“Why Were You Fired?” How to Answer This Interview Question

You may be asked, “Why were you fired?” during a job interview. A prospective employer has every right to ask this question. With the right approach, you can answer this interview question without hindering your chances of landing your dream job.

Here are five tips to help you answer an interview question about why you were fired.

1. Consider Why You Are Being Asked This Interview Question in the First Place

Think about why an interviewer asks this question. Oftentimes, an interviewer wants to see how a candidate deals with adversity. So, if you are asked about why you are fired from a job, try to stay calm, cool, and collected. Rather than worry about your response, tackle the question head-on. Then, you can show your interviewer that you have moved on from your prior position. You can also highlight how you have grown personally and professionally and are ready to take your career to the next level.

2. Provide a Direct Response

Resist the urge to provide a lengthy interview question response. Instead, be clear and concise. Explain the reason why you were fired and share relevant details with your interviewer. If your interviewer has follow-up questions, they will share them with you.

3. Be Honest in Your Response to the Interview Question

Do not lie about why you were fired from a job. Doing so can lead you down a dangerous path that ultimately pushes you away from landing your ideal job. When it comes to any job interview, honesty is always the best policy. Therefore, give your interviewer an honest response if you are asked why you were fired from a role. Then, you can move on to the next interview question.

4. Focus on Your Positive Attributes

Use your response to link your skills and experience to the role you want to land. For instance, if you were fired from a role, you can explain how the experience led you to advance your skill set. You can then highlight how your skills align with those the interviewer wants to find in their perfect candidate.

5. Practice Your Response

Conduct a mock interview with a family member or friend before you meet with a potential employer. Use this question during the mock interview. This allows you to fine-tune your response and helps you become more comfortable with the interview question.

Get Help with Job Interviews

Preparing for a job interview can be a long, arduous process. You may even reach a point where you ask, “What are the best temp agencies open near me?” At this time, you can find a professional staffing firm that can help you get ready for interviews. This firm can also provide interview tips and insights and help you identify and land your dream job.

Arrow Staffing is a top-notch staffing firm that empowers job seekers to build successful careers. We make it easy for you to pursue jobs that align with your career goals and get help with interviews. Browse our job board today!

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