Guest Author - Gwendolyn Thompson
Dealing with a previous job termination during an interview for a potential job can be nerve racking to say the least. It would be much easier to explain a layoff from a company then why you were let go. Honesty is the sure policy during the interview and on the application. After all, you are not the first to be fired.
If you are asked on the application if you have ever been let go from a job you need to answer yes. Under the explanation you should state that you would like to discuss the reasons during an interview. You need to address the reasons with yourself and come to terms with them and be honest during an interview.
How you present the situation to a prospective employer makes all the difference. Make sure that you understand why you were let go and have come to terms with it so that when you present your reasons you are honest and brief. Keep the focus on the job that you are applying for and not on your previous job.
Keep in mind that the person doing the interview will be trying to determine any problem areas that you may have by the way that you present your reasons for the termination. If you were found at fault then you would present it as a learning experience or if it was a disagreement then it was not due to misconduct.
Keep your reasons brief and honest and to the point. Then move on and keep the focus on your qualifications for the job that you are interviewing for. Never point blame for the termination to some one else. Keep the interview positive by presenting that you have accepted it and are ready to move on.
Being able to convince potential employers that regardless of what has happened in the past you are a good candidate for this potential job and presenting the reasons why will help you keep the interview positive and in your favor. Your honesty will be appreciated when they check with previous employers.
If you are confident and handle the interview well by being prepared for questions regarding previous employment that you may have been let go from then you should appear to be a mature and responsible person to the interviewer. Rehearse and prepare for questions on why you were dismissed.
Prepare the terminology that you will use in the interview in reference to why you were fired. You can use words like ”job ended” or “terminated” as well as “let go” in place of the word “fired”. Prepare your tone of voice by practicing your answers to a relative or friend through role playing in a positive manner.
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