How to Address Being Fired or Laid Off in Your Next Interview

How to Address Being Fired or Laid Off in Your Next InterviewHow to Address Being Fired or Laid Off in Your Next Interview Most of us seek out to build longevity when accepting a new position, with the hopes of sustaining long-term employment within the same organization. However, behauptung aspirations can often conflict with the realities of the current job market . When its our choice to leave an organization, discussing the terms of our departure can be tricky, but less of an emotional burden. However, when a company makes the decision to part ways with you, talking about being fired or laid off can raise feelings of insecurity and stigmatization with new employers. Rather than getting down in the dumps, lets talk about some ways to successfully handle conversations regarding being let go or laid off in your next interviewBeing laid off is often circumstantial, as business cycles and trends will dictate the workforce. Whether youve been laid off after 3 months, o r 30 years, the same principles still applyBe factual If the facts are credible, you should be able to easily articulate. Dont get too emotional, show frustration, or villainize anyone Says Alan Zel, of Zel Human Capital . Rather, focus on what youve learned from your past, and how you can apply that successfully to your future. Say something along these lines as a jumping points for your conversation Layoffs are an unfortunate reality beyond our control, and fruchtwein hiring managers will be understanding of that.Remember your own value Dont ruminate too hard about the past and the negatives. Go into your next interview with the mindset that you still have something great to offer the company. Treat this as a new opportunity and a fresh start, rather than an event thats dragging you down. Stay succinct When the hiring manager asks why you left your job or why you were let go, keep this answer short, sweet and to the point. If you dont say anything too glaring, they likely wont press too much on the topic. When you start going into too many details, thats when a lot of the negativity and justification comes out, and negativity taints an interview says Marina Byezhanova of Pronexia .Practice self-awareness If you were in sales and not hitting your numbers, youll have to communicate some self-awareness of why and how things would be different in your new role, says Byezhanova. Consider saying something like the following in an interviewWhatever the issue, you must be able to explain the problem, highlight what youve learned, and assure the hiring manager that it wont happen again.In either situation, It doesnt benefit you at all to speak ill of your past employer. You still need come off as grateful for your opportunities and show that you left with strong relationships and a good attitude. Be careful with your language, as words can be a delicate yet powerful toolI am not what has happened to me, I am what I choose to become - Carl JungOne should defin itely be as truthful as possible in an interview. If an employer catches you lying about this, they may assume the worst and wonder what else youre lying about. That being said, if the question of why youre leaving your organization does not come up, you certainly dont need to draw attention it. Some recruiters may simply ask why youre interested in the role, rather than ask you why youve left your organization. If the question does not come up, dont make a big deal of it. As a candidate, youre likely thinking way more about how you got laid off or let go than the employer, so only share whats asked of you. Some of the wealthiest, and most influential people in history ( think Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, J.K Rowling) have used their experiences of being fired to help shape their success and accomplishments. To move past any negative associated feelings and kick off your next job search, its most important to remember that your professional value is never determined by this one single e xperience. Dont let this set back hold the power over you Stacy Pollack is a Learning Specialist with an MA in Educational Technology. She is passionate about building leadership programs that engage and contribute to the success of her organization. She loves to share her perspective on job hunting, career building, and networking for success. Connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter .