I was on fired without cause.

Anonymous

September 5,2022 at 2:15AM UTC

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I was on fired without cause. How do you tactfully discuss why you are no longer with the company during interviews?

I went on vacation the day I returned, the owner met with me handed me my last check and said I decided to go in a different direction. I work in an at-will state. I never received any disciplinary action or poor performance reviews. In fact, I made the company money and saved them from several audits that could of closed the business. As well as successfully negotiated higher reimbursement rates from payer’s contracts.

Over the past 4 months, there has been change in leadership team and a mass exodus. During exit interviews, staff said they were leaving due to compensation. The last 3 weeks the owner has been taking her frustration out on me . I never responded to her comments and would only respond if she required an answer from me.

When she fired me, I said i’m extremely confused over this and i never had a performance issue and that I worked hard for her company. She stated well, i for all that i can from you and I appreciate it but i no longer need you.

I have an interview next week and it’s inevitable that the question will be asked why are you no longer with the company.

Any thoughts on how to respond to this question?

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AnonymousSeptember 5,2022 at 2:21AM UTC
Reduction in force. Put that on your resume and say just that. It happens and they wont ding u in instances where you were let go due to company economic circumstance lead with that.
Balanced709141September 5,2022 at 2:26AM UTC
thank you
Sharon GrehanSeptember 5,2022 at 2:26AM UTC
Layoffs are common, I'd frame it as that following a company re-org. Best of luck in your interviews
AnonymousSeptember 5,2022 at 3:01AM UTC
Reorganizing.
I have soooooooooooo been in your situation. But you were lucky: my employers tried to make me quit via dumb games to avoid unemployment.
She said she appreciates you. So get it in writing via a letter of recommendation. Mention in the interview that you made the compan money - use numbers such as 15% this, 33% that in regards to goals, etc. whatever (not sure of your role, I assume sales?)
Since there's been many people leaving and a lot of recent changes - not only at your current work - but Covid shook up a lot!! - no employer expects 25y with the same group!
Do file for UE of needed but hopefully this interview will be a new beginning
Mary HonderichSeptember 5,2022 at 3:40AM UTC
A thought I have is that you can just be honest and said they never really gave you a reason.
AnonymousSeptember 5,2022 at 5:05AM UTC
You keep it short. While I am vety proud of my contribution the role has changed a great deal and was no longer a fit for either of us.
Erica MitchellSeptember 5,2022 at 12:45PM UTC
However you go about explaining it in interviews, make sure to sneak those accomplishments in too!
Crystal HowellSeptember 5,2022 at 1:13PM UTC
I would say, I'm pursuing other business interests with career growth.
I would send a resignation letter dated the day you returned with 2 week end date, don't know if that helps?
Recruiters can you help her?
AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 12:21AM UTC
Would that be deceitful being she was terminated?
AnonymousSeptember 5,2022 at 1:33PM UTC
Company reorganization.
AnonymousSeptember 5,2022 at 5:35PM UTC
I'm interested in this because I was also let go from a position recently and may very well face the same question as I apply for more work. It's tricky territory but I find that what's important to me is to speak from my heart and not talk myself down or incriminate others. Its important to stand in one's integrity no matter what happens going forward. Was the pandemic a factor here? I believe it was for me and it became of a perfect storm so to speak. In your case, perhaps stating that because you received no performance reviews along the way you honestly do not know what was the entire cause. if you had something to work with along the way perhaps you could have remedied it. In hindsight, were some of her "vents" things that could have been addressed? If you enumerate the gains you did achieve on the company's behalf, it may support that fact that you thought you were performing well. It sounds like there were personality and perhaps management style differences in the equation that led to being let go, but its also important to present yourself in a way that wants to be a supportive member of any new position - if that is genuine.
Susan JaneczekSeptember 5,2022 at 7:02PM UTC
You tell the Hiring Manager that your old job wasn't a cultural fit and leave it at that. Less is More. Do not dwell on your prior job and getting laid off. Instead, during the interview tell the Hiring Manager that while you enjoyed the work at your old job, it was not a cultural fit and move the conversation to how you are going to make the Hiring Manager successful.
On another note....If your old boss is still reaching out to you, that sounds like a concern. Have you spoken with an employment lawyer - only reach out to one that has free consultation? Do you have the emails/texts from your old boss?
Afo Ogbeyalu KaluSeptember 6,2022 at 12:41PM UTC
Tell a curated version of what you shared with us . . . . There was a change in leadership and restructuring at the company. Immediately follow with your accomplishments while at your previous place of employment: I am proud of the contributions I made in my capacity as . . . . Increased revenue by x% . . . . . Initiated and executed department audits which enabled team to identify and correct potentially damaging deficiencies . . . . Negotiated higher reimbursement rates from payers' contracts . . . .
AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 12:47PM UTC
