How To Explain to interviewer Why You Were Fired? 2021

Being fired or terminated from your job, not sure how to explain It in an interview. In this article, I’m going to give you some facts, strategies, and tips on approaching the subject of being fired. One of the hardest things about being fired is trying to figure out how you’re going to explain when applying for future jobs. Am I right?. Well, I want to start off by giving you a few facts and insights that might help you put things in perspective. 

According to Bureau of labor statistics 2017 

The average worker currently holds 10 different jobs before the age of 40 and the average person will hold between 12 and 15 jobs in their lifetime. People change jobs for a variety of reasons including higher wage, career advancement, career change, a company or personal relocation, a less stressful job, a toxic or negative work environment, management or ownership change, they didn’t get the promotion they wanted, more challenges or variety, not feeling valued or recognized for their contributions, office politics or difficult co-workers or a difficult boss, a layoff, job redundancy. Because the company’s downsizing or restructuring or changing personal priorities, wanting better work-life balance., They got fired for cause or wrongful dismissal or the company’s declining and job stability is a concern.

As a recruiter and former hiring manager. When I’m hiring for a position my focus is on finding the candidate with the best overall fit for the position, the company culture and the team. And  my decision to hire is based on skills and abilities, education, attributes, personality, competencies, and a certain degree of personal intuition. Because that’s one of my natural talents. Although I may ask why you left your last role or why you’re currently looking for work? I am not focused on that as my sole consideration for hiring you. If you tell me you were let go from your last job of course I’m going to be naturally curious and looking for potential red flags. 

However, people get fired. It happens I know that and I know there are two sides to every story. Of course I want to know what the reason was and if it was something you caused I want reassurance that you learn from it and won’t let it happen again.I’m telling you this because I want you to understand that if you were fired from a job. You’re not alone there are many reasons people leave a job and they aren’t all easy reasons to explain. When an employer is hiring there are many aspects that take into consideration. When looking for the ideal candidate. So being fired from the last job or a past job is not going to automatically disqualify you. Now let’s jump into some tips. and strategies.

Tip number one: If you aren’t asked don’t tell  

If you aren’t asked why you left your last role or your past job? Then don’t offer an explanation and don’t put it in your resume or cover letter. Some employers won’t ask because they like what they see on paper and they like your first impression when they meet you. Then They will be more interested in what you can do for them and why you left your last job.

Tip number two: Tell the Truth

If you are asked why you were fired or why you left your last job? Then don’t lie. You know what happens to pinocchio. You’ll only get yourself in more trouble and jeopardize a job offer if you get caught in a lie. However, not lying is not the same as spilling the beans. You don’t need to explain why you’re fired in full detail. 

Strategy number one: is keep it brief, factual, appropriate. and keep your emotions out of it.

Don’t place blame, don’t bad mouth your employer, take responsibility if you did something wrong, explain what you learned and what you did differently to avoid it happening again.

Strategy number two: develop a concise answer and practice it.

Trust me I have seen it happen where people are asked why they left their last job they’re so nervous in the interview and when a dreaded question comes up they  panic and verbally vomit the entire story in full detail including all the things. I advise not to say, out spills their anger, resentment, blame, defensiveness and often things that even the employer would keep confidential and you know what it’s a huge turn off and can cost you the job. This is one of those situational answers you want to have well rehearsed and feel comfortable answered quickly and concisely. And if at all possible try to put positive spin or segway to something positive. I’ll show you what I mean in a couple of upcoming examples.

Strategy number three: Non-disclosure agreement.

If you were fired for sensitive issues such as inappropriate behavior, bullying, harassment, or really any issue. You may have been asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement as part of your termination or release. It’s a good thing if you have because that now becomes your reason for not being able to explain the details of why you were fired? However, this may also leave a little too much to the imagination of your potential employer. So what I recommend is to come up with a simple explanation and then move on here’s an example.

“I was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement one when I left the company, so I can’t get into the details but what I can say is. It involved me having to file a harassment claim against another employee. it was uncomfortable for me to continue working with this person, so the company and I came to a mutual decision that I would find employment elsewhere.” 

If you are fired for a reason you’re embarrassed about or really any reason for that matter. As I mentioned earlier, you want to segue your answer to a positive statement or other topics such as a question. like I am going to show you an upcoming example. Depending on the circumstances of why and how you were terminated, sometimes It’s good enough to say “the position wasn’t a good fit” or “The company was bought out, the new management restructured them and my position was made redundant.”