If you’ve ever got fired, you know exactly what we’re getting at! Yes, it is not the most pleasant and ideal situation to be in, for a lot of reasons. First reason being the buzzing questions about why you are leaving and second being the next job’s application form! Termination is that process which involves getting the pink slip and being asked to leave within a few days time. And if this happens, then giving your new employers an appropriate response is probably the best way to start afresh with your next job. Because, if you don’t write out the reasons, you’ll probably have to talk about them in the interview! And when it comes to that, your prominent stuttering and loss of words is only going to make the situation all the more uncomfortable for you. Always remember that your potential job and future career is at stake and a simple question like “Why did you quit your last job?” can either make it or break it for you. Always bear in mind that while in an interview, usage of words like “fired”, “thrown out” and “terminated” etc must be avoided. At times, you might not even know why you were fired. If it is so then call the HR in-charge of your previous firm to get an idea. Beware that they choose their words well. You need to frame yours perfectly too! Read ahead for some dos and don’ts!
Reasons For Quitting
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Neutral phrases such as “involuntary separation” are preferred in place of any other. Words such as “fired”, “quit”, “terminated”, “forced to resign”, “money problems”, “marital issues”, “long hours” and “overtime” etc can earn you an impression of an insincere employee.
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Here’s a must do. Call your former employers and ask them what they would say at a reference check. Make sure you reintroduce yourself but don’t be rude. You can allow them to know that you are hurt by the termination but you must remain polite at all times. Most often than not, former managers and seniors use the word ‘resigned’ to save you and them from any future trouble.
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If you want to give reasons as to why you quit your job then there are a few options. You could say that you left so that you might work closer to home or because you are looking for a career advancement or because you want to work in a better environment etc. Saying that you have children to look after or need greater financial support can be used but rarely because this shows your instability as an employee.
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Some people might say that they discontinued working due to an inconsistent education that they want to get back to. But, the question arises as to how the current job will not interfere with your studies. You need to provide a logical reason stating how this is the right job that can help you learn and grow at the same time etc.
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Other reasons could include: quitting and doing voluntary work, started own business which didn’t work out, sick mother/father/spouse/kid/sibling to take care of, extended vacation and so on. What you need to remember is that you can cite any reason as long as it gives the person hiring you the assurance that you are ready for new responsibilities.
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Sometimes, you can tell the truth if the real reasons for your termination was lack of company funds or economic crisis or plant closing down or some other company related issue! This will seem genuine and the recruiter will know that you are not faking your way into a job.
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Quitting for success is one of the most commonly used reasons. Employees who are self motivated and want to better themselves are rare, so employers love to hear about what you have planned for yourself. Explain that you quit your job since you needed something that challenged your knowledge and that you want additional responsibilities that the current place is offering. Don’t forget to let them know how skillful you are!
These are some of the plausible reasons you could state when asked about your termination. Make sure you stay as honest as possible!
