Getting fired is by no means a fun experience, and the thought of having to talk about it in an interview makes some people want stop the job search process altogether! But many talented professionals get laid off in their lifetime, and believe it or not, there are some relatively painless ways to address the experience in an interview. Remember that you don’t owe anyone a long explanation about the circumstances leading up to your termination. Keep your story short, and always try to turn the discussion to the positive. Here are 4 answers for your interviewer if he or she asks why you were let go at your previous job:
1. I should not have taken the job to begin with. It was a poor fit for my background and skills, and I have learned from my mistake.
2. My company/department underwent some major changes after I was hired. A new manager changed my responsibilities and did not understand how to utilize my strengths. I did my best in a difficult situation.
3. Getting fired had to do with personal issues at the time, and not my performance. My personal issues have been resolved, and I am ready to dedicate myself fully to this job.
4. I saw that the company was being restructured, and it should have been my signal to start looking for a new job. But instead, I let my loyalty to the company get me caught in the middle of it all.
Remember to stay positive and enthusiastic throughout your interview, and you will see great results!
Subscribe