I was terminated from my job due to performance. What do I tell potential employers?

Question

I lost my job due to unsatisfactory job performance. What do I tell new employers when applying for another position? Also, what do I put on applications as reason for leaving?

Answer 1

you tell them that you left cause you needed more of a challenge

Answer 2

Tell them they truth because they will probably check with your previous employer. However, you might also want to say how you've learned from the experience and changed your ways. Do not make excuses; take responsibility for your actions. If you didn't know what was expected in your previous job, then say so, but also say (and believe) that it was your responsibility, not your former employer's, to know what constituted satisfactory performance. If you did not have the appropriate training for your previous job and that lead to poor performance, say so. However, stress that you have taken or are taking additional training courses, or that you have the training for the position to which you are now applying.

Also, this would be a good time to ask a potential employer what he feels is outstanding (not merely satsifactory) job performance. After carefully listening to his response, tell him how you feel you can meet or exceed his expectations in the position for which you are applying.

One other thing, have a friend call your previous employer and ask for a reference--dates of employement, positon, supervisor's name, why you left or were terminated and if you would be eligible for re-hire. Seeing what this employer says about you may also help you form your response.

Answer 3

Simply state it wasn't a good fit for you and state the reasons why without talking negatively about the employer. But always be honest! If your employer finds out that you lied, you could be fired from that job as well. Now instead of explaining one firing, you'll be explaining two.

My next thought would be to ask you how long you worked there. Just because you worked somewhere for a month or two doesn't mean you have to put it on your resume. If you truly feel like you can't tell an employer you got fired, then don't put the job on your resume.

Answer 4

This is a tough one, you do not want to lie on an application and you don't want to "bad-mouth" a prior employer either. If you are looking for a different type of job, I would put "job not as expected"

If your prior employer completes the "reason left" as poor performance on a verification they leave themselves open for possible litigation so most will not even answer that question and post a comment " answered as per company policy" under additional information. They only time this is answered is on unemployment forms and that is NOT a reason to not collect as long as you did the job to the best of your ability even if it wasn't to their expectations.

Good luck in your job search!

Answer 5

Keep it to the minimum, I tried it, it didn't work out, if they were pissed about your performance and might tell you might want to add that you didn't see eye to eye w. the boss but don't elaborate at all. List a couple of refs from earlier jobs so that if they ask who to contact for refs you can just point at your CV/Resume. From this position it's easier to get a job w. a CV and letter, when you start answering all their little interrogation questions on applications you'll get blown out of the water by the first 'Mary Poppins' who lies well on her ap. and at interview. Don't waste your time, email and post loads of CV's/Resumes w. accurate cover letters tuned for the jobs, if you've done a few things well before someone will eventually see how they could use you and they might even be OK.

Answer 6

Just remember to show up for your interview early, dress up some, look fresh, and pay attention to your interviewer. Answere all your questions in a positive note, short and to the point. Tell your prospective employer that your looking for a job that has more responsibility and a potential future, and a higher rate of pay. BUT DON'T complain about your last boss ABOUT ANYTHING.....yOU WILL PROBABLY GET A BETTER EVALUATION than you think. Be prepared...............Your honest...you will make it.

Answer 7

I agree with what everyone has written. I was terminated in February, not for quite the same thing, but I am not telling anyone anything on my applications. I am getting my unemployment though....had a hiring and the state of Texas voted in my favor and not the companies...yea!

Answer 8

On an application I would put position term ended and leave it at that for now and when they ask why you left - I'd say that my career interests/goals didnt align with their companies ideas/needs and I was let go.

Answer 9

absolutely nothing.
because it will hurt you in the future when trying to get other jobs.
they're think that your unreliable.
so I'd just say that i quit. on a greater majority of my applications

Answer 10

LIE! dont tell them anything they dont need to know. Tell them you took a hiatus to go explore the world or whatever. Make up something in its place.