I was recently fired from my job and wonder how to handle this in interviews and on applications.

Reply by Peter Fisher

Some people say that getting fired, laid off or being made redundant is nature's way of telling you that you were in the wrong job in the first place; that may be so, but getting the sack is never fun, especially in these uncertain economic times.

Getting fired stimulates a lot of emotions that can leave you struggling emotionally when you get to an interview for a new job.

Someone else putting the brakes on a career you have worked on for years is a bad experience but most of today's workers will be fired once or twice in their careers.

It doesn't mean that you're no good - someone may be forced into the decision for financial reasons, or maybe the skills you have are becoming 'old technology'. More often people are 'made redundant' because the hiring process was inadequate in the first place, or the promotion decision was flawed.

Even if the decision to fire you was clearly your own fault, don't just give up; pick yourself up and get out there again, but do your best to establish exactly why the firing decision was made. Don't be too quick to blame your boss or your co-workers, it may have been no more than a cost cutting exercise and prospective employers know that a lot of good people are unemployed, so it isn't necessarily a stigma.

Some interviewers try to put pressure on by asking questions like:

"Why did they get rid of you?" or

"Why did they make you redundant?"


You can answer this question with confidence when you've prepared an exit statement that states the facts in a positive light and leaves you in control.


Your exit statement might go like this:

"Following another difficult year for the business, after the loss of a major contract, the directors decided to reduce the number of middle grade staff in the manufacturing division.

This unfortunately meant that a number of people including me were affected and ultimately let go. Naturally I can fully understand the reasons for the decision and I don't regret my time working there. Its been a very positive time and I learned a lot and had some very good colleagues.

Because they were very good at training and developing their staff, I also know I have gathered a good range of manufacturing and production skills so I'm pleased to be here to discuss this job with you today, because I am confident that I can bring the skills and enthusiasm that you are looking for."

Do you see how you can make a clear statement that satisfies the interviewer, answers the question but also leaves it looking forward positively.

Try a similar statement that explains your own reasons for leaving and fits your personal situation. Don't worry if it sounds a bit too bland.

The interviewer wants to hear a positive answer to the question about your reasons for leaving; wants to be sure you are not all 'bitter and twisted' about the situation and is less concerned about the past than finding out whether you can do the job you applied for!



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