Why Were You Fired: How to Answer The Interview Question

Have you ever lost your job? In that case, you might be unsure of how to address your predicament in a job interview. After all, the topic will probably arise. How should you best reply when asked by someone why were you fired from your previous job? How do you explain being fired in a way that won't make you look bad in an interview?

One of the most difficult interview questions to respond to is being asked the reason you were fired. Talking about leaving your job is awkward in any situation, but it's especially difficult when you're trying to convey it to a potential employer.

Review tips and the best responses to interview questions concerning the reasons you were fired.

Why employers want to know why you were fired

The employer would like to know why you were fired for these reasons. They will like to know what brought about the job termination, and if it can be related to your character. Employers also want to know if you took steps to improve yourself. You need to be able to prove that you improved yourself since you have been fired.

How do you explain being laid off?

As you are preparing for a job interview, you need to think about how you will answer your interviewer about why you were fired. We will be checking some steps on how to answer why you were fired.

1. Spell out the Truth

This is a moment, to be honest, and explain what got you fired. The fact remains that people got their job termination based on different reasons, so it is advisable to give the most objective explanation to the potential employer. Calm yourself and explain the circumstances that made you get fired.

2. Don't be ambiguous

Explain in simple terms so that your potential employer can understand the reason behind your termination from your previous work. Present the basic fact without ambiguity, and be concise as possible.

3. Be positive

It is an ideal thing to avoid saying any negative things about your past employer and keep everything positive. Your positivity will help the potential employer if you will relate with the company positively. Therefore, be careful of the use of words, how you start your conversation, how you end it, and even your gestures.

4. Prove you have grown personally

After you have explained the circumstance that caused the job termination, it is expedient for you to let prove you have developed yourself. Let the potential employer know you have taken your personal development likewise your career development seriously, over time. If you were at fault, admit it and let the potential employer know, you have taken serious steps to avoid it from happening next time.

5. Sell your skills and experiences

Don't dwell too much on the job termination experience, just gradually change the topic, knowing fully well that it's a job interview. This will help you keep the conversation, and push you to talk about your skills and experience regarding the role you are applying for.

Examples of responses to "Why were you fired?"

Examining sample responses might assist you in producing a strong response that demonstrates your professionalism. Following are a few sample responses based on the cause of termination:

• Unparalleled skill set
• Layoff because of company restructuring
• Failed to adhere to the attendance policy
• The job didn't fit me well
• Disagreement with a coworker

Unparalleled skill set

"Unfortunately, my abilities simply weren't a good fit for the requirements of my former work. They believed they required someone with my skill set when I was first hired. But when we were hired, we understood that they required a person with experience in that particular sector. Simply put, I lacked the qualifications they required to do the job well. We felt it was better to separate ways after a year."

This is a fantastic response since it stresses that the layoff was more of a mutual decision that the candidate wasn't a good fit than it was actually being dismissed. While acknowledging the issue, this response does not assign blame. It highlights the candidate's own maturity and professionalism.

Layoff because of company restructuring

"Actually, my employment was offshored to another nation. Although my boss was pleased with the work I completed for the company, they finally concluded that outsourcing the work to a foreign country would be more cost-effective."

This is a wonderful response because the applicant made it apparent that their dismissal had nothing to do with their work performance, even though they were fired.

Failed to adhere to the attendance policy

"I made the error of letting my absence from work be affected by personal issues. However, my private life is now stable, so it won't be a problem if I show up to work. I've also learned how to better keep my personal and professional lives apart, or, if required, how to better anticipate and express concerns with my supervisor."

This is a strong response since it demonstrates that the applicant accepted full responsibility for their error and had learned from it. Employers accept mistakes, but they also want to see that a candidate has grown and learned from them.

The job didn't fit me well

"I accepted the employment without truly considering if it was a good fit because I needed a job badly. It became clear that the boss and I had entirely different styles after roughly a month. I now make sure to properly study the job description before applying when I'm looking for a job. I also like to inquire about the duties and style of management to be anticipated. When I looked at your business, I saw that you value teamwork, which is something I think I would enjoy."

The fact that a candidate accepted a job offer only to realize it wasn't the appropriate fit will be accepted by an employer. This response is fantastic since it demonstrates that the applicant has understood what they want from a workplace and what kind of style of management they prefer. This remark is particularly successful because they also move the interview into a conversation about the workplace.

Disagreement with a coworker

"I erred in some of the ways I handled a disagreement with a coworker. I would definitely have a private conversation with them about how to solve it if I could go back in time. But after getting fired, I understood the position wasn't the ideal fit for my career. I can now look into positions that better match my interests and credentials. I was thrilled to see this position and believe it is a perfect fit for my abilities."

Employers are aware that conflicts can arise when various personalities work together in the same setting. The applicant doesn't go into great depth about the conflict or even how they managed it, but they do admit that given the chance, they would have chosen to act differently. Additionally, they switch to a discussion of their own advantages and bring the focus of the interview back to the position.

Guidelines for the Perfect Response

Prepare Your Response

The potential employer will be more at ease with your response the more at ease you are talking about the subject of your termination. Be ready to explain the situation, and practice until you are able to do it without feeling embarrassed. Keep in mind that some of history's most talented professionals have been fired.

Keep It Short

There's no need to dally on the subject; you just want to be upfront and honest in your response. Don't divulge too much information at this time. Move on to the important information—your qualifications and how you'll use them to address the company's issues—after you've finished speaking.

Stress Your Positive Qualities

Attempt to maintain a forward-moving tone in the conversation. Turn to your strengths and connect them to the requirements stated in the job description. In this manner, you can demonstrate to the hiring manager your suitability for the position.

How Not to Respond

Keep the Word "Fired" Out

Keep in mind that a job interview involves some degree of pitching. Avoid using words that many people associate negatively with when promoting yourself. Instead of using terms like "fired," use phrases like "let go."

Avoid focusing on the negative

Even if they deserve it, now is not the time to criticize your former company or boss. Positive thinking is key; reserve your bad opinions for yourself. If you were employed, you don't want the hiring manager to wonder if you'll talk negatively about the new employer.

Avoid lying

Avoid the urge to misrepresent a firing as a layoff, for instance. You're probably going to be caught, and if you do, you'll completely miss the chance. Be sincere without going too far.