On your resume, you only need to indicate the time frame you worked at a job. But often, those horribly redundant paper applications that even senior professionals have to fill out ask if you\u2019ve ever been terminated from a job, so if you\u2019ve been fired, it will probably come up during your interview. It\u2019s tempting to sweep it under the rug, but your potential employer may contact previous employers to get the story, so it behooves you to be honest.<\/p>\n
If your separation was due to a layoff, you shouldn\u2019t be afraid of saying so. That\u2019s just how the industry goes, and your interviewer probably understands. However, refrain from saying too much about the circumstances. You don\u2019t want to appear as if you\u2019re divulging sensitive or confidential information or look like you\u2019re badmouthing your former bosses.<\/p>\n
If, however, you were fired from a former job, it gets trickier. The good news is that you can still tell the truth in a way that keeps you in the running. Below are a few ways you might answer the question.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really feel like I let my employer down. They have a reputation for producing terrific, innovative work, and I guess I didn\u2019t understand exactly how high their standards were. I understand how important it is for a company like that to keep exceeding their clients\u2019 expectations, and since being let go, I\u2019ve taken steps to improve my own work, such as enrolling in a portfolio class and investing in online workshops.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the many great things about working for the company was that they encouraged their employees to speak up and take ownership of their work. I\u2019m the type of person who puts a lot of thought, effort and research into my opinions and positions, and I think it\u2019s important to be able to articulate why you believe or support something. Unfortunately, I took it a little too far. I never meant to come across as being insubordinate or hard to work with, as I know how important it is to maintain good working relationships.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI loved working at that company, but unfortunately, I was having some major challenges in my personal life. I let my issues get in the way of my performance and my professional life. Since being let go, I\u2019ve been able to take a breather, seek professional help, and I\u2019m in a much better place.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy former company was such a dynamic workplace, and they placed a premium on maintaining that company culture. Even though I work hard and it\u2019s important to me to do my job to the best of my abilities, they thought I just didn\u2019t fit the culture. I appreciate how important it is to fit in and be seen as team player, and this just wasn\u2019t a good match.\u201d<\/p>\n
The above are just examples of ways you might be able to address a firing, but they\u2019re not the only ways to approach the answer. No matter how you decide to approach it, make sure your answer hits the right points: you\u2019re sorry, you can accept responsibility for your situation, and you learned from the experience.<\/p>\n
But once you figure out your answer, don\u2019t waste any more energy worrying about it. Instead, spend time getting your portfolio in shape, preparing to engage and build a rapport with your interviewer, cementing a great first impression, and presenting the best version of your true self so an employer will realize that you\u2019d be a great addition to both their workforce and their culture. Remember, interviewing can be unpleasant even in the best of situations, but the more you do it, the better you get. And before long, you won\u2019t need to do it again!<\/p>\n