Being fired is never easy. It can be a tough pill to swallow, especially when it comes unexpectedly.
However, what’s even more challenging is explaining to potential employers why you were let go.
You might fear that it will make you seem unemployable or that it will ruin your career prospects.
But the truth is, explaining being fired is a common part of the job search process. It’s important to know how to do it in a way that shows you in the best possible light.
In this guide, we will explore how to explain being fired. I’ll cover the different reasons why someone might be fired, how to prepare for the explanation, and craft your explanation, and a real-life example.
By the end of this post, you will feel more confident in your ability to explain being fired and increase your chances of finding a new job that you love.
Table of Contents
How to Explain Being Fired
Understanding the Reasons for Being Fired
The first step in explaining being fired is understanding the reasons why it happened.
Employers terminate employees for a variety of reasons, such as poor performance, a violation of company policy, or a reduction in force.
It’s crucial to know why you were let go, as it will inform how you explain it to potential employers.
If your termination was due to poor performance, it’s essential, to be honest about your shortcomings.
Take responsibility for your mistakes and explain how you plan to improve in the future.
If your termination was due to a violation of company policy, be honest about what happened and the steps you have taken to prevent it from happening again.
If your termination was due to a reduction in force, it’s important to explain that it was not performance-related and that you were let go due to circumstances beyond your control.
SEE ALSO: HOW TO EXPLAIN BEING FIRED FOR PERFORMANCE: SAMPLE ANSWERS
Preparing for the Explanation
Once you have a clear understanding of why you were fired, it’s time to prepare for the explanation.
The key is, to be honest, concise, and to the point. You want to demonstrate that you’ve learned from the experience and that you’re ready to move forward.
Reviewing your termination paperwork is a crucial step in preparing for the explanation.
Your termination paperwork will outline the reason for your termination, which you will need to reference when explaining it to potential employers.
It’s also a good idea to seek feedback from your previous employer or a mentor.
They may be able to provide insight into how you can improve and what to say when explaining your termination.
Crafting Your Explanation
When crafting your explanation, it’s essential, to be honest, and to focus on what you learned from the experience.
This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you’ve grown and that you’re ready to take on new challenges.
For example, if you were let go due to poor performance, you might say something like, “I acknowledge that my performance was not up to the company’s standards, and I take full responsibility for my actions. Since then, I’ve taken steps to improve my skills, and I’m confident that I can bring value to a new employer.”
SEE ALSO: HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN LEAVING A JOB BECAUSE OF BAD MANAGEMENT?
Real-life Example of How to Explain Being Fired
Here’s a real-life example of how to explain being fired:
John was terminated from his previous job due to a violation of company policy. He was caught using company resources for personal use, which is strictly prohibited. When asked to explain being fired, John said:
“I made a mistake by using company resources for personal use. I take full responsibility for my actions, and I understand that it was a violation of company policy. Since then, I’ve learned from my mistake and have taken steps to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. I’m confident that I can bring value to a new employer.”
Practicing Your Explanation
Practicing your explanation with a friend or mentor is an excellent way to gain confidence in explaining being fired.
It will also help you identify areas where you might need to improve your explanation or identify any gaps in your understanding of why you were terminated.
It’s essential to practice your explanation until you feel comfortable delivering it confidently and concisely.
This will help you avoid stumbling over your words or appearing unsure of yourself when discussing your termination with potential employers.
HANDPICKED FOR YOU: WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR LAST JOB? (INTERVIEW BEST ANSWERS)
Addressing Being Fired in Job Interviews
It’s essential to know how to address being fired in job interviews.
Potential employers will likely ask why you left your previous job, and it’s important to have a prepared answer that is truthful and professional.
When answering this question, be honest about your termination and focus on what you learned from the experience.
Demonstrate that you are proactive in improving your skills and that you’re excited about the opportunity to bring value to a new employer.
Avoid bad-mouthing your previous employer or making excuses for your termination.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, being fired can be a challenging experience, but it’s essential to know how to explain it to potential employers.
By understanding the reasons for your termination, preparing for the explanation, crafting your explanation, practicing it, and addressing it in job interviews, you can demonstrate that you’ve learned from your experience and that you’re ready to move forward in your career.
Meet Emma Oluwatobi, the career advisor who knows how to level up your job search game without breaking a sweat. With years of experience in the job/career advisory niche, Emma has helped countless job seekers land their dream jobs. While he’s not writing his next helpful piece, he’s sure busy playing video games.