I was fired from my last job. How do I explain this situation during my next interview?

Question

I have a very strong work history and have never been fired from a job before. However, my last boss and I had strong differences. I wanted to quick within 2 months of being there but my family told me to stick it through as long as I could handle the situation while also looking for another job. I could take it no longer-cleaned out my desk one night before leaving and the next morning after I conducted an employee meeting-he fired me. I am feeling really unsure of how to answer the question.."so why did you leave your previous employer?" Any ideas?

Answer 1

We all find ourselves in bad situations once in a while. The key thing to remember is that it is not the circumstance of being let go, but how you handle it in an interview that really matters. There are scant few of us who have never been dismissed.

You cannot deny that it happened and the more forthright you are with your answer, the more confident and trustworthy you will present yourself.

Explain your strong work history and track record of good relations with employers and superiors. Emphasize that for some unknown reason, you and he could not see eye-to-eye, despite your attempts to do so. Certainly, you had no reason to believe you wouldn't get along or else you would not have accepted that job. Did something change? If so, make reference to that. Reinforce the fact that this was a new experience for you and that you attempted to make the best of it while you worked on an exit strategy. If you were not fired for cause then you have an even better situation.

I think the fact that you had planned to leave that same day is a key consideration. It sounds like your boss wanted to have the satisfaction of letting you go instead of you walking out the door.

Now, here comes the test of character and some pragmatism. It is extremely unlikely that a prospective employer will ever get the chance to learn of the character of your separation. The only thing that your previous employer will disclose is that you had worked there, the dates of employment, and maybe your title.

Give it a test. Have a friend pose as an employer and let them call to verify your employment. See if they can speak with your previous manager. It is highly unlikely they will be able to do so. In rare occassions a company may answer the question "Would you hire this person again?" but still most will say "yes" rather than put themselves in a bind. Firms are too afraid of lawsuits to say anything more than the most basic info. Once you confirm that, you will have more confidence in your interviews.

Although it would be a little stretch, you could say that it was a mutual decision that there was not a good fit between you two and it was best to part ways. After all, you had already decided to leave, right?

Good luck and try to keep this in perspective. It is just one bad experience with an employer that you were with for a very short time. Your long term results are of much greater importance.

Answer 2

It sounds like the decision to leave may have been mutual...perhaps you should state that in your interview.

First, find out if your old companies mangers are allowed to provide references. You can call HR and find out.

If your old boss isn't allowed to provide any real info you'll have much more room to give your side of the story without being contradicted.

Create one sentence that explains the reason and then move on.

By the way, you should repost this question with more information on what happend between you and him. We could then give you a better sentence to explain why you parted company.

Answer 3

Be careful about saying you couldn't get along with your boss, it might show that you don't have respect for authority.

Maybe mention that you didn't see yourself there long term because the overall team dynamics were lacking. You value teamwork and are interested in working for a company that shares your values.

When they follow this response up with questions, make sure you don't rag on your boss ... even though he was a jerk. Be very tactful. Practice talking to a third party that can objectively evaluate your statements.

Hope it all works out for you!

Answer 4

It's completely up to you whether or not to answer that question truthfully. Even if you put your previous job on your resume (optional) your boss cannot tell them that you were fired.

Whatever you do, unless you know your prospective employer personally, DO NOT DENIGRATE your previous boss. It is completely unprofessional, and could cause a red flag with your new boss!

GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 5

You already answered your own question. Tell you potential employer just what you said here. Honesty is the best policy. If you lie and your new employer finds out, how's that going to make you look? Your best course of action is to be completely honest. If it was an impossible situation you were in, they will understand. If they don't understand, you probably don't want to work for them either.