loss of job due to failed drug test what do you say to a new potential employer in an interview.

i dont know if i should tell a potential employer exactly why i lost my job.

Don't bring it up. I got a promotion at Home Depot once because the guy who originally got the position celebrated with a big ol' fatty before he had the mandatory drug test.

Find a better reason; the old employer won't reveal why you left.

Career Hunter in Denver, Colorado said: Don't bring it up. I got a promotion at Home Depot once because the guy who originally got the position celebrated with a big ol' fatty before he had the mandatory drug test.

Find a better reason; the old employer won't reveal why you left.

--How do you know the old emplyeer wont say anything?

Mark in Denver, Colorado said: --How do you know the old emplyeer wont say anything?

Its illegal. The potential new employer can call to verify work experience (Joe Smith was a Vice-President) but its illegal for your previous employer to disclose how much you made or why you no longer work there.

thank you very good information to know. thanx again take care

People please hold it.

You better check with usis.com/default.aspx and www.choicepoint.com/. You have no idea what employers report to these agencies until you get your own free copy.

Sorry, the link for www.choicepoint.com/ failed to copy.

Mike in Apollo Beach, Florida said: Its illegal. The potential new employer can call to verify work experience (Joe Smith was a Vice-President) but its illegal for your previous employer to disclose how much you made or why you no longer work there.

Right. But not followed. I am sure an old supervisor of mine would be glad to tell someone I was not dependable (untrue) because she fired me for being late 3 times-yep part of 3 strike rule at company tho unemployment people approved me and said they did not follow their own policy amongst other things (and less than 10mins even - more like 3-5 mins & yes I was pushing it timewise but damn that elevator on those days) after returning to work from short term disability illness - in reality & per 2 different area union stewards this woman was out to get me told me to watch my back. I had 13years in at this company and really the last day she said i was late i wasn't - i just hadn't signed into my computer yet (wasn't required but it sure would have proved it had I of signed in before going to another employees cubicle for a few minutes) so like a dummy I mention this when my interviewer asks what my previous bosses would say about me - guess I should of not been so honest but whatta ya do in this situation when your reason for leaving a job was not voluntary?

Career Hunter in Denver, Colorado said: Don't bring it up. I got a promotion at Home Depot once because the guy who originally got the position celebrated with a big ol' fatty before he had the mandatory drug test.

Find a better reason; the old employer won't reveal why you left.

Questions - was the other guy being promoted or a fresh hire?

Was your positive result legitimate? I worked for HD for 4.5 weeks and got fired for failing the "PRE-employment" drug screen. Fact is, I've never done illegal drugs in my life. I worked for the Home Services Div. I wore the Orange and masqueraded as a clerk but sold Home Improvement. I got paid via US Mail. Regional Office was 100 miles away. First check was late and my inquiries were ignored. Finally, after two weeks I called corporate in Atl. Problem resolved but my boss got chewed-out and, naturally, it was my fault. So, get this, he calls my HOME on a workday (Thurs) to fire me. It was a holiday weekend (3 days) for mgmnt but not for bottomfeeders. So three days pass then, Mon morning, he calls the store and I get the boot OVER THE PHONE!!! No paycheck and no demand for the apron. (I still have it) I called BS and you would not believe what transpired. They falsified a result form. They took me for such an idiot they didn't even bother to make it look authentic. It just states "Positive." And the donor date was wrong with a reporting date 62 days after I donated.(CP statement: 2 to 3 days) Not only that, a "confirmed" drug user was allowed to work 3 more days. ZERO TOLERANCE? Of course an unemployed, white, mid-aged male can't get a lawyer on contingency and HD knew it. Who needs one. I filed and am acting in pro per. The extremes they have gone to are unbelieveable. They claim I wasn't being paid because I failed the DT and was never put in the "system." Even though I received a benefit pkg in the mail 2 weeks after being fired. They also claim my boss "immediately" looked into my payroll issue when he discovered my failed DT. That would be 13 days before I got fired. ZERO TOLERANCE? They also say my "criminal background report" was mistaken for the DT result. PLEASE!! It states in BIG BOLD LETTERS across the top "CRIMINAL" Bottom line is they violated 4 labor law codes and their using this "failed drug test" to cover their ass.

