Fired? How to Address It in an Interview

Being fired is difficult enough to overcome as an isolated situation, but the topic will unfortunately rear its ugly head in interviews until you find a new job. “Why did you leave your last job?” is an unavoidable interview question, but your answer doesn’t have to hold you back. Learn how to address a past firing in a job interview in a positive and professional manner.

Prepare Yourself Emotionally

Before you interview, you need to come to terms with being fired, or you won’t be able to discuss the issue in a level-headed manner and move on to a fresh start. Don’t allow for negative self-talk – just because you weren’t right for a particular job or you made mistakes doesn’t mean that you can’t be a valuable employee. This can also help you move past being bitter or angry regarding your former employer (a huge red flag to other potential employers).

Don’t Sugarcoat It

Be honest when an interviewer asks you why you left your previous job. While hiring managers understand that firings happen, avoiding the question makes it look like you’re being deceitful and have something to hide. You don’t have to use the word “fired” (you may prefer “let go”) but you shouldn’t try to make it sound like you quit when that wasn’t the case.

Keep the Explanation Brief

Save the nitty-gritty details for venting sessions – focus only on providing your interviewer the absolute essentials about the circumstances. The hiring manager doesn’t need the entire scenario. Instead, develop a two-to-three sentence explanation that just covers the basics of the reason why it wasn’t a good fit.

Remain Neutral

No matter how terribly you were treated or how toxic the previous circumstances, do not badmouth your former employer. It will typically reflect poorly on you instead of them, and make the hiring manager question the validity of your story and your level of professionalism. Stay as objective as possible, and stick to facts only.

Discuss What You Learned

Hiring managers are generally most concerned that whatever caused you to be fired will happen again if they hire you. When addressing having been fired in an interview, it’s crucial that you demonstrate that you’re self-aware enough to acknowledge your shortcomings and what you learned from them so it won’t be a repeat incident if you’re hired.

Move ahead in your job search and find your next opportunity with Professional Alternatives. We are an experienced staffing firm that serves the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth areas and connects employers with top candidates for their open positions. Apply online to get started as a job seeker with Professional Alternatives.