Uh-oh, The Job Interviewer is Asking: Why Were You Fired?
By: Neo Marcos

If it's not your first time anymore to apply for a job, chances are you either left on your own accord, or you got fired. The latter is the tricky one especially when the time comes that you have to job hunt again, and the job interviewer naturally has to get curious as to why you got the axe.

Don't worry. Hiring managers won't hold it against you if you got fired from your last job. Back then getting fired may give some stigma or a sort of a scarlet letter to a job searcher's resume as if the accused party was guilty of something more than the actual reason. But nowadays employers are being more open-minded. They know that there's a crucial play of factors for getting fired, and it's never simple.

Plus, if not all employees who somehow survive the axe are the best employees in the office, conversely that means not all employees who get dismissed are bad ones.

Of course, you have to grant your job interviewer the right to be curious about the circumstances of your being fired. Fortunately there are graceful ways to answer this thorny question:

Be honest, while putting yourself in a good light. Of course, being honest doesn't mean divulging every little detail. For instance, if you and your previous boss had a particularly nasty rift, narrate to the interviewer the circumstances, explain your side on the issue, and your boss's too, and why you think you didn't agree. Stick to the facts and logic, not with biases. It's wise to admit faults and shortcomings instead of being all defensive about it. Just remember to follow up your admission with a promise that you've learned from the experience and that you are now ready to do things differently this time around.

Emphasise your positive qualities. Don't miss an opportunity to market your qualities, skills, and qualifications for the job. You can perhaps tell the interviewer that you were let go even before you could prove your worth, or that your previous company just didn't appreciate and acknowledge your contribution to the company. Of course, mention these without sounding like a braggart, but someone who is willing to do their best for the company.

Never badmouth previous employers. Besides not sounding professional and plain nice, your prospective employer is still an employer and is likely to see things in your previous employer's perspective, so any hate-remarks from you is bound to be taken by them as not a good sign.

Focus on the future. Getting fired from a job is just one door closing on you; what it really means though is a world of job opportunities that it opens for you. Tell the job interviewer that now that you're out of your old company, you can explore other avenues in job that might be better suited for your qualifications and which might help you to grow. There's a difference between discussing the past and dwelling on it; so steer the conversation into the future and what you can do for the company should they hire you.

As with any job interview questions, there's always the graceful way to answer that will let your prospective employer see your potential. Just remember, think on the bright side, focus on the future, and keep your chin up.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

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