How to Get a Job When You Left Your Last Job on Bad Terms
Whether you are entering the work force for the very first time or re-entering it after years of employment, job searching is a daunting task. If you were fired from your last job or left on bad terms with your employer, getting a new job may seem to be nearly impossible. Successful job searching is dependent on knowing how to overcome stumbling blocks in your professional past. With proper planning and preparation, you can use your experience to propel you forward into a great job.
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Instructions
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Develop an effective résumé. This is the tool that will get your foot in the door with a potential employer. Do not mention your reason for leaving your last job. Focus your attention on selling your skill set and your positive attributes. Answer the question, What do I have to offer? Showcase your skills and the details that make you uniquely qualified. Use your résumé to set yourself apart from the rest of the candidates.
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Assess your skills, interests and experience level to help you determine the type of jobs you want to pursue and those for which you are qualified. Search for jobs that meet your interests. When you see an open position for which you want to apply, research the employer to give your cover letter focus and to give yourself a competitive edge.
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Prepare a response. When you are in an interview, potential employers almost always will inquire about why you left your last position. If you left on bad terms, you need to prepare a response ahead of time to enable you to remain calm and cool while being interviewed. Keep your tone of voice light, and maintain comfortable, confident body language.
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Remain positive, and avoid negativity. Refrain from bad-mouthing any of your co-workers, managers or the company as a whole. This will only paint you in a negative light. Instead, be honest about your reason for leaving. If you were fired, be honest about the situation leading up to your termination, and then show your interviewer how the experience taught you a valuable lesson.
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Refocus the interview. After you have sufficiently addressed the issue, focus on your future goals and bring the interview back to highlighting the skills and experience that you have to offer and how it will benefit your potential employer.
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Tips & Warnings
It is crucial to properly address any concerns that a potential employer may have. Remember, remain positive, address the issue head-on and show that you have turned your last job into a learning experience.
If you are not getting results in your job search, consider consulting a career counselor for additional, more targeted, advice. There are options for online help, and most areas also have local resources.
