This can be a rather difficult question for some in job interviews. If you were fired from a previous job your potential new boss will want to find out why you were fired.
It is not a good idea to fail to mention that you were fired from a previous job on your application form, because the employer will find out - they always check your employment history. In reality, the employer is testing your honesty - would YOU hire somebody who was dishonest or tried to hide things? No, you wouldn't.
When an interviewer asks you about your previous job termination, remember to remain calm at all times. Do not panic, do not stutter and do not refuse to answer. These will indicate dishonesty.
The moment you hear the question being asked, stop and think clearly before you respond. You should always accept the interviewers offer of a glass of water before the interview starts. This glass of water will help you if your mouth runs dry, which is bound to happen because you're naturally nervous for the interview. A glass of water is also a great distraction for time, pick up the glass and sip slowly - this will give you precious seconds to think about an answer while hiding that you are stalling for time.
Another important thing is to smile. Don't let any negative body language or negative facial expressions take over when you hear the question. Believe it or not, people think better when they are smiling than when they are frowning.
One of the important rules of job interviews that you usually will not hear anywhere is to have the ability to turn a negative into a positive. For example, if you are poor at numeracy, mention to the employer that you plan on taking evening classes to boost your numeracy skills, but need to have some income first to pay for it - you have just turned a negative into a positive and most likely impressed the employer with your positive thinking, strive for learning and plans for the future.
It is rather easy to turn a job termination into a positive during an interview. Understandably your mind will "go blank" for a few seconds at the Horror of the question - which is why the glass of water is a crucial part of an interview.
You should keep your answer to the termination question brief but informative. People are known to ramble on a bit out of nervousness, especially if they feel the termination was unjust - this can put the potential new employer off you. So remember, brief but informative. Be honest but not "too" honest.
You might be able to get away from any after-questions concerning the answer you gave by adding a question at the end of your explanation.
You should also avoid saying anything that may "disqualify" you from the job. For example, if you procrastinated a lot in the last job due to lack of motivation, try to keep that to yourself, otherwise the interviewer will see you as "lazy" and cross your name out with a red pen.
Another tip is to avoid using the word "fired". There is a lot of stigma around the word "fired" in the employment business. Instead use terms such as "let go", "termination", "discharged", "laid off" or "released".
Here are some examples of how you can word your answer to the question "Why were you terminated from your last place of employment?". Feel free to twist them so that they are relevant to your situation:
Good luck with your interview. Remain calm, smile and turn negatives into positives.
the last check does not need to be presented upon termination.
The last number refers to the number that occurs or forms at the end of a given termination.
What did you like best about your last job?" What did you like best about your last job?" What did you like best about your last job?" What did you like best about your last job?" What did you like best about your last job?"
Honestly Really, as with all questions in an interview you need to be honest. As a manager who regularly hires if I sense that the person I am interviewing is trying to avoid answering something or is being dishonest with me then it will only go downhill from there. In addition if you are not honest with the interviewer, you are hired, and the truth comes out later it could be grounds for termination.
The Last Interview - 2011 was released on: USA: 2011 (48 Hour Film Project)
Last Interview - 2005 was released on: USA: 10 July 2005 (Mexico City) (premiere)
Marilyn The Last Interview - 1992 TV was released on: USA: 20 July 1992
Edward Said The Last Interview - 2004 is rated/received certificates of: UK:U (video rating)
The cast of The Last Interview - 2011 includes: Chad Eberhart as Roger The Hitman James Hugill as Young Roger
the final interview is the final round interview, in which the interviewer asks all that he or she may want, and is the last step before the person is hired by the company.
Would not suggest you get an interview with them as they are shutting down there last shop on the 5th January.
The cast of The Last Interview of Thomas Szasz - 2013 includes: Philip Singer Thomas Szasz as himself