What to Say in an Interview When You Were Fired

It's the question many of us dread. If you have ever been fired from a job, then you know the fear that comes with the question “So why did you leave your position at [company name]?” The reason this one is so hard is that you don't want to make yourself look bad and it almost feels like a violation of the fifth amendment protection against self incrimination. But, of course, this isn't a criminal trial and the employer has a right to find out all the information before hiring you.

 

So what can you do when you have been fired? The number one thing you should never do is lie about it. It is too easy for a new employer to find out and it isn't worth it. The second thing you should never do is to bad mouth the company who fired you. If you say that the employer didn't like you or that you had “personality conflicts”, you just make yourself seem like someone who has problems fitting in with a corporate environment and are possibly a “difficult” employee.

 

If you were fired because of a change in management, company downsizing or something you had no control over, then your answer to the question is relatively easy. But, if you have been fired for actual wrongdoing, like I have been before, the problem is a bit trickier. In my case, years ago, I was fired from a large telecommunications company due to attendance issues. Although their attendance policy was overly strict and I had a young child who was going through some health issues, it still was a justified termination. So, what can we do when asked about it?

 

I think the best thing you can do to turn the situation from a big negative into one that actually makes you look like a better candidate and to tell the truth. I know it sounds crazy, but bear with me here. Tell the interviewer that you were fired, accept responsibility and admit the problems you had. Give a calm, but brief, accounting of why you were fired (from the company's viewpoint) without any bitterness or hostility. Let the interviewer know that you understand why it happened and that you would have fired you too. Be sure to tell them that you learned a lesson from the experience and have moved on.

 

By admitting your failures, you can show them that you are a person of great integrity and you are able to take responsibility for your mistakes. This sort of honesty will make you stand out from the groups of people who say “It wasn't my fault.”, “I was framed.” or “The boss had it out for me.”. Employers want to hire people who are honest, responsible and who are able to admit their mistakes, take blame, learn from it and move forward.

 

 

Are you looking for a job in the world of Finance? Be sure to visit FinancialJobBank.

 

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.