How to Explain a Job Loss on a Resume
If a termination or layoff is part of your job history, it's natural to feel apprehensive that it might one day hinder your chances at finding new employment. Often it's not a matter of if, but when, the sensitive subject comes up during the interview process. Though you can't change your employment history, you can handle the situation tactfully while being honest and maintaining full disclosure.
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Instructions
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Tell the truth. Lying about a dismissal from a job can cause problems. Realize that your prospective employer has read your job history and is willing to interview you anyway. Being dishonest most likely disqualifies you from the job, as the truth inevitably comes out during background checks or reference checks.
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Reveal only what you must. Though being truthful is important, it can backfire if you go into too much detail. The longer your account of the past dismissal, the more time and information the employer has to possibly sway her decision out of your favor. Keep your explanation brief and tell the interviewer only what she needs to know.
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Take responsibility. Bad-mouthing the employer that let you go will only count against you. Instead, focus on how you made mistakes at the time but have learned from the error of your ways. A potential employer knows that surly bosses, employee infighting and policy changes can occur anywhere. By showing him that you are now level-headed about the potential difficulties of a job, you increase your chances of being hired.
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Outline the specific changes you made in your approach to work. You will most likely be asked what you did to improve, so be specific. This also gives your potential employer the opportunity to learn how you problem-solve. Be prepared to briefly explain the action plan you executed that made you the good hire you are today.
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References
- Photo Credit Group of business people working together in the office. image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
