Have you ever been fired? Then it is best to know how to answer interview questions around the topic of your termination or dismissal.
This is a tough interview question to handle, feel confident that you are able to explain your dismissal in the best manner possible.
If you were clearly fired from your job and not laid off because of a retrenchment-type process then it is advisable to be open and honest in giving the reasons for your job dismissal.
It is also likely that this will be explored in an employment background check or a verbal reference check, so the situation should not be misrepresented in the job interview.
It can be difficult but try to present the dismissal in neutral terms. Recommended interview techniques for handling this tough issue emphasize the importance of demonstrating that you are able to look at the dismissal objectively.
Explaining conflict
For example, if the problem was a conflict with your manager, discuss it using the pronoun "we" to show that you accept joint accountability for the problem as in the example below.
"We were unable to work effectively together."
Show how you have taken time to critically evaluate what happened. You want the interviewer to view you as a candidate who has learned and grown from your mistakes. For example:
"I have thought about this a great deal and I can understand now what went wrong. I did not have a clear understanding of the task expectations. I should have asked for further clarification. I have learned from this and I am positive about being able to make a valuable contribution to this organization."
Avoid playing the blame game
Bad-mouthing your previous employer or manager portrays you as a bitter ex-employee who is not able to move forward.
If you were let go for performance-related reasons it is important to show that you have thought about how you could have improved the situation and how you have learned from it.
The ability to take accountability and to adapt demonstrates a
maturity and professionalism that the interviewer is looking for in the
successful job candidate.
When considering how to answer interview questions about being fired prepare a response that you feel comfortable with. Practice saying it calmly and confidently and rewrite it if necessary.
Be aware of body language
Avoid crossed arms, hunching down in your chair, looking down and not making eye contact. These all give a defensive, closed message to the interviewer. Understand what your body language is telling the interviewer.
Spend the minimum amount of time when you answer interview questions on this topic, but make sure that you have clarified the issue for the interviewer. Once you have completed your explanation, end with:
"I trust that I have addressed your concerns."
Acknowledge genuine concerns
Acknowledging that the interviewer has a genuine concern but suggesting that you have now dealt with this allows you to continue with a more positive line of questioning.
Trying to defend yourself usually results in an an awkward and prolonged discussion on a negative issue that can compromise the whole job interview.
Deal with it in an honest and neutral way and move on. Spend your time in the job interview discussing the contribution you can make to the position and company.
Everyone can improve somehow. Some
very successful people have been fired during the course of their
careers.
Knowing how to answer interview questions about why you were fired by emphasizing what you have learned from the experience and believing in yourself as the right candidate for the job will help convince the interviewer to believe in you too.
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