Job Interviews: Handling a Hesitant History

Holy pink slip! I've been canned!
Interviewer, I'm your man.
Just don't ask about my boss,
I'll draw a blank, be at a loss.
It's not my work or attitude,
He was a loser. Hire me, dude!

Have you been downsized, pink-slipped or let-go at work? Were you recently invited to depart from your place of employment?

If so, then you may be ambitiously and aggressively pursuing possible job openings. You may be polishing your resume, perusing the classified ads and surfing employment listings online. How will you handle the tough questions at those employment interviews?

Guess what each prospective boss will ask you? You guessed it!

"Why did you leave your previous position?"

First and foremost, you absolutely have to come clean with the truth. That's a given. Anything less than the truth will brand you as a personnel pariah. Even if the interviewer seems to swallow a lie on the spot, the facts will quickly surface when the human resources staff checks your references and previous employers.

Explaining the hard truth in the best possible way is an important career strategy. Berating your previous employer benefits no one. In fact, grousing about your earlier jobs or bosses can quickly turn an interviewer off. Remember, as an applicant, you are there to win the job, not to score points in an imaginary vendetta against your ex-boss.

A positive attitude and clear demonstration of the quality of your personal character can make all the difference between a job offer and a "No, thank you."

Don't ramble on and on, trying to explain why it all wasn't your fault. This will just make you sound defensive and unsure. Be honest, direct and brief.

The following statements may give you some springboards for your own story.

Sample scripts for interview candidates:

"My previous employer experienced a series of unfortunate financial setbacks, leading to cutbacks across the board. As a result, I am able to present my capabilities elsewhere. How might my experience and abilities be an asset to your organization?"

"This minor setback was probably just the jump-start I needed. It incited me to search for a more challenging position. Your company appeals to me, and I would love to join your team."

"Perhaps I was a bit overzealous to find a job at the time, and I accepted a position that was a poor fit for my capabilities. This was a valuable learning experience for me, which has improved my professional focus. The position you present appears to be a much better match for my training and skill set. I believe I can make a significant contribution here."

"At the time I left my previous position, my family was experiencing a major crisis. Because of this, I was a bit off of my game, but those issues are now resolved. I am ready to jump in, full force."

"My employer and I had a tragic misunderstanding, but I am ready to redeem myself with total enthusiasm and commitment to your organization."

"I freely admit that I made a few technical mistakes in my old job, but I have learned from these. Now I am ready to begin anew and afresh. Will you give me that opportunity?"

Obvious unmentionables:

"My boss was the village idiot."

"Don't get me started!"

"They were perfectionists!"

"I would have quit, if they hadn't fired me first."

"A couple of forged approvals, and everyone goes off the deep end!"

"They didn't appreciate my sense of humor."

"What's a little insider trading among friends?"

"They had no sense of humor. Some people are so touchy!"

"I didn't like that job anyway."

"Who wants to work, anyway?"