Severance, whether you've been laid off or laid off, is never easy. Explaining the situation well on a job application can be even more difficult. An application is different from a job interview or a resume in that it is a legal document. Therefore, it is essential that you tell the truth regarding the termination of your previous job, since it will become part of your permanent record with the company. By describing the termination honestly, writing concise written responses, and providing important context for understanding termination or termination, you can successfully explain the facts.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Tell the Truth
Step 1. Be honest about what happened
It is essential that you be precise when describing the circumstances of the termination of work. For example, if you were fired, don't say you've been laid off. If your potential employer discovers that you have misled them when describing the termination, it could hurt your trustworthiness as a candidate and potential employee.
It's critical that what you say can be confirmed by your former employer in a reference check. Set yourself up for success by being as honest as you can
Step 2. Soften your words
You can describe the termination of employment in less harsh terms and without lying. This provides some distance between the candidacy and the unpleasant details of the events.
For example, instead of saying "I was fired for stealing office supplies," you can say "Involuntary termination." Instead of saying "We both agree that I'm bad at accounting and we grow apart," you can say "Mutual separation."
Step 3. Describe the truth in a positive way
If applicable, describe the termination from a positive perspective for the job you are applying for. For example, if you've been fired from a supermarket for focusing too much on helping customers and not so much on replenishing shelves, your dedication to customer satisfaction may be considered a valuable quality for a customer service job.
- For example, you can say, "I ended my job because I spent a lot of time focusing on customer satisfaction, which is why I have decided to make my passion for helping customers the focus of my future career."
- Reframing how you understand termination can be helpful as you advance in your profession. Have you learned anything valuable about yourself or your interests through the termination of employment? Let that shine through on your application.
Part 2 of 3: Thinking of Effective Responses
Step 1. Look for simplicity
Simple explanations are generally the easiest to understand, but a layoff rarely covers simple matters. Try to extract the most important information about the reasons for the termination of work so that it is easy for the hiring manager to understand you and identify with others.
If you are asked to provide an explanation for the termination, you can say, "My boss and I have different approaches to project planning," instead of saying, "My ex-boss fired me because he couldn't complete jobs without notice."
Step 2. Be brief
If you use two paragraphs to describe your termination, it could end up being the most memorable part of a short job application. Answer the required questions as completely and succinctly as possible for the greatest impact. For example, if you have to answer why you have been terminated, you can say "Office permanently closed" instead of "Our office closed on short notice after supervisors decided that Buenos Aires was a better location for the new facility. maintenance".
You are not required to provide further information if it is not requested
Step 3. Answer the question
Read the questions well and answer only what is requested, not related questions that may seem like a consequence. For example, if the application says "Have you ever been terminated from a job?" You can simply answer "yes". It is not necessary to add a long description of the reasons, especially if your game has been disastrous.
Step 4. Don't blame anyone
The job application is not a place to re-litigate your termination or say it was unjustified. As much as you feel you have been treated unfairly or unprofessionally as part of the involuntary termination, get over it for the purpose of the application.
- Your potential employer wants to know more about your character. If you do the right thing, you will illustrate your ability to recover professionally from difficult circumstances.
- A good idea is to process the emotions related to the termination of work before looking for work again.
Part 3 of 3: Provide the Relevant Context
Step 1. Explain your employee status at the time of termination
For example, if you have been terminated during a probationary period, that is important information that the prospective employer should know. Employees on probation are sometimes notified that they can be terminated "for any reason at any time." For this reason, they often let them go for minor infractions or circumstantial reasons than if they were permanent or permanent employees.
Step 2. Recognize if you have been fired
A potential employer may feel more comfortable knowing that you have been terminated due to circumstances unrelated to your job performance. For example, if the reason for the dismissal was that the representative office has closed completely or the company has experienced financial difficulties, feel free to say so.
Always make sure to provide accurate termination information, and don't get caught up in lies or criticism
Step 3. Get a good reference for the job in question
As much as the previous manager may not be a good reference for you, a good recommendation from a co-worker or a client of that company can make your potential employer feel more comfortable.
- Getting a referral from a difficult period shows that you are not afraid to speak about difficult situations honestly.
- If the reference is bright, you can offer it in the application when describing your dismissal.
Step 4. Show that you have learned
If you have taken concrete steps to correct the mistakes that have led to your termination, don't be afraid to mention them. For example, if you've been laid off for a low sales generation, you can mention that you've since taken classes or obtained a certificate to improve your sales skills.
Illustrating how termination has made you a better candidate speaks to your ability to overcome tough challenges and accept feedback constructively
Advice
- Fill out the rest of the application well and completely, following all the instructions. Do not give the hiring manager a reason to consider that your candidacy is not favorable on the first impression.
- If you find it difficult to explain your termination on paper, look for jobs that do not require an application, but rather a cover letter and a resume. In this way, you will be able to explain the termination of work in person.