How Do I Tell Interviewers I was Terminated

Customer question: How do I answer tell interviewers I was terminated without using that word?

I was interested in how to answer interview questions about being fired on a job. Due to the restructuring of a public agency, I was terminated from my position. So how do I answer the question without using the term “terminated?”

To me, it would leave the Interviewer with questions regarding my management skills and competency. I thought  about answering the question this way:

“The Agency underwent a change in Administration and they are restructuring the program and the roles of the managers and I was laid off from my current position.”

I would appreciate any advice you can offer in assisting me to answer this question without giving a hint to the termination.

- Carla

Don’s Answer on: How do I tell interviewers I was terminated

You are right, describing your departure from your last job as “terminated” sends up RED flags with your interviewer and decreases your chances of getting the job.

I love your answer – it is perfect and I wouldn’t change a thing. I never advocate lying in an interview and though laid off and terminated basically mean the same thing, you are correct in telling them that you were laid off.  Now if you were fired, that would be a different story. 

Subtle changes in your interview language like this are absolutely necessary to get the job in this over-competitive job market.

In my past, I have been laid off from many jobs because of coporate downsizing or the economy.  And when I tell potential companies what happened and that it was no fault of my own, they completely understand and don’t hold anything against me.

Good luck on your interview.

Sincerely,

Don

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