How to explain getting fired or laid-off

I recently tapped my network to see how people can explain getting fired in this tough economy. Here are two written responses. Stay tuned to the podcast for 10 more voice comments on this subject.

Lorne Epstein writes:

Up until the mid to late 90’s most knowledge workers and employees in general would stay at one employer for many years, possibly decades. But once IBM laid off employees for the first time and companies started and ended in the same breath, many of us have been tossed around from job to job regardless of our stellar performance or deep desire to be loyal and stay at one employee

Hiring managers are fully aware that you can loose your job regardless of your performance or ability to work and to clearly surpass that potential hurdle I recommend the following:

Early on when you speak to the hiring manager or recruiter, tell them why you are unemployed with as much detail as possible. They are looking for a story they can understand and make sense of. If you leave it till later then it looses credibility.

Don’t be embarrassed that you were laid off from your job. It happens and the longer you work the higher the chance it will happen to you. You have earned your stripes as a contemporary US worker.

Use the down time in a productive fashion by adding to your skill set. Ask your self what skill have you wanted to learn but did not have time to do it. Then go take that class at a community college, on line or elsewhere.

Don’t be ashamed, don’t hide the facts, and keep your eyes to the future.

Lorne's Book - "You're Hired! Interview skills to get the job" www.YoureHiredBook.com.
Listen to "You're Hired! Interview skills to get the job" for FREE at www.PodioBooks.com


Liz O'Rourke Kupcha writes:

I find that layoffs are easier to explain because there's typically some circumstance that led to the layoff. I was laid off one job due to a reorganization of my department and I lost another job due to the firm losing its bonding capacity (as a result of 9/11).

I found that getting fired was tougher to explain because you don't want to give the impression that you're a problem exployee. I've been terminated from positions where I had brief tenures (less than 3 months) and I would explain what that company appeared to be in contrast to the company that I left and just left it as "it just didn't work out."

I had a tougher time explaning being let go from a job that I was at for 17 months (it was an abusive environment). I initially spun it as "I needed personal time" due to a recent marriage and move (all verifiable). When I interviewed for the job that I currently have (in the same industry that I've been in for many years), I didn't go into details about the events surrounding my termination but said that it was an abusive environment and that there was a lack of cohesiveness between the principals of the firm. During my reference check, the office manager of that firm said that I was a very good worker but the principals kept placing unreasonable demands on me.