How to Explain a Job Loss

A job loss is awkward to talk about when it comes up during an interview with a potential employer. You want to be honest with the employer, but you don't want to be passed over because you were fired before. It is important that you prepare ahead of time to answer questions about a job loss.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Write down a list of questions that you may be asked regarding the job loss. To prepare for a job interview, plan the answers that you are going to give when questioned about the job loss. The main questions likely to be posed are: Why were you fired? What situations led up to the firing?

2. Let the employer bring up the job loss. It is not necessary to go on the offensive right away. Wait until the employer mentions it before jumping into your prepared answers.

3. Keep your answers upbeat. A job interview is not the time or place to bash your old employer or job. Let them know the reason that you were fired and then ways that you have improved professionally since that time.

4. Be honest, but sugarcoat the situation. A reference check is likely, so don't attempt to lie about the job loss. However, every detail of the firing does not have to be divulged.

5. Let them know what you learned from the job loss. A job loss can be a learning experience for many, and it is important that you tell your potential new employer what you realized from the situation.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel that a job loss can really hurt your chances at getting a job, you can decide to leave it off your resume. This is a common professional practice.
• Many employers will not focus on past job losses that much if you have held down several jobs since that point.