an employer, if any one tells me they left their previous job for personal reasons I am automatically suspicious.  I will not ask questions, or make statements, that will expose me to liability, but "personal reasons" certainly biases me against you.

You may wish to think through a good statement on "looking for new possibilities and opportunities."

Thanks to all for you comments. I'll go back and carefully think before I say anything. Now I have to contact another temp agency and let them have an excuse as to my staying with this employer (I guess I can say that the reason I gave (Lack of work) has changed (Obviously )

In regards to taping/recording conversations, quite illegal without the other persons knowledge or agreement. So I shall say little to anyone from here on out.

Thanks again to all.

Good point Genenco.  So tell 'em your taping the conversation so there can be no further incorrect allegations against you.

Either way, I think the doc's "looking for new possibilities and opportunities" is perfect.

I hope all is ok when you return to work.

blue

You usually keep your job until your new possibility or opportunity has been found first, right?

Maybe you should just answer "it was a temporary job".

Well folks, the final answer is in "Complete and TOTAL Exoneration of ALL charges"

I got the call today at 1 pm from the HR specialist. Also, since (Had I not had this accusation been leveled) I would have been working the days lost, I will be PAID for days missed!!

Now, on the bad side, the client has released me and a couple others so I kind of suspect that this may have been part of the reason of the charges being wiped out.

In any case, if they wish to send me to a job, then they can and if they don't, I have applied for UI  so I'm OK either way.

Thanks again everyone for your support.

            Gene, that's great news.  So glad you got it straightened out.