Job interview questions are impossible to
answer when you feel angry about being fired, guilty
about being laid off, or depressed about being out of
work. Your emotions are going to work against you in the
job interview.The best thing to
do is keep a clear head and have some prepared answers!
We all know that the unemployment rate
is soaring, and it's true that layoffs are common, but
it doesn't seem so common when it happens to you. You
probably feel like you have a lot of explaining to do.
You have to explain why you were
fired. You have to explain why you were the one laid off
in your department. You have to explain why it's taking
you so long to find work. You have to explain why there
is a gap in your resume.
The best way to explain your situation
in a job interview with a potential employer is to be
honest, but brief.
Did I mention brief? Brief is the key.
Rambling on and on will get you in trouble. You'll get
tongue-tied and say the wrong thing. Rambling is a
beacon to your interviewer that you are hiding
something.
And there's really nothing to hide.
Just explain yourself clearly, be honest, be brief, and
be prepared with the best answer.
Q: Why did you get fired?
Here's the toughest question you'll
ever answer in a job interview. The way to answer this
question is to be credible, brief, and end on a positive
note.
Don't criticize the company. Don't say
negative things about your coworkers. Don't call your
boss names. Don't be sarcastic or bitter.
The way to explain getting fired is to
describe the event as an isolated incident, that it
won't happen again, and has nothing to do with your job
skills. If you filed a report, went through any channels
in your company, or negotiated with a labor union go
ahead and discuss this, but be brief and don't blame
anyone.
End your discussion on a positive note
by saying that although it was a difficult experience,
in the end it was good decision for you and the company.
Best Answer:
"I just couldn't get along with my
boss. He had something against me personally. When he
promoted others in my department and skipped me, I had a
meeting with his boss. His boss agreed that my work was
exceptional, and they tried to get me transferred out of
the department. There just weren't any openings in the
company and the situation got worse. The whole
experience was very difficult, but I learned a lot, and
looking back, I think it was best thing for me."
Q: Why did you leave your last job?
Avoid going in to detail about the
closing or lay off. Don't relate the pink-slip
experience, don't describe what a shock it was for
everyone, and don't start rambling about events leading
up to the lay off. All your interview wants is a simple
answer to a simple question.
Best Answer:
Keep it to a one-liner such as "I left
when our department was closed".
Q: Why did your company close your
department?
This is not the time to criticize your
coworkers or company. Your interviewer will see this as
a negative and chalk you up as a complainer. Don't make
comments about the blunders that the company made, the
goof-balls in your department, or that management made a
big mistake by laying you off.
Be careful not to criticize your
company's competitors. You don't want to call the other
company "sleazy" or "under-handed", you never know, your
interviewer might have a relative that works at that
company and they won't appreciate your comments. In
short, it's a small world, and companies in a similar
business tend to know each other.
And remember, the lay off was out of
your hands. It had nothing to do with you or your
skills.
Best Answer:
Be ready with a short, concise
statement such as "Sales had been declining for years
and our product line was discontinued".
Keep it brief with an answer such as
"We lost our contract to a competitor. They brought in
their own staff and let us go".
Q: What have you been doing since
you've been out of work?
Don't say "I've been looking for
work". Your interviewer will think that you are just
looking for a paycheck. You need to prove to your future
employer that this position is important to you.
Focus on accomplishments that showcase
your abilities. Maybe you took a class or training
course, be sure to discuss the importance of continued
education. Maybe you volunteered at church, school, or a
local charity. Even small things will demonstrate that
you are self-motivated, organized, and a well-rounded
person.
Best Answer:
Describe your accomplishments such as
"I've been doing consulting work at the Community
Center. I've always wanted to help them and I'm glad I
had the opportunity".
Q: Why do you want to work here?
Please don't say "I need the money".
That's like saying that you don't care about the company
or the position. Remember, they're proud of their
company and their products. Explain to your interviewer
why you will be an excellent addition to their
organization.
Best Answer:
Prepare some concrete reasons why you
like the company such as "I've always respected your
company and products. I read a recent article that you
are a leader in the field and I want to be a part of
that".
Have some reasons on hand about why
they should hire you such as "I get results, I'm
self-motivated, and I have a variety of interests and
skills that are a perfect fit for this position".
Q: Why haven't you found a job yet?
Don't get defensive. Be ready to
answer this in a way that makes you look good, not
needy.
You're looking for just the right
company, you have an excellent skill set, and you have a
lot to offer. Turn this question around and describe the
job you are applying for and why you are the perfect
person for the position.
Best Answer:
Give a confident answer such as "I
have years of experience, I just finished a training
course that updated my skills, and looking over your job
description for this position, I have all the
qualifications. I'm glad I didn't jump at just any job
offer, I think this position and your company will be
perfect fit for me".
Q: Can you explain this gap in your
resume?
This layoff will be on your resume
from now on. Even years from now, you will still be
explaining the window when you were unemployed.
Just be honest. Don't change your
beginning or end dates to make the gap look smaller.
They can easily call your previous company and get your
employment dates. Your interviewer will know that after
big layoffs, the market is flooded, and it takes a while
for everyone to find another job.
Best Answer:
Remember stick to your one-liner such
as "My company had a big layoff in 2003".
In closing, good luck on your job
search. I hope these Interview Answers for the Tough
Questions will help you on your next job interview!