While falsifying documents is easy, falsifying the results of a u/a otherwise known as a “drug test” is not. When a urine sample is taken from an employee, the employee must not only agree to give the sample but also initial the sample they gave. What most people are not aware of is that once that sample is given it is kept for an indefinite period after the testing lab verifies a positive result. Any time a positive result is found the person supplying that positive sample has the right to contest the results and demand another test. Here’s the catch people, you do not get to give another sample. You do however have the right to pay to have another independent lab test the first sample that you gave, the same sample your employer is claiming to be positive.

How do I get a copy of 2 failed urine tests from previous employer

How do I get a copy of two failed drug tests???

Can I get a copy of the emergency rm. report on cocaine od???

I was asked to do a urine test where I just swished the urine around in the container empty the container and return it (the container) to the office. I wasn't paying attention but she did something and said the test was positive. I have never done any illegal drugs in my life so I know the test was not accurate. Does anyone know if there is a test that can be done without a sample. I know there has to be a sample to test. So I'm not sure what's going on here. This was done at a Temp. Agency.

Mike

mikezor5@aol.com in Arlington Heights, Illinois said: I was asked to do a urine test where I just swished the urine around in the container empty the container and return it (the container) to the office. I wasn't paying attention but she did something and said the test was positive. I have never done any illegal drugs in my life so I know the test was not accurate. Does anyone know if there is a test that can be done without a sample. I know there has to be a sample to test. So I'm not sure what's going on here. This was done at a Temp. Agency.

Mike

Ask for a blood test instead.

Messed up said: If I failed a DOT pre employment drug test for an airline, will the next airline find out what happened??? Need no lectures, I've paid dearly for my mistake. I just got hired by another airline and I am hoping they cannot uncover info!!

Here is a snippet from the DOT Drug and Alcohol testing Bible

"Aviation employers must keep commercial pilot positive, negative, and refusal records for 5 years because of the Pilot Record Improvement Act and must keep employee dispute records." www.dot.gov/ost/dapc/documents/EmployerGuidelinesOctober012010.pdf

It has been a long time since I have dealt with drug testing laws and am unsure if any knew laws require this info to be disclosed to potential employers.
I would imagine that with all of the new laws and regulations for Airline travel and safety that this info would need to be disclosed even for ground crew. You may consider contacting a DOT official in the drug and alcohol unit. Most of them will answer your questions with little hassle.

Career Hunter in Denver, Colorado said: Don't bring it up. I got a promotion at Home Depot once because the guy who originally got the position celebrated with a big ol' fatty before he had the mandatory drug test.

Find a better reason; the old employer won't reveal why you left.

Don't tell! The only thing a company is allowed to ask your previous employer is how long you worked there and would they hire you back. Any other info offered, sue their pants off.

Sharon Perry in Port Saint Lucie, Florida said: Don't tell! The only thing a company is allowed to ask your previous employer is how long you worked there and would they hire you back. Any other info offered, sue their pants off.

Oh one more thing. There used to be something you could buy at health food stores called "The Stuff". Drink it before your test.

josh in Charlotte, Michigan said: i dont know if i should tell a potential employer exactly why i lost my job.

Be honest and sincere .tell him I made careless regrettable decisions and learned from
this experience ,I will not repeat
again.

i was recently discharged because i asked to go home early because i was sick and my employer told me i could and when i was getting ready to leave another manager said that they had reason to drug test me .. ithen said asked if they were testing me because i was sick?? they said no i then talked to the person i asked to go home witch is the store manager he said because some one told him that i may be on some kind of drugs.. i then asked him if he thought i was on drugs he said no.. i asked do you smell alchole on me he said no... he told me because some body told him that that i would have to go.. so i went and urin test came back positive because i smoked a couple of puffs of weed on new years eve did not think about then .. and then they told me i was on suspention until results came back no one called me and told me i was termenated wut should i do, can i file for unemployment.

