What to Tell an Interviewier If You Were Fired From a Job?
Getting fired from a job is never easy. Finding another employer in the face of your recent termination can be even more difficult if you don't know how to explain the dismissal in an interview. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to explain your termination, paint your job skills in a positive light and possibly secure your new job.
Other People Are Reading
-
No Negative Talk
-
Under no circumstances should you use your interview as an opportunity to verbally bash your former employer, your direct supervisor or any coworker. This can make you seem overly negative and bitter, which can hurt your chances of securing this new position. Instead, use the time to explain to your interviewer what you learned from your working experience with your previous employer. Focus on the positives and the particular challenges you overcame in your last position.
Take Full Responsibility
-
Not every job is a perfect fit for everyone. Take full responsibility for your job loss stating your particular skills and your previous employer's needs were not ideally suited for one another. This avoids implying any specific failure or inadequacy on your part and also keeps your explanation professional. An interviewer may appreciate your ability to accept responsibility for your job loss, and may interpret this quality as a strength the company you're applying to can utilize. The ability to accept responsibility for failure as well as success is often a key trait of a successful leader.
-
Always Be Brief
-
Keep your explanation brief and avoid any personal interpretations or musings as to why you were fired. The longer you go on about your previous job loss, the more likely it is that you may interject some negative feelings or give away some negative personality trait that could work against you in the interview. For example, if you were terminated for repeatedly showing up late to work, you might say you were terminated for violating company policy. It's true, but doesn't dwell on negative details. It's important to communicate you've learned from your past mistakes and amended your behavior moving forward.
Remain Truthful
-
A positive tone and a brief response about your termination are only as successful as how true your statement is. You must tell your interviewer the truth in regards to your termination. Lying about the circumstances of your termination could cost you a job if the interviewer calls your former employer to confirm your story. If you don't offer details about the termination your previous employer may be reluctant to reveal details of your firing for fear of a defamation of character lawsuit. If you simply state the reason for your termination, including violation of company rules, your interviewer can only confirm your statement with your previous employer.
-
