Question about admitting you were terminated from your job

[Digit]

I hate the word "terminated" as it has such negative connotations.
Here is the problem I am running into when filling out job applications...

I was terminated from one sales job because my manager was jealous because I was the top salesperson and since it was a commissioned job, I was making great money...even more than he was. He changed my hours to give me the worst days and shifts when business was slowest. My pay and performance suffered, plus he began writing me up for the most ridiculous things. I went to HR, and boom; I was fired for lack of performance! Actually, I believe it was because I went to HR in the first place, but I did not have a choice since my mgr had given me the ultimatum of making goal in August (slowest month for sales) or be forced to resign.

Next job, major cable company...call center or more like major sweat shop. Supposedly a commissioned job but found out once on the floor what you really earned. One paycheck I received a whopping 26 cents in commission. I was terminated (again) for lack of performance (sales quota) after two months.

These were my last two jobs and just so you know...I had never missed work, called in sick, or been late.

This is hurting my ability to gain employment and I wondered if anyone here had a solution.
Should I just say I was laid off?

[tinkerbell41]

1. Yes

Do you need to say you worked for these places?? Can't you just start fresh, like first job???
Or lie and say you worked for family business in sales and they went under in this economy.
I don't work in private sector so not sure how it works, but I would never say terminated, especially since they get rid of people on a whim, like you just described

[RadiationTherapy]

2. You have to cover this stuff up.

They may give you a chance to explain, but your stories won't be believed.

[JoDog]

3. Absolutely.

And make sure you cover the tracks completely. If you list a reference for either of these jobs, make it the phone number of a friend or family member who is willing to pass themselves off as a former supervisor.

[geardaddy]

4. I know in MN

unless you were "fired" for misconduct, the company cannot say boo about your performance.

[Digit]

5. I am in NC, so don't know how it is here

I am receiving unemployment benefits so believe me, they checked out to see if there was any misconduct.

[fizzgig]

6. i'm worried that the same thing is holding me back

i was fired for failing to meet the obligations of a ridiculous personal improvement plan, but i know it was money-related because i was one of the highest paid employees on my staff. i also have the suspicion that my spending a few days in the psych hospital had something to do with it, but i can't prove it. but i can't cover it up because i was at that job for five years and it's all the professional experience i have.

i know in colorado that they can't say anything beyond that i did work there and am not eligible for rehire, but i'm still worried x(

good luck to you