Explaining Mysterioius Termination in Interview

Being fired is certainly never a pleasant experience, and the faster you can put it behind you the better. But before you do, please do one thing for me. You say you were not fired for a specific reason, but was there some reason? I only ask because I think it is vital that job-seekers learn from all experiences, good and bad. It’s also important because of the possibility that your previous employer will be contacted by a prospective employer — and you need to have an idea of what might be said about you.

Assuming the position was eliminated in close proximity to your dismissal, I would simply state — but only when the issue arises — that your position was downsized. Don’t offer any other information and quickly move on to how you can make a contribution with the prospective employer. The key is never offering any negative information — and never dwelling on it. Also, don’t blame yourself, your boss, or your former company for the dismissal.

I don’t know how long ago you were dismissed, but if it was longer than a few months, a bigger issue may revolve around what you’ve been doing in the interim… so be sure you have something positive (and truthful) to say about the time, such as getting additional
or gaining new (and invaluable) skills.

And if you have been out of the job market for a while, be sure to sharpen your resume-writing and interviewing skills. You should also talk with folks in your network to learn of new opportunities — as well as look for opportunities to expand your network.

Finally, while you don’t sound defensive or negative, you might want to conduct a mock interview with a trusted associate to see if any negative feelings are bubbling near the surface. Getting fired is traumatic — and big hit on our egos — and sometimes it’s not as easy to let go as we might think.

Get more tips and suggestions in this article published on Quintessential Careers: Getting Fired: An Opportunity for Change and Growth.