Sumaria,
Was it a Manager or Supervisor the one that observed behavior from you that could indicate you were under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at work?
Was it a "reasonable suspicion", "post accident/exposure", or a "random test"? It is very important that you find this out. An equal co-worker cannot go to a Supervisor and say they think you're on drugs. Request that a confirmation test is done. When you are tested the testing facility will put the specimen in 2 containers. One for initial testing and one for a requested confirmation. This will not normally be done automatically. You only have a certain time-frame to request this. But it sounds like you knew you were dirty so it may not matter,

State of Maryland law on testing:

Under Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. 17-214, employers may test their employees for drugs and alcohol for any "legitimate business purpose." However, the statute outlines specific procedural requirements and employee rights in cases where positive results may be used for discipline.

Maryland laws for testing is a bit stricter than other states:

"Maryland testing is permitted if supported by legitimate business reasons"

Was your illness a "legitimate business reason" that warranted testing?

Not to question your integrity but, as with many of these online forums, we only hear one side of the story and many times information is omitted to bias. It may be in your best interest to contact an Attorney in your area. Get all of the documentation possible. Results, reasons, who observed you, etc.

Good luck

I understand the possibility of false positives. What I don't understand is people that work for companies that have drug policies and still use drugs. It seems the story is always "They just happened to test me a couple of days after (New Years, Birthday, friends party or whatever)". If you choose to do drugs, it's your business but why work somewhere that tests for it? A friend of mine has a CDL. He doesn't do drugs. If he has ONE beer he will not drive. He knows his job is important and doesn't want to jepordize it.

What’s the big effing deal any way about testing positive? As long as my recreational use does not affect my work performance and I’m not hurting anyone ,why should the corporate world be allowed to have a say as to what I do in my off time. What I do away from work is nobody’s effing business but mine.

You're right doubting, who cares what you do on your own time. The problem is that I don't know if there are tests for drugs that show if you are under the influence like there is for alcohol. I've never heard fo a breathalyzer for meth, pot or whatever.

i worked for pepsi as a merchandiser and was being moved to a truck driving position well needless to say i faild my urine test and was fired under no tolerence laws from pepsi...how do i find out if that test was for DOT or for pre-employment of new position..any links to help please let me know any and all info u got.thank ya kindly

positivly pissed in Taunton, Massachusetts said: i worked for pepsi as a merchandiser and was being moved to a truck driving position well needless to say i faild my urine test and was fired under no tolerence laws from pepsi...how do i find out if that test was for DOT or for pre-employment of new position..any links to help please let me know any and all info u got.thank ya kindly

ask for a copy of the COC (chain of custody) from the place where your had the testing done...there has to be a reason for the test selected and if it was DOT the form will say FEDERAL DRUG TESTING FORM somewhere on it.

ok i failed a drug test that wasnt for the company i worked for but for the hospital. i told my supervisior i dont think i would pass and she told me that the doctor would give me the benifit of the doubt well he didnt now i dont have a job but they are giving thirty days for people to get cleaned up...i didnt get that same thirty days ....what to do is that right that others get time and i didnt? they fired me over the phone on my day off

i worked for this place for over 3 years never had a complaint or anything ....i took a drug test and failed before taking it i told my supervisior that i dont think i would pass she said the doctor would give me the benifit of the doubt so i took it needless to say a week later on my day off i got a call from her telling me i was fired now they are giving thirty days for everyone to take one i didnt get thirty days .....the test wasnt for my company...do i have any rights ...i feel if they get thirty days i should i would have been good then ...any advice would be great

Heidi,

Unfortunately, you’re screwed. They are not required to give you the benefit of the doubt.
H. R. Although not necessarily legal, it’s almost impossible to prove. Even if they did give another employee 30 days to get clean, those employees are not very likely to admit this for fear of retribution (losing there job).