Do you have any other manager or someone in a leadership position that would be a reference if needed? While it is very uncommon these days to get references beside a verification of employment, when I was in a similar situation, I replied, the company was no longer a fit for me and where I wanted my career to go, so the timing was good for me to leave. I have xxx who would provide a reference about my work ethic and abilities.
GirlBossanova934974September 6,2022 at 12:50PM UTC
As others have stated, all you need say is "company reorganization" and "new leadership team". If anyone wants to know more and press the issue, feel free to tell them exactly what transpired on your last day. As a business owner myself, I would "get that". One wonders these days how certain people have somehow managed to get into senior management positions or become business owners. You bring in a new leadership team and bunch of folks walk out the door. Then you go around firing the rest to accommodate your great new leadership team. Sounds like the business owner really messed up and is too stubborn to admit it. As a business owner, you are always confronted with people from the outside who say they can do it better and cheaper. You must pay attention but be very skeptical. The world is full of carpet bagger manager types who run from one company to the next and consultants who are out there to pick your pocket!
Lisa MarieSeptember 6,2022 at 1:32PM UTC
Sorry that happened to you.
It is never a pleasant feeling when you lose your job, and it most definitely must feel worse when it comes with no warning.
I agree with others. Simply say what she told you. "decided to go in a different direction" as well as exactly as you also said "Over the past 4 months, there has been change in leadership team and a mass exodus."
Why try to find other fancy-shmancy words to tell the story when you can say it as simple as you told us in your post?
If you "dress up" the reason too much, some folks may feel your reason(s) isn't genuine. So KISS (keep it short and sweet)! ?
Maureen B. WeisnerSeptember 6,2022 at 2:17PM UTC
Agree. As shocking and personal as it may feel, keep your explanation for leaving simple. A company choosing a different direction isn't unusual and also open ended. Avoid speculating on the reasons if pushed, just the facts, especially if the jobs you are applying for are in the same field and the owner(s) is well known. Based on what you were saying, they probably did you a favor post-vacation.
Maggie StoneSeptember 6,2022 at 2:39PM UTC
I am sorry you went through this.
Hearing “Welcome back an good bye “ sucks. I 100% agree with keeping it short and simple. But also keep it authentic to you. Interviewers will smell a spin. My suggestion would be. “While I never received any negative feedback or disciplinary action, the company decided to go in a different direction after a reorganization of leadership.” But more importantly be prepared to talk about the contributions you made in the interview and highlight those on your resume.Good luck.
AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 1:32PM UTC
I’m unclear as to why the boss would be reaching out to you if you’re no longer with the company?
I believe honesty is always the best way to go when building trust and pursuing any opportunity (professional or otherwise), so I would say just be honest. And be level-headed about it - no need to bad mouth or speak negatively about the previous company.
Take time to reflect on what you want/need in your next role, company, and supervisor and ask questions during the interview. I’ve always said that while the company is learning more about you, you also have the opportunity to learn more about them by asking questions.
Kristie WhiteSeptember 6,2022 at 1:54PM UTC
I don’t really see this as you were fired, but as terminated and there is a subjective difference. Your position- based on your boss’s description in your exit interview- was changed. And the company sounds small and in difficult times. I would explain that you were terminated without warning due to internal changes in the company that occurred (apparently) while you were on vacation. (But this boss also sounds cutthroat and I would be hesitant to use as a reference.)
AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 1:55PM UTC
Thank you everyone for your feedback. It has been extremely enlightening and helpful. I plan you utilize the advice provided.
Just to clarify, this termination of employment occurred last week. I was on the leadership team and the owner continued to make numerous changes when the mass exodus occurred that is when I noticed a change in her attitude towards me.
She has not reached out to me but vendors and other business associates have which I politely inform them that I am no longer with the company and it would be best to contact the owner directly or call the office.
Girlbossanova, I believe you hit the nail on the head and your comment has truly helped me come to terms with this entire situation.
Again, thank you everyone
AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 2:32PM UTC
As others have said - reorganization.
I am sorry that this happened to you!
AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 2:42PM UTC
One morning I was brought into my boss's office and with HR I was terminated. No warning, no opportunity to correct anything, Just told last day. When I asked why, I was told in Texas they don't have to tell me why.
My direct boss had previously (1 month) took another job.
I believe it could be because I supported him and was viewed by his mgmt as supporting him so needed to go when he went.
No indication of any work that was sub par or any other problem.
Someone was hired less than 3 weeks later. He has also left.
AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 2:55PM UTC
I would say the company reorganized. My long-term company decided to central a lot of what they did, which meant, I was out of a job. It happens, it is not the end of the world.
AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 3:36PM UTC
Thanks for this. I had the exact same thing happen to me a couple of months ago! I went on vacation and returned to find I was out of a job that day. I loved the organization and the people I work with, and I was shocked by this sudden shift. I appreciate your insight.
Joanne RosenSeptember 6,2022 at 4:20PM UTC
Say exactly that. The company was moving in another direction and you want to steer your career towards blah blah.
As for those money saving achievements, etc. I hope they are on your resume. Today's resumes talk about the value you bring not the job duties you had.
cheers
Joanne Rosen
Career Coach
https://www.analyticadvantagecc.com
Ida McCartySeptember 6,2022 at 4:21PM UTC
You were let go, because there was no need for you any longer within the organization. You were not fired for cause, in the conventional sense. Unemployment department explained to me, that in this case - you were laid off, due to reorganization.
Best of luck!
AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 8:24PM UTC
Simply say the company wanted to go in a different direction. You can also say the position was eliminated. Either are no-fault reasons (I like the position eliminated one slightly better). Say it with an even verbal tone, and move on. No bad mouthing of the company or owner and focus on what you can do for the new company, and how you can add value for them.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMESeptember 6,2022 at 8:35PM UTC
Good advice -- the position was eliminated.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMESeptember 6,2022 at 8:41PM UTC
The comments shared by others are excellent. However, what are you going to do about a reference? Do you have other references you can use?
Best of luck on your upcoming interview and remember --do not volunteer anything.
AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 10:37PM UTC
One of the following is appropriate:
1)My specialization is in xxx, and the company has decided to go in a new direction. I am looking for new opportunities that will maximize the value add that I can offer and decided to step down so that I could devote myself to a comprehensive search.
2)My position was eliminated in a downsizing.
3)My position was eliminated in a restructuring.
Krystin MorganSeptember 6,2022 at 10:40PM UTC
This sounds like a layoff to me - your work was no longer needed, the company was being reorganized. It's totally fine to share that they no longer needed you and you were laid off!
NessaDawn SSeptember 6,2022 at 10:56PM UTC
I need an answer for that one other than the truth, ' I suspect CMS fraud, was tired of the patronization, sexism, racism, and my direct supervisor (the owner of the company) refused to address these issues and I resigned effective immediately." Oh the other one-
I was hired as Director of Nursing; a week later my responsibilities were amended and I was asked to sign job descriptions for "RN", "Clinical Manager", "Dir of Clinical Services" and my title was also changed to Director of Nursing & Clinical Services...
Audrey KirschSeptember 6,2022 at 11:19PM UTC
You can say that they restructured the company (the department, the team or whatever) and your position was no longer needed.
Liz MilneSeptember 7,2022 at 12:28AM UTC
' She stated well, i for all that i can from you and I appreciate it but i no longer need you.'
There's a typo here, I think, could you explain what she said, please?
AnonymousSeptember 7,2022 at 12:50AM UTC
yes, it was a typo . she stated “ I got all that I can from you and I appreciate it but I no longer need you”
Liz MilneSeptember 7,2022 at 11:37PM UTC
Ah, thanks. That's horrifying - people aren't disposable, what an awful woman!
AnonymousSeptember 11,2022 at 4:36PM UTC
well, yes, in the work place, they are!
Liz MilneSeptember 11,2022 at 10:38PM UTC
true... I should said, 'people shouldn't be disposable'... Especially those who have added value to the company :(
AnonymousSeptember 7,2022 at 12:54AM UTC
Again, thank you everyone for your feedback. The interview went well, I should have a response to see if I move on to the in-person interview by Friday.
AnonymousSeptember 7,2022 at 1:54AM UTC
First of all, I'm glad your interview went well!
Make sure to focus instead of getting stuck in the past. You're not alone. after my vacation, I was let go with similar shady circumstances.
My stance when asked the dreaded question is that I wanted to advance my career which is true. I had started job searching before being let go to move up the corporate ladder.
I worked for a corporate company but reached my department's ceiling. Be honest, stay true to yourself and focus on what's ahead, not behind. It took me a few months to learn this lesson! Good luck!
AnonymousSeptember 7,2022 at 10:06PM UTC
Hello everyone!
Again, thank you for the feedback, it was and is very sound advice which I was able to use during my interview.
I was contacted this evening that I am moving on to the next phase of the hiring process which is an in-person interview with the hiring manager.
The company that I am interviewing with is a company that I previously worked for and left due to limited growth opportunities for me at that time. I had interviewed internally for a managerial position but was informed that I had the skills but not enough supervisory experience.
A managerial opportunity opened up at another company closer to my home so I left the company to gain the experience they said I needed.
Fast forward 5 years, the company was acquired by a national company and as grown vastly with new opportunities and this position is even closer to my home.
I am learning from my lesson and interviewing the manager just as much as they are interviewing me. If this is not the right fit then I will continue my search.
I am so grateful for this platform as I read and utilize strategies that are brought up in posts . Truly a wonderful sounding board that provides so much insight.