HRGuru

I got fired for failing a random drug test.  I disputed the findings and even retained a lawyer to get my job back .  However, I was not  successful.  I have company documented proof that I was a stellar employee, no absenteeism problems, work perfromance, I was a supervisor and had passed 5 drug tests in 8 years.  On the findings the date for the drug test was incorrect, but when I brough that to their attention I was told it was just a typo, it was corrected with yet another minor mistake.

Every time I made leeway in my case, the government agency I worked for appealed it.  Ihad to stop pursuing it because I ran out of money.  This went on for over two years.  I would get job interviews because of my excellent qualifications, but when it came to the why did you get fired,  I have never known how to comfortably handle it.

Any suggestions?

I hope this is the proper venue, I just prefer that the whole world not know who I am.

Handling a question regarding termination for any reason is always especially difficult and in most cases, you could demonstrate what you've learned from that experience. In this case, however, it is a touchy subject and one that may tread tricky waters with an interviewer. What your interviewer wants to know, but can't ask, is probably the circumstances around the failure of the drug test and what you've done since then to repair the situation. Obviously, you challenged the test and ran out of resources. Mostly, recruiters want an HONEST answer about the situation and to know what steps you took to fight the situation. If the test was a true positive and you've recognized a problem, you may have protection under ADA if you've been through a rehabilitation program. If the test was a false postitive, I think your explanation below is enough. However, I would steer clear of any negative reflections on your former employer--though hard to do so when you feel you've been slighted--and verbally recognize that they were following their policy as they were supposed to do. You pursued the situation and that's the best you can offer. I wish you lots of luck in your job search and hope this helps!

I would say " With [company name] I was a proven stellar employee, no absenteeism or work performance problems. In fact, I name accomplishment here]. As a supervisor, I was subjected to random drug tests. I passed six out of the five drug test in the past eight years. Being a government agency, there is little room to dispute such finding. "  

Anonymous says ...

If I had to say anything I would say I violated agency policy. What was that you say?

"It was an error in judgment on my part and it won't happen again" even if it wasn't.

"I disagreed with the documentation procedures of an outside agency"

I could come up with more but I would never just lie. There are ways to say something without lying and without telling them what you don't want them to know and at the same time not seeming like your hiding something. You know as HR people you develop a sixth sense for detecting lies!

Whatever you say it has to feel right to you or it won't come out that way. Everybody deserves a chance, fair or not so give yourself one.

This is a great response!  It is not deceptive, yet diplomatic!