Heidi,

As I said before, unfortunately, you’re screwed. They are not required to give you the benefit of the doubt.
H. R. Although not necessarily legal, it’s almost impossible to prove. Even if they did give another employee 30 days to get clean, those employees are not very likely to admit this for fear of retribution (losing there job).
Nevertheless, you’re out of work and are now looking for a job. Therefore, DO NOT RELEASE THIS INFORMATION TO A PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER.
The chances of any future employer finding this out is slim. A past employer is limited as to what information they may release and under NO CIRCUMSTANCES are they allow to release medical information about you and a urinalysis is most definitely medical information. Moreover, this would include medical information discussed between you and a previous employer.
When drug addiction was classified as a disease, it then fell under the category of a medical problem therefore any information about you and your drug use may not be given to anybody without your consent.

My current job is on a little town w/25 beds for the floor and 5 ED.

I have been there 4 years in Aug. I built that department that I work in from the ground up and was going to do some classes (optional) for PAs, NPs, Drs., EMTs., and anyone that wants to come to our hospital.

What I am made about is that I had to have a laminetomony on the L4-L% right side on April 15th. took 6 weeks off, and really felt I needed a month off, but my surgeon thought it would be better @ 6 weeks.

I am again out of my job, do have FMLA and AFLC is working on my short term disability to come thru. & then the they want me to go to rehab because I had many difficulties post surgery. I am pissed off!

My friend/co-work/boss, I thought was my friends and none of them are!

My sisters aren't also - who had a baby on June 27, and didn't want me to visit in the hospital, but according to my Momm, they were expecting me to visit their home? I only have $60 to get thru until AFLAC comes thru!

I am seeng a new pscyhistrast - and she has me on GABA. Seems to be better.

I just am so made that even with the suregery I have to do all of this crap!

I just am really mad and upset!

Dennis in Staunton, Illinois said: You're right doubting, who cares what you do on your own time. The problem is that I don't know if there are tests for drugs that show if you are under the influence like there is for alcohol. I've never heard fo a breathalyzer for meth, pot or whatever.

what is a saliva test?

I do not know about a "saliva test" but I do know that many employers will take a few strands of your hair and that they can find evidence of many chemicals (drugs) therin.

It makes no difference to the zero tolerance employer when you used. If the test comes back positive for a banned substance, you do not pass.

I was on a doctor's prescription when I tested and informed the parties doing the testing but it didn't matter even after I brought the prescription and gave them permission to call the doctor.

Richard in Springfield, Missouri said: I do not know about a "saliva test" but I do know that many employers will take a few strands of your hair and that they can find evidence of many chemicals tances in your(drugs) therin.

It makes no difference to the zero tolerance employer when you used. If the test comes back positive for a banned substance, you do not pass.

It should be noted that the hair follicle test only can detect substances in your system for 90 days. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either uninformed or straight lying. Not to mention the hair follicle test is extremely expensive for employers.

I am a little surprised at your question most everyone knows there are drug tests for everything.
I used to work for a company that did saliva drug testing. I can say from personal experience it is not very accurate mostly the test will give a false negative. I smoked a joint before work. I used visine but my boss mentioned my eyes were glossy. she gave me a saliva test then and there. I passed with flying colors. at the time I was also taking Vicodin I did have a scrip for it but it still did not test pos.

IslandStyle said: It should be noted that the hair follicle test only can detect substances in your system for 90 days. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either uninformed or straight lying. Not to mention the hair follicle test is extremely expensive for employers.

This is true. A standard hair follicle screen covers a period of approximately 90 days. However,it is susceptible to time variation depending on the growth rate of your hair. The hair sample is cut as close to the scalp as possible and the most recent 3.9cm (or 1.5 inches) are tested. It is possible to go back even further than 90 days since the time period is limited only by the length of the hair sample, but is standardized to a 90 day history.

how do i dispute a urine drug test that showed A high quanity of THC? I recently had surgery and was take meds ( vicoden, antibotics cefilexin and 1600mgs iubprofen) I did some reach and seen from more than one site that sometimes Ibuprofen, excedrin ect... can give a faulse/negative reading. I was pretty upset and shocked cause shouldnt have had any traces of marijuana in my system. I dont know what happen but wanna dispute it and not sure how to go about it. Please Help direct me in the right directions to take action. I was a school bus driver for 6yr and never failed a test. This has been really embarissing.

