Job interviews are stressful under any circumstance. Add in having to address why you were fired from another position, and the anxiety can be almost crippling. However, it is NOT a deal-breaker! It is possible to gracefully cover a previous firing while selling yourself during an interview. Here’s exactly how to address the fact that you were fired during your next job interview.
Be Honest
First and foremost, be honest. Don’t try to hide the fact that you were let go or lie about the reasoning behind it. A reference check or industry connections could easily expose the truth and prevent you from receiving an offer. And unfortunately, in this situation, it won’t be the firing itself that keeps you from your next position but the deceit surrounding it. So, when the interviewer asks why you left your job, address it head-on.
Keep It Brief
While explaining past firings, keep it brief. You can tackle this directly without divulging too many details. Don’t let the conversation linger on past mistakes. Additionally, leave emotions out of it. There is a fine line between explaining your employment situation and airing grievances about your past company, manager, or coworkers. Instead, be straightforward in your answer and focus on moving the narrative towards the future.
Demonstrate Growth
After your brief, honest explanation about your situation, it’s important to demonstrate to your interviewer that it won’t happen again. Hopefully, you learned an important lesson that you’re ready to carry into a new job. Share that lesson and use it as an opportunity to articulate why this job is a great fit. In the end, it should transition nicely to you selling yourself for the position.
Remember, past firings are not a deal-breaker for employers. They are not concerned about whether you are suitable for someone else’s job; they want to know why you are ideal for their job. Ultimately, they want to see that you are honest, direct, and able to take responsibility for your actions.
Are you looking for more interview advice? Head to our candidate resources! We have endless amounts of insights on interview questions, what to wear, and how to follow up. Good luck!
