Explaining to Future Employers Why You Were Fired
LOS ANGELES, CA-- July 13, 2006 -- As if getting fired wasn't rough enough, now what are you supposed to write in the box "Reason for leaving" when filling out an application for a new job? According to Bill Wells, managing director of Lee Hecht Harrison's Southern California/Arizona offices, you have options. "A simple way to address this question without having it overshadow your qualifications is to write, 'Prefer to explain in interview' or 'Mutual employment termination,' which will give you the opportunity to address
the issue personally," says Wells. Once you're in an interview, the worst thing you can do is flat-out lie. "Keep your answers short and to the point. Don't make excuses or criticize your former employer or company," says Wells. Tell your side of the story as you see fit -- your goal is to move past the topic and onto why you'd be perfect for the job you're applying for now. "If your interviewer insists on probing into the reasons why you left your job, explain briefly and then focus on what you learned
from the experience," says Wells. If you'd rather not go into detail, simply say, "It wasn't a good fit, so my boss and I mutually agreed to end our working relationship." Your final hurdle in landing any job is to pass the background check. If you're concerned about what your former employer may say, Wells suggests calling the company's HR department to explain your situation and inquire about the company policy for answering questions about a terminated employee. If appropriate, you can ask your former boss or supervisor what
he or she would say if questioned by someone interested in hiring you. Remember, you aren't the first, and certainly won't be the last person, to find themselves in this situation and you're doing the best thing possible -- moving on. Established in 1974, Lee Hecht Harrison is the leading global career services company specializing in providing leadership consulting and career management services. Its focus is helping organizations and their employees deal with career transitions, career management and the effect of
change on careers, work and employability. Visit www.lhh.com.
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