When interviewing for a new position, the hiring manager may ask you to explain why you left your previous role and if you’ve ever been terminated from a job. If you have been terminated from a job, it’s helpful to prepare a clear and concise answer that helps the interviewer understand the circumstances. If you can express how you’ve taken responsibility for and learned from your mistakes, you’ll be able to redirect the conversation in a more positive direction.In this article, we explain why employers ask about past terminations, how to answer the question if you encounter it during a job interview and provide several examples that may help you answer this question.
How To Explain Being Fired In A Job Interview – 3 Answer Examples
How to Respond
This can be a challenging job interview question to answer, and not preparing a response ahead of time can negatively impact a manager’s view of you. If you have been fired, answer honestly and without making excuses. Face the question head-on with a detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to you losing your job.
Sample Responses to “Have You Ever Been Fired?”
It’s important to prepare your answer to this interview question ahead of time, so take a few moments to think about what you’ll say. Use the following sample responses as a guide to help develop a thoughtful, effective reply:
Sample Answer 1 – Furniture Store Sales Associate
“I was let go from a previous job due to a financial error I made. A young couple came in shopping for a new living room set, and I helped them. When I rang them out, I accidentally used the wrong barcode, which cost the company money. I completely understand why I was terminated, and I’ve made it a point since then always to double-check transactions carefully.”
Sample Answer 2 – Movie Theater Usher
“The cinema I used to work for had to lay off most of the staff due to the economy. I was among those who were let go. A lot of great people lost their jobs, and the manager felt terrible about it. We understood that it was out of his control, and everyone was just thankful the business didn’t have to close its doors.”
Sample Answer 3 – Cafe Barista
“My first job was at a busy cafe. I did fine during my training, but once I was out on my own, I started having trouble. I would feel overwhelmed and mixed up customer orders. After a few warnings, I was let go. My manager told me that I needed more experience working in a busy environment. Since then, I’ve had multiple fast-paced jobs and now feel very comfortable in any situation.”
Responses to Avoid
If you encounter a question like, “Have you ever been asked to leave a position?” avoid answering defensively or placing blame on another person. Additionally, refusing to answer the question or becoming agitated and upset can harm your chances of getting the job.
Emphasize Your Positive Attributes
Try to keep the conversation moving forward in a positive manner. Pivot to your skills and abilities, and tie them to the qualifications listed in the job description. This way, you can show the hiring manager how youre a good fit for the job.
Tips for Giving the Best Response
The more comfortable you are discussing the topic of your termination, the more comfortable the hiring manager will be with your response. Come prepared to explain the situation and practice until you overcome any feelings of embarrassment. Remember that some of the best and brightest workers in history have been let go.
Examples of the Best Answers
Example Answer #1
Being cut loose was a blessing in disguise. Now I have an opportunity to explore jobs that better suit my qualifications and interests. My research suggests that such an opportunity may be the one on your table. Would you like to hear more about my skills in working with new technology?
Why It Works: This answer deals with the issue quickly and positively and moves on to your skills and qualifications. While you don’t want to seem dismissive of the question, the goal is to pivot as smoothly as possible to why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Example Answer #2
The job wasnt working out, so my boss and I agreed that it was time for me to move on to a position that would show a better return for both of us. So, Im available and ready to work.
Why It Works: This reply hints at ongoing and constructive communication with the boss. It also shows that you bear your former employer no ill. It’s honest and positive.
Example Answer #3
My job was outsourced to India. It was unfortunate, because people familiar with my work say I did my job well and I always got excellent reviews from my managers.
Why It Works: If you were laid off through no fault of your own, definitely say so as soon as possible! And if you can throw in a plug for the quality of your work, so much the better.
Example Answer #4
I outlasted several downsizings, but the last one included me. Sign of the times, I guess.
Why It Works: Again, employers and hiring managers understand that layoffs come for even the best workers. If you were laid off, say so. But don’t use this answer if it’s not true. Lying during the interview process has a way of coming back to haunt candidates later on.
Example Answer #5
I was desperate for work and took the wrong job without looking around the corner. I wont make that mistake again. Id prefer an environment that is congenial, structured, and team-oriented, where my best talents can shine and make a substantial contribution.
Why It Works: Nearly everyone has had the experience of taking a job that wasn’t a good fit. This answer shows that you’re able to learn from the bad and focus on the good.
How to answer, “Have you ever been terminated from a job?”
