I've been unemployed for almost two months due to getting fired. The main reason for my termination was not being a good fit after being at the company for a year. Any who, I've been on the job hunt since and I've been getting calls for interviews. Any advice on what to say if an interviewer asks why I'm unemployed? (I'm unsure if I should mention that I was fired) TIA!

5 Comments

1. SophJuly 31,2024 at 7:57PM UTC

   Did they give any specific reason beyond not being a good fit?

   I wouldn't volunteer that I was fired as background checks would likely only confirm your title and dates of employment. If you are directly asked, obviously tell the truth and explain why you don't see the previous issue as something that would carry over to the new role.

   Proactively, I would probably say that while I enjoyed XYZ/saw abc successes, ultimately, the fit didn't make sense for the long term because of such-and-such reason, and that's what you're looking for now. Since your departure, you've been whatever-whatever.

2. AnonymousJuly 31,2024 at 8:11PM UTC

   Thanks for your advice! It was my first time being in a managerial position and they mentioned that I was not where they expected me to be at. I ended up signing a termination agreement so that I could receive the severance pay they offered, and within that agreement they legally cannot share that they fired me (not sure if this helps with your question!)

3. Betty StridenAugust 1,2024 at 10:22AM UTC

   I would tell recruiters you were laid off. Unless you're in an industry where everybody talks to one another, that'd be the best way to avoid the stigma of being fired. It does help that you were given a severance package.

4. AnonymousAugust 1,2024 at 2:35PM UTC

   Again, Alice. If this is not a scam or MLM, please be a bit more forthcoming.

5. Marian DavidsonAugust 1,2024 at 8:11PM UTC

   They should not be asking this question but, if they do, you do NOT volunteer the circumstances of your departure, except to say that "the business needs changed and they no longer needed you" or something benign. Soph is correct, any background check will only disclose the dates of employment and possibly your title. Companies do not disclose anything negative, unless you have been convicted of a crime in a court of law. Not being a good fit, is just a "business need" or "business decision" and your role "was simply eliminated".

   It is also important to never say anything negative, and you can segue as follows: "The business needs of the company changed and my role was no longer needed. I enjoyed my time there, and made many friends that I hope will last a lifetime.".

   If they ask you if they can contact anyone there at the previous employer, you can say "perhaps, but since there are few people there that I worked with, you may get better feedback from my previous two employers "a" and "b", where I was employed for much longer."