Published on Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008
Looking for a new job? Typically, interviewers and employers want to know why you left your old one and the cliched, ‘Why did you leave your last job?’ inevitably pops up.
Everything is hunky dory if you can state ‘accepted’ reasons like career advancement, relocation or even a quest for higher pay.
But, the going gets tough when your previous employer had given you the boot – be it warranted or unwarranted. Being laid-off following a severe downsizing, merger or outsourcing is still explainable, but what if you were fired for misconduct, poor job performance or some such undesirable reason!
The issue is sticky enough and most people are at a loss for what to say and end up spluttering with lame excuses or worse, atrocious lies.
Never make up false stories as you are bound to be caught out during the scrupulous background checks and clever digging, where your former boss/colleagues may candidly spill the beans on the actual gory reasons for your termination. Even if you manage to get away with it initially, the truth has an uncanny way of coming out sooner or later. And, a blatant lie on a job application forms adequate grounds for dismissal at any point in the future. The ‘small lie’ will eventually cost you big time and quench all your hopes of landing a good job again!
It is best to stick to the truth. Here are a few tips on how to explain to potential employers that you were fired previously and still bag the new job:
• You can choose to tell your side of the story in the interview. Instead of mentioning on the job application that you were fired, try something in the vein of, ‘Prefer to explain in interview’.
• Practise in advance what you want to say to be able to respond comfortably and confidently.
• Experts’ opinion is divided over whether to volunteer the dismissal information on your own during the interview or only if asked. Therefore, it’s your call whether you wish to clear the air or not.
• When admitting that you were sacked, calmly tell the truth as you see it. Keep it short and sweet as blabbering on with long-winded explanations can let slip unnecessary details.
• If it was your fault, acknowledge your mistake, show remorse and accept responsibility for what happened.
• Calmly and objectively skim over the facts without sounding angry, bitter, quarrelsome or defensive.
• Emphasise how you have learned your lesson and benefited from the experience. Convince the interviewer that you are eager to move on and the blunder will not happen again.
• Whatever you say or do, never criticise, insult or blame your former boss. As a career coach advises, “employees are supposed to toe the line, and if you say anything wrong about your ex-boss it will be seen as your adjustment, authority and team working problems.”
• While its necessary to stick to the truth, you do not have to sound negative either. Turn it into a positive with something like, “Being cut loose was a blessing in disguise. Now I have an opportunity to explore jobs that better suit my qualifications and interests” and you may end up scoring brownie points too.
• You can gloss over the less serious details but never resort to escapist justifications like office politics or personality conflicts with the manager as they will further paint you in a bad light.
• Stick to the same honest story no matter how many people interview you. Do not contradict yourself, as interviewers will compare notes causing you to lose face ultimately.
Unfortunately, there is no magic way out and what you say is ultimately up to you. While the ethical route may not work everytime, the employer will respect you for daring to speak the truth and may even empathise with your situation.
However, it’s not only what you say but also how you say it that makes all the difference. So, first adjust your attitude and accept that getting fired (while definitely to be avoided) is just part of the game. It does not necessarily mean that you make a bad or unreliable employee whom nobody will hire. Coming to grips with your pain, embarrassment and other misgivings will help you to sound upbeat, mature and responsible. Build the confidence that you are a good worker with solid abilities, intelligence and enthusiasm. This will help you shift the focus from the dismissal and move on to your strongholds like skills and achievements. You can also draw on your references and professional contacts to further establish your credibility and redeem yourself in the eyes of prospective employers.
Everything is hunky dory if you can state ‘accepted’ reasons like career advancement, relocation or even a quest for higher pay.
But, the going gets tough when your previous employer had given you the boot – be it warranted or unwarranted. Being laid-off following a severe downsizing, merger or outsourcing is still explainable, but what if you were fired for misconduct, poor job performance or some such undesirable reason!
The issue is sticky enough and most people are at a loss for what to say and end up spluttering with lame excuses or worse, atrocious lies.
Never make up false stories as you are bound to be caught out during the scrupulous background checks and clever digging, where your former boss/colleagues may candidly spill the beans on the actual gory reasons for your termination. Even if you manage to get away with it initially, the truth has an uncanny way of coming out sooner or later. And, a blatant lie on a job application forms adequate grounds for dismissal at any point in the future. The ‘small lie’ will eventually cost you big time and quench all your hopes of landing a good job again!
It is best to stick to the truth. Here are a few tips on how to explain to potential employers that you were fired previously and still bag the new job:
• You can choose to tell your side of the story in the interview. Instead of mentioning on the job application that you were fired, try something in the vein of, ‘Prefer to explain in interview’.
• Practise in advance what you want to say to be able to respond comfortably and confidently.
• Experts’ opinion is divided over whether to volunteer the dismissal information on your own during the interview or only if asked. Therefore, it’s your call whether you wish to clear the air or not.
• When admitting that you were sacked, calmly tell the truth as you see it. Keep it short and sweet as blabbering on with long-winded explanations can let slip unnecessary details.
• If it was your fault, acknowledge your mistake, show remorse and accept responsibility for what happened.
• Calmly and objectively skim over the facts without sounding angry, bitter, quarrelsome or defensive.
• Emphasise how you have learned your lesson and benefited from the experience. Convince the interviewer that you are eager to move on and the blunder will not happen again.
• Whatever you say or do, never criticise, insult or blame your former boss. As a career coach advises, “employees are supposed to toe the line, and if you say anything wrong about your ex-boss it will be seen as your adjustment, authority and team working problems.”
• While its necessary to stick to the truth, you do not have to sound negative either. Turn it into a positive with something like, “Being cut loose was a blessing in disguise. Now I have an opportunity to explore jobs that better suit my qualifications and interests” and you may end up scoring brownie points too.
• You can gloss over the less serious details but never resort to escapist justifications like office politics or personality conflicts with the manager as they will further paint you in a bad light.
• Stick to the same honest story no matter how many people interview you. Do not contradict yourself, as interviewers will compare notes causing you to lose face ultimately.
Unfortunately, there is no magic way out and what you say is ultimately up to you. While the ethical route may not work everytime, the employer will respect you for daring to speak the truth and may even empathise with your situation.
However, it’s not only what you say but also how you say it that makes all the difference. So, first adjust your attitude and accept that getting fired (while definitely to be avoided) is just part of the game. It does not necessarily mean that you make a bad or unreliable employee whom nobody will hire. Coming to grips with your pain, embarrassment and other misgivings will help you to sound upbeat, mature and responsible. Build the confidence that you are a good worker with solid abilities, intelligence and enthusiasm. This will help you shift the focus from the dismissal and move on to your strongholds like skills and achievements. You can also draw on your references and professional contacts to further establish your credibility and redeem yourself in the eyes of prospective employers.
PAYAL CHANANIA
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