I have an interview in a few hours, and I am so excited/nervous! I have quite a bit of a situation though, so let me explain....About a year ago I worked at Kmart, which is owned by Sears. I made a VERY stupid decision and helped a friend shoplift from Sears. Long story short, they got their things back, we did everything they asked, but they still wanted us arrested. What really got us in trouble is that she had stuck a necklace in her jacket when I wasn't looking, and because of that they charged us together and her charges are now mine. The cop didn't want to arrest us, and tried to talk them out of it but they weren't having it.... So we both took a plea bargain to get it over with. I now have a misdemeanor shoplifting charge with a codefendant on my record. During that time I got expermely depressed, and now I REALLY want a new job. I've had a couple of interviews that went great, but I feel like the charge/the fact that I worked at Kmart is really ruining my chances. Kmart was the WORST place I have ever worked for, and I have a bit of a record there because of things I had no control over. I got written up on my FIRST day there because I worked 6.5 hours and no one told me I was REQUIRED to take a 30 minute break. Was I supposed to know that being a high school student who has never had a job like that before? Then things just kept going downhill there but I stuck through it because I needed money. A few BIG things happened like my money drawer being short because I pushed the wrong button, DID WHAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO AND HAD A MANAGER VOID THAT, but it didn't clear and they called me in and questioned me like I did it on purpose. It was just a horrible place to work, so much negativity and lack of communication... I quit the lasy after I got arrested and just couldn't bring myself to call them and tell them I was quitting... Yes, that was a BIG mistake but no one EVER called and asked what was up.I have no idea what to tell these people at my interview. The only other places I have worked are either out of business or I got laid off after a month.... I have been babysitting and am hoping they talk to the people I babysit for, because my Kmart record is NOT what I am really like. I ask questions, I am on time, I do ALL my work... But my manager would get mad when I asked questions there and because of my lack of training they called me the "special" cashier which I really don't feel is right...What can I tell them about my Kmart situation? can I say how negative it was and how much I am looking for a more positive environment?Do I explain my charges? Or do I wait for my background check to come back?I REALLY want this job, and I want to show them that I would be a great worker. I have sent them emails thanking them for calling and I look forward to meeting with them... I've sent them great letters of interest. I've sent in professional resumes with my application, everytihng. I want to show them that I am NOT a bad person at all, and I am actually a really good person and I am completely ashamed and embarrassed about this "criminal" charge. There is no money realy involved with this job, but kids are... so I don't know if having ANYTHING on my record would ruin that.Please, help!
