When you don't know how to explain your situation, you don't do a good job in interviews. Job seekers too often leave the potential employer wondering just what happened at the last job and, not knowing any different, assuming the worst. Leaving an employer with the thought that you are hiding something is a bad way to make a good impression. As a result, you don't get job offers.
Many employers tell me they will not hire someone unless they know why the person left his or her last job. They want to be sure that you are not a potential problem employee. You definitely will have to deal with this issue if you want to get hired. The good news here is that many employers have been fired themselves. Normally, people in charge alienate some people or have had interpersonal conflicts or other difficult situations-it goes along with being in charge. If you have a reasonable explanation, many interviewers will understand because they have had similar experiences.
So if you have lost a job, the best policy is usually to tell the truth. Avoid saying negative things about your last employer. Think about how you can put a positive spin on what happened. If you are not a big problem to work with, say so-and explain how you are very good at the things that this job requires. Tell the truth of what happened in your past job in an objective way and quickly turn to presenting the skills you have to do the job under discussion.
Negotiate for Better References
Another very important thing to do if you have been fired is to make sure that you negotiate with your previous employer about what he or she will say when giving you a reference. Ask for a written letter of reference, too. You can often negotiate this so that you won't be harmed as much as you might fear. These negotiations can help offset a negative past employer who just may have a simple personality conflict with you. This kind of conflict happens a lot, and it doesn't have to hurt you as much as you may think. Because almost everyone will lose his or her job once, you are in good company.
Get an alternative reference. Although you might have had a conflict with a previous boss, there are often others at your previous place of employment who thought well of you. If so, you should try to get written recommendations from them in advance. You should also contact those people to find out how they might help if asked to provide a reference.
Changing Careers or Job History Unrelated to Your Current Job Objective
Chances are this issue isn't as important as you may assume. Sure, the interviewer is curious and wants to get to know you better, but if your past experience were a real barrier, you wouldn't have been invited for an interview in the first place. Stick to a planned schedule of emphasizing your skills and how they relate to the job you are discussing. For instance, a teacher who wants to become a real estate sales agent could point to her hobby of investing in and fixing up old houses. She could cite superior communication skills and an ability to motivate students in the classroom.
Look up the job descriptions of your old jobs and the ones you want now, and find skills that are common to both. Then emphasize those skills in your interviews. The work you did in chapter 2 will also help you document the skills and other strengths you have to support your current job objective.
Recently Moved
Employers are often concerned that someone who has recently moved to an area does not have roots there and may soon leave. If you are new to the area, make sure the employer knows you are there to stay. Provide a simple statement that presents you as a stable member of the community rather than someone with a more transient lifestyle. It may be helpful to mention any family or friends who may live nearby or other reasons you plan to stay in the area.