Hi J., I'm not doubting any of what you're saying, but would like to steer you in the right direction. Internet sites that would like you to buy there product will tell you there are a lot of things that will cause false positives. In reality Because marijuana’s metabolite is fairly unique,"false positives" are rare. Nevertheless, there is one prescription medication that is known to cause a false positive, Protonix, a medication commonly used for GERD otherwise known as acid reflux or more commonly heartburn. However if you are absolutely sure that (aside from the meds you're taking) you are neg. for THC then you do have an ace up your sleeve. If you are were employed as a school bus driver at the time of testing you and they are subject to DOT laws and you can insist that your employer (unfortunately at your expense)have the test confirmed by another lab. with GCMS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) They will test the same sample as your first(you don't get to give another sample) If you are truly neg. than the expense is worth it to clear your good reputation and you should be reinstated by the school district for which you were employed and your CDL would also be reinstated. I would imagine if the confirmation test came back neg I would think you could get your money you paid to have it confirmed reimbursed. attached are two sites you can trust for correct information. and I wish you the best of luck.

norml.org/legal/drug-testing/item/the-abcs-of-marijuana-and-drug-testing

www.canorml.org/healthfacts/testing.tips.html

jesorona79 in Puyallup, Washington said: how do i dispute a urine drug test that showed A high quanity of THC? I recently had surgery and was take meds ( vicoden, antibotics cefilexin and 1600mgs iubprofen) I did some reach and seen from more than one site that sometimes Ibuprofen, excedrin ect... can give a faulse/negative reading. I was pretty upset and shocked cause shouldnt have had any traces of marijuana in my system. I dont know what happen but wanna dispute it and not sure how to go about it. Please Help direct me in the right directions to take action. I was a school bus driver for 6yr and never failed a test. This has been really embarissing.

Many times, if you applying for a job in "the public trust", it is not just the ILLEGAL drugs that they are looking for.

Pain meds, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, etc., all of this, even if prescribed will disquality you.

I don't know if they are going to let you drive a school bus unless you have a story that they haven't heard before.

Bluetea, you're right in saying that sometimes they are looking for something other than illegal drugs and if this were a case of pre-employment drug screen I might agree with your insight. However, in the case of a current employee medical conditions may not legally be considered unless they jeopardize work place safety.

jesorona79 in Puyallup, Washington said: how do i dispute a urine drug test that showed A high quanity of THC? I recently had surgery and was take meds ( vicoden, antibotics cefilexin and 1600mgs iubprofen) I did some reach and seen from more than one site that sometimes Ibuprofen, excedrin ect... can give a faulse/negative reading. I was pretty upset and shocked cause shouldnt have had any traces of marijuana in my system. I dont know what happen but wanna dispute it and not sure how to go about it. Please Help direct me in the right directions to take action. I was a school bus driver for 6yr and never failed a test. This has been really embarissing.

Jes,i just had the same thing happen to me, i have been employeed for 6.5 years and went in for random drug testing and tested + for THC. I was terminated. I am still in shock because i don't smoke pot. I have been researching endlessly on WHAT could of caused this. Ibuprofen came up as a number one medicine that can effect test, even known to show as THC in the GC/MS test, even though it is said that this has been perfected. I also take a variety of vitamins and herbs.I have chronic back issues which led me to take ibuprofen, up to 2400 mg/ day.
I am actively looking for legal counsel. I work in an At Will state meaning employer can terminate for any reason. Since another employee recently tested positive (without disclosure) and still is employeed, i just might have a discrimination case based on disability. Trying to maintain just remembering that God has other plans for me, better be good! I know in my heart i did nothing wrong, although that is not going to pay the bills.keep your chin up and hope u recover quickly.

