How to: Explain termination of employment within an interview.

Posted on by Annemarie Cross in Uncategorized

This fortnight’s question comes from Katie , when she asks:

Dear Annemarie

I was just terminated from my employment. It was a mutual agreement between the company and me. Now I am looking for a job, but what should I tell employers on why I was terminated?

For two years my boss treated me without respect and was very condescending. I am not the first person leaving the company because of her. Can you give me some advice on how to handle this situation when I apply for jobs?
Katie.
Hi Katie

Answering interview questions concerning your reason for leaving a previous employer can be daunting for any job seeker, whether the reason is due to termination, downsizing or incompatible working styles with managers or colleagues. Whatever the reason, there are some strategies to assist you in preparing an appropriate response to use during your upcoming interviews.

Above all, it is important to research the company that you are applying to so that you are able to develop responses that will portray relevant and transferable skills and the overall value that you offer them. This way, the benefits for their organisation in offering you a placement within their team will hopefully far outweigh any negative connotations they may have picked up.

Commit your accomplishments and contributions for previous employer’s to memory and ensure you are able to communicate these articulately

It is important to remain truthful about the situation surrounding the reason you are now seeking further job opportunities and stick to the facts.

Never put the blame on other people or speak negatively about them or the organisation but rather concentrate on what you have learned from the situation and the positive impact this experience will have on your future performance.
A difficult manager can be explained as a difference in working styles or a company culture that was incompatible with your style. Through this you may have learned to appreciate different learning/management styles in the two years that you worked there.

Your response should be concise; don’t be tempted to provide too much detail unless requested to provide further information. The interviewer could become suspicious if you continue babbling.

As an example:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at [company] and was able to work and contribute my [expertise/skills] on many special projects that had significant impact on overall [revenues/profits]. Due to a difference in working styles between me and my manager, we agreed that it would be best for me to seek further challenges and opportunities. The last project that I managed saw company revenues increase 45%, through several innovative marketing initiatives I executed. I believe this is also a very important part of this role within your organisation?”

Prepare and practice your response; say it out loud, or rehearse with friends and family so that you won’t stumble over the words. When responding to the question, remember to maintain a positive attitude, and retain eye contact with the interviewer as you speak, as this will show that you have nothing to conceal.

All the best with your career Katie.

Drop me a line at info@a-e-c.com.au Let me know how you go.
Annemarie