How to Respond to Questions About a Job You Were Fired From

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Employers often ask why you left a previous job, and it can be an awkward situation for everyone involved if it was a job that you were asked to leave. Luckily, there are ways to respond that can help you deal with the question.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Computer with Internet access

Go Into an Interview Prepared to Answer Questions About Previous Employment

Step 1

Contact your past employers to find out what they'll say. It may be an uncomfortable conversation, but knowing what a former supervisor is going to tell an interviewer can help you respond to the question of why you were fired. Don't wait until the last minute to make the call, since your former employer might not be eager to talk with you.
Step 2

Consider how important that position is to your current job search. You don't always have to include every position on a resume or application and if the job was a long time ago or in a different field, you may be able to avoid the conversation altogether.

Stay Positive When Responding to Questions About a Job You Were Fired From

Step 1

Remember that it's an interview, not a trial. Don't feel that you have to defend yourself. Stay focused on the fact that you are there to talk about your assets and strengths.
Step 2

Change a negative into a positive. Never speak poorly of an employer or of yourself. Explain that you didn't get a chance to prove yourself or that it was a learning experience rather than placing blame when you respond.
Step 3

Guide your answer back toward the interview. Answer the question but stay focused on how leaving a former job can help you at this new job. Ask questions of the interviewer to shift the focus.
Step 4

Concentrate on nonverbal communication. Facial expressions, gestures and body language can give away how you feel about a situation even though you might be saying something else.

Keep the Interview a Positive Experience After You Leave

Step 1

Send a thank you note. Even though the interview may have had some awkward moments, don't allow an interviewer to question your professionalism. Be sure to follow interview protocol.
Step 2

Evaluate your answers for the next interview. It's important to have answers ready for interview questions, especially when there is a need to explain something that could potentially affect the outcome of an interview.