Stephen was fired because some colleagues perceived his behavior as aggressive. Joyce took two years off to "find herself." Millions of job hunters have something they'd prefer to avoid when applying for a job.

Is your work record less than perfect? Have you had several jobs within a few years? Do you have gaps in your employment history? Personal problems that are hard to explain? Been convicted of a crime?

What can you do about harmful information that may prevent you from getting your desired position? Should you lie? Ignore it? Bring it up when you're interviewing?

Here are some ways to avoid letting past problems prevent you from achieving your career goals.

Don't lie. It's better to say nothing. If questioned about your past, respond briefly and truthfully. Untruths on your resume or in the interview can result in your being fired if you do get the job.

Identify and deal with the problem. If your problem wasn't related to your work performance, happened long ago, or wasn't serious, it probably won't interfere with your getting hired. Even serious problems (being fired for something illegal such as theft or sexual harassment) can usually be addressed successfully. Most employers are more interested in your current and recent performance.

Don't volunteer damaging information. If asked, admit the problem and objectively explain the situation. Don't provide more details than necessary. Indicate how you've improved yourself. If your crime involved violence, do what you can to provide assurance that you're not dangerous. Show that you've received counseling. Get reference letters from respected members of the community who can vouch for your character.

Respond appropriately to illegal questions. If asked an illegal question such as whether you've had problems with drugs, you have three options: 1) Answer, but know that responding to a non-job related question could hamper your employment chances; 2) Refuse to answer, which although within your rights, may label you as uncooperative; 3) Respond with an answer that applies to the prospective job.

If you're applying for a job in which the crime is related to performance of the job, the question is legal. For example, if the position requires handling money, the employer can ask if you've been convicted of theft.

Show that the problem is in your past and close the subject. "Yes, but I haven't had a drink since joining AA two years ago." Keep things going smoothly while protecting yourself; don't make the interviewer defensive.

Common Problems

Termination due to layoff or firing: Layoffs due to cutbacks or closing shop are acceptable. Present the facts honestly and directly.

If you've been fired, try to minimize the damage. Attempt to discuss the situation with your former boss and request a reference letter.

If that's not possible, ask another company supervisor, former colleagues or clients to write reference letters. Suggest they indicate dates they worked with you, how you helped them, and their confidence in your ability to perform well.

Demonstrate how you've changed and why a similar incident won't happen again. Show you have the skills to perform the job. Avoid negative comments about the employer.

Job-hopping. Many employers prefer not to hire people who held numerous jobs within a short time frame. It's expensive to hire and train individuals who leave within a few months. Job hopping suggests that you don't take work seriously, you can't hold a job, you're hard to please, or you have other problems.

In the interview, explain that your job hopping days are over. State why you want to work for the company and what you can offer.

Gaps in work history. Many accomplished people have gaps in their employment history. Present the facts. Don't apologize.

If relevant, offer details about an alternative activity you did during the period that strengthens your qualifications. This reinforces that you're in touch with professional or industry needs. If appropriate, show how the experience enhanced your creativity, maturity or self knowledge.

Finally, be truthful and accept responsibility for your actions. Show that you've changed, learned from the experience, and are prepared to do a great job for the company. Most importantly, maintain a positive attitude. You will perform best if you believe you'll get the position.