When getting ready for a job interview, its helpful to be prepared to answer this question in a way that still highlights your qualifications. Here are a few steps to take to help you explain your termination to a future employer:
Example 3
“After working in my previous position for a little over a year, it was determined that my job was no longer needed at the company, so I was terminated. I learned a lot within this role, and I am grateful for the time I spent with them.”
This is an excellent way to answer this question if the candidate was terminated through no fault of their own. Most employees understand that layoffs sometimes happen and that this is typically something they cant control.
Use the STAR technique
The STAR technique is a great way to explain your termination and what you learned from it. STAR stands for:
Try to use the STAR technique throughout the interview to give hiring managers detailed, impressive answers.
Keep it short and simple
Though you dont need to go into much detail about the circumstances of the termination, a short explanation can help the hiring manager make a more informed hiring decision. Once you state the reason for the termination, let them know youve taken full responsibility for your actions and made an effort to learn from them.
An example of how to best answer this question for experienced candidates: “Two jobs ago, I was part of a general layoff that took place companywide. I will admit that I didn’t think any pending layoffs would affect me in my role, since I had just been ranked #1 nationally in that role. However, the company decided to remove that entire level from the structure of the firm, so literally everyone at my level was laid off. Because I was not actively looking for another role, it did take me a couple of months before I landed in my current role…”
An example of how to best answer this question for entry level candidates: “I have never been fired, but I did have a summer job after my freshman year where I was let go halfway through the summer due to general cutbacks at the company. I will admit that I was devastated at the time, but it was due to being considered a part-time seasonal employee and all of the seasonal employees were let go in a cost cutting measure. It was already too late in the summer to find another full-time job, so I ended up working for my Mom in her business. But the next summer I was determined to get a proper internship and did. Then I got another great internship this past summer. Both of those internships are closely tied to my major and this role…”
Why the interviewer is asking this question: The interviewer is being bold in asking this question. It often catches candidates off guard, since they do not expect it to be asked. There is no issue with the interviewer asking the question (legally or otherwise), although you are not required to give all details, especially if you have been fired or let go in the past. The interviewer is attempting to determine if anything took place in your past employment which warranted termination of employment. If yes, this will be a red flag to the interviewer. It isn’t necessarily a dead end, but depending on the answer, it may warrant further exploration in reference checking and general background checking for verification.
The best approach to answering this question: If you have not been fired or asked to leave a job (which is often the case for candidates in their first job after college), the answer is a simple “No” and the interviewer will typically move on to the next question. But if you have a gap in your employment, the interviewer may choose to further probe that gap. If you were laid off, state the circumstances, but also note that the employer may probe to find out who was not laid off to differentiate why you were chosen for the layoff. You are best to keep your answers brief and focus forward.
Further review: know the answers to these 100 Standard Interview Questions to be fully prepared for your interview!
To turn this difficult question to your advantage, make sure to work the following information into your answer:
Even if you believe that what happened was unmerited, its best to show a mature and responsible attitude when discussing this subject during an interview.
A strong answer to a question about a past firing or termination could sound like this:
An interviewer typically will use your response to assess what type of issues may arise if the company hires you. Just as importantly, your interviewer may judge your ability to take responsibility for your actions and learn from your mistakes based on how you answer this question.
Try to give your interviewer enough information to understand the situation, but dont dwell on this question for too long.
How to handle being fired on your job application
Your job application, on the other hand, is going to ask you for a brief description of why you left your job. If you prefer, you can simply write “job ended,” “laid off,” or “terminated” on your job application. This is recommended since your goal with your application and resume is to get an interview. You have a much better chance of dealing with the issue in person than you do of dealing with it on paper.
FAQ
How do you answer Have you ever been fired?
- Be honest. …
- Keep it short and simple. …
- Share your improvements. …
- Focus on the positives and what you have to offer. …
- Use the STAR technique. …
- Practice your response.
What does have you ever been terminated from a position for cause mean?
How do you explain termination on a job application?
- Understand why you were terminated. Think about why you were terminated from the company. …
- Keep your explanation concise. Your job application needs only a brief version of why you were terminated. …
- Tell the truth. …
- Describe your termination positively. …
- Use soft language.
Have you ever been dismissed from a job or resigned from a job in lieu of termination?
However, if a prospective employer specifically asks, “Have you ever been asked to resign from a position in lieu of being terminated?” answer honestly. Say “Yes, I have,” and explain what you learned from the experience and the areas in which you’ve improved since your resignation.
