Although it’s something that happens quite regularly, many people have a hard time explaining to prospective employers why they’ve been terminated from a previous position. As it is the source of much anxiety and confusion in the workforce today, many job seekers are left without an effective strategy of painting their previous work in a positive light.

Thankfully, there are a few proven tips and techniques that can be used by anyone who has been terminated from a previous job. Moreover, these strategies can be used whether the termination was the fault of your ex-employer or your own.

Be Honest

While explaining why you’ve been terminated from your previous position may be a sensitive subject, it’s important that you give an honest answer. If the termination was a result of something you did, don’t hesitate to tell that to your current interviewer. Not only does this show a high level of accountability on your behalf, but it gives you an excellent answer to explain the situation in your own words.

Sometimes, however, an employee is terminated through no fault of their own. Company or brand mergers, reduced production demand and even payroll cuts can all prompt an employee termination. If this is the case, don’t be afraid to point out this out to your new interviewer. There’s nothing wrong with letting them know that the termination was not your fault – as long as it’s truthful.

Get to the Point

You don’t have to spend a great deal of time explaining why you’ve been terminated from your previous positions. Instead, avoid excuses and get straight to the point. Taking this approach still provides your current interviewer with an answer to their question, while freeing up time that could be better spent discussing your skills, areas of expertise and other experience.

What Have You Learned?

Before finishing your explanation, try to explain to your current interviewer what you’ve learned from the experience. Describing what you’ve done differently since then, what you plan on doing differently in the future, and how you’ve grown as a professional is a great way of turning a negative experience into a positive one, and any potential employers will certainly take that into consideration before making their final decision.

Maintain a Professional Attitude

However you respond to an interviewer’s question, you’ll want to maintain a professional attitude and disposition at all times. Avoid bad-mouthing your previous boss or company, even if they are direct competitors to the current one you are applying for. If a hiring manager hears you talking negatively about your previous companies, they might assume that you’ll have the same attitude toward them in the future.

Finally, never try to place the blame solely on your past employer. Nothing will damage your credibility or accountability quicker than blaming others, so you’ll want to make sure that you accept your fair share of the responsibility. Not only does this demonstrate your ability to adapt and overcome, but it shows a high level of professional integrity on your behalf.

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