Losing Your Job? What Next?
by: CaroleMartin,America's#1InterviewCoach |
Total views: 10 |
Word Count: 722 |
View PDF | Print View
Share This Article
If you've lost your job - or are going to lose your job - the last thing that you want to talk about is "why" you lost your job. In fact, the question
"Why did you leave your last job?"
is most likely the toughest question to deal with - especially if you've been let go in one way or another.
You can simply state: "I was laid off," if you are among the thousands of people who have been laid off in the last year and a half.
This answers the question but still leaves a lingering doubt in the mind of the interviewer, - "Why were you laid off?" The more specific your answer, the more effective it will be.
"I survived five rounds of the six rounds of layoffs at my last company, but when it came to round six they had to cut deep. My position was eliminated along with half of my group because the project we were working on was cancelled."
Your situation will be helped by including facts and figures to explain the circumstances surrounding your layoff. Not everyone will have such a definite statement to make.
"15% of the workforce was let go," or "Two out of every ten jobs were affected, company-wide."
When you tell the interviewer whether it was 10 or 1000 people were laid off helps put the situation in perspective. When you quantify a statement it has more depth.
Were you fired?
If you were fired, you probably dread being asked this question. Not only have you been fired, you have to talk about it - over and over. How you deal with questions about being fired will depend on how you have resolved the issue with yourself.
Here are examples of how two candidates answer the question:
Candidate #1 "From the very beginning it was clear that my new boss and I were going to be at odds. We just had different types of personalities. She kept changing the rules. One day she would want it this way, and the next day another way," rambled Karen. "I don't usually have problems with bosses but this woman was really overbearing in her management approach. I had a great boss, but he left."
This is not the best way to present the situation. This candidate could be classified as a "whiner." Badmouthing former employers during the interview is a bad idea. No one wants to hear about someone else's shortcomings, particularly someone they don't even know.
Below is a better example of how to handle the situation:
Candidate #2 "I take responsibility for my part in the way things turned out. I was let go after a major reorganization. The merging of different cultures had caused a major change in the way things were done. There were some differences of opinion between my boss and myself and, in the end, I was fired. I learned a lot from the experience, and in retrospect, I would have handled it differently. But, that is behind me now, and I am ready to move on with a new perspective."
This answer is much better because it demonstrates strength and self-confidence. Candidate #2 takes responsibility and deals with the question honestly.
Whether you were let go under unfair circumstances or for something you did and regret, scripting your answer ahead of the interview will help you. You don't want to bad-mouth your former employer or sound like a victim (even if you were). Practice your answer with someone in a mock interview and obtain feedback on your comfort-level while discussing your situation.
What about lying?
Probably the worst way to handle this question is by lying. One lie usually leads to another, and before you know it you are in over your head. You always take a chance whenever you put a lie on an application. The application usually has a signature line on the back where you sign, stating that the above is true, and that any false statements could be grounds for termination.
Perspective
It is a fact that "people lose their jobs every day." They move on and get new jobs. And, you will too. No matter what the circumstances, put it behind you and move on. Deal with your feelings about the lay off or firing, and prepare your answer to the question before it is asked. Being prepared will make you feel more confident and less emotional about the situation.
Share This Article
Rating: Not yet rated Next Article - Rabbi Yitzhak Miller the Cyber Rabbi and Previous Article - Thinking About Hiring A House Cleaner?
About the Author
Carole Martin, The Interview Coach has specialized in the subject of "Interviewing" for the past 15 years. She offers a free practice interview that shows you where you are going wrong in your interview at Job Interview Coaching Center Visit the Uber Article Directory to get a totally unique version of this article for reprint.
Comments
No comments posted.Add Comment
Popular Articles about: Careers
1: Admin Jobs2: Job Search Tips That Work
3: Having a Successful Job Interview.
4: Public Relations Jobs
5: Bringing About Your French Interior Design
6: How to Negotiate a Salary - Salary Negotiation Starter Guide
7: Medical Sales Job
8: Successful Job Interviews.
9: How To Create A New Business Opportunity
10: Online Colleges to Increase Your Earning Power
11: Safety Training Videos: The Key To a Responsible Employee
12: Business Development Crossing
13: Using and Online University to Earn More Money
14: Make Money At Home With Affiliate Marketing
15: Principals vs. Methods
16: Life Coaching Training: Awareness And Social Responsibility
17: Resume Writing For Electricians
18: Oil & Gas Jobs, Am I Suited?
19: Footsteps to Getting a Successful Career Modification
20: Medical Assistant Duties And Job Description
21: JARC Info Tech
22: Employment Agency: Why should you use one?
23: Is Help From a Business Coach Needed?
24: Become a Green Consultant
25: The Job Interview Questions You Should Ask.
26: Strategic Staffing and the Temp Agency
27: Career Coaching Development Goals And Education
28: Help Make Both Ends Meet with a Part Time Job
29: A Fashion Design Degree
30: Professional Career Advice - Get The Education You Need