TMA in Tucson, Thankyou for reasuring me im not the only one out their. I have been having alot of medical issues as well and resently had surgery 2 weeks befor i was tested. I also have been taking a large dose of iubprofen 1600mgs plus a day. Im still trying to fight this and today was able to get them to send my other sample that they saved to the lab for further testings... All i can do now is pray everything will be ok. Also took this to my union rep. I know things happen for a reason and sometimes dont understand, but i at least hope i can get this removed from my record. Thank you for your input, im just doing the best i can to get through this.

I was given a random urine drug screen from my Pain Mgt. Doctor. There was NO chain of command at all and my name was not even on the cup when I placed it where I was told to. I walked straight out of the bathroom, got my appt. card, prescription and left. Three weeks later I received a Certified Letter stating that I tested positive for 2 substances not being prescribed to me and not showing what I was prescribed and was actually taking. I immediately called them, told them it was a big mistake and BEGGED to be re-tested. NO DICE! I keep trying to research on what recourse I have.Why wouldn't they have just redone the test? It is beyond un-fair to be accused of this and have no way to clear my name. Every site I find seems aimed at trying to cheat a test. CAN ANYONE PLEASE HELP ???

I asked the manager when do they drug test and she told me that lynn co, wich is the mangment com. Did not drug test. I have work there for 5 month. When we came back from the new year a new mangement Co.Grey star was waiting for us to arive on 1/2/12 and had us all go take a drug test that day to be rehired with Gray Star com. To my surprise i faid the test. I was under the under standing I was working at the Gates at Citi Place and they did not drug test. Was this leagle to do

Sorry, but they absolutely have the right to do that if you are changing companies. "lynn co, wich is the mangment comwaiting for us to arive on 1/2/12 and had us all go take a drug test that day to be rehired with Gray Star com". if a urinalysis is required for the new company Gray Star com for you to be rehired then I'm Sorry my friend; there is not much you can do

I was busted for possession of marijauna with intent to distribute 25 years ago in NJ. I pleaded guilty and received 3 years probation. This was a felony conviction. I paid a high price in financial costs and the emotional toll from the guilt and stigma that are associated with a criminal conviction. I have learned a hard lesson from my experience. I am a Professional with a long career.
My professional reputation is excellent. 3 years ago, I was laid off due to the recession. I have interviewed with a number of potential employers with no success. We are sick with worry!
More employers have recently interviewed me. 3 are currently interested. I have lied to one company about my drug conviction. I have not given the other 2 any information yet. I could have my record expunged in NJ, but the time lag is too great. What do I do? I could lie and hope for the best, but I know that public information companies have my records online. So, I don't have any choice but to reveal myself about an event that happened 25 years ago in another state. What do I say? One job is a huge opportunity for me. If I make a mistake now, I could lose the job. The HR person appeared to be open and honest, and even cited a case of a person who lied about a pot conviction to her and was refused a job because he lied.. She said they would have worked with them if he had told the truth. Trust is soo important in the work place. I don't want to start a work relationship having to look over my shoulder all the time, and my integrity is a very important part of my person. Any comments and advice would be helpful!! I don't want to hear bad

First, I'd start the process of getting that conviction expunged.
I did something stupid when I was 18 too, but I got that pardoned as soon as I was eligible.

Apparently, when this happens, the criminal record is locked up with the Feds and only they can access it.
This was put to the test a few years ago when I was being hired by a bank and they wanted to do a criminal check.
It came back clean !

But right now, for you, I'd say you need to be honest with your potential employer.
Besides, you're in front of them because you've got a set of skills and experience they're interested in, not because you filled out an application to bring shopping carts in from the parking lot.

Well for me i tested positive on my job and i don't do drug but after reading what yall been threw count me in. cause i took some ibuprofen and my test said i had cocaine in my system and im like what the what. Now i know something anit right with that. but i feel yall pain when you done lost your job and you can do nothing about it. But GOD knows and he can do something about it just pray and believe. cause they don't care if you got bills or kids to feed as long as they got a job. so don't let it put u down. as long as you breath there is Hope.