How To Explain Being Fired Or Laid Off In A Job Interview

If you are interviewing for a job and have been laid off or fired you probably will be dreading the “why did you leave your last job?” question.  Though depending on the circumstances there may be no need to fear the question at all.

Firstly, it is important to differentiate between both being fired and being laid off.

Being laid off is often beyond the employee’s control, it can occur due to market forces, a downturn in the employer’s economic outlook and many other reasons so, in most cases, no blame can be aimed in the employee’s direction.

There are a number of reasons why someone can get fired including misconduct, excessive absenteeism, weak performance in his/her role and many more reasons. The tips outlined below should help you craft an answer that suits your scenario.

                                                                                                                                                   If You Have Been Laid Off

 1) Explain the honest reasoning why you were laid off and be sure to make the interviewer aware that it wasn’t just you, your department was laid off also for example.
                                                                                                                                                    2) As part of your answer describe that it was disappointing given that in your previous 10 years (for example) professional experience you have never faced the situation before.

3) Express that you have overcome the disappointment and are now eagerly looking forward to a new challenge.

                                                                                                                                                       If You Have Been Fired

1) Describe the reason why you were fired before going on to explain how you have learned from your mistake and are now older and wiser.

2) Mention how your failure in your previous job has made you even more determined to be a success in your next job.

3) Be honest never try to blame anyone else for past mistakes as this will make you come across as a bitter ex-employee and that is not good.

                                                                                                                                             Don’t bring the subject up unless the interviewer does, as there is a slight chance that the question about why you left your last job may not even be asked.  Prepare for it regardless as in most probability you will be asked it and by answering the question correctly you will have overcome a significant hurdle in your quest for interview success.

Filed under: Interview answers • job interview • job interviews

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