Explaining A Job Loss
Becoming unemployed either through termination or a layoff can be difficult enough without your job status being raised in an interview with a prospective employer.
In this blog we discuss how to respond to questions about why you were dismissed from your previous position.
In either case, you want to remain positive while demonstrating your value and interest in being successful in a new workplace. Long gone are the days where people stay in a position for a lifetime; job upheaval is expected.
However, it’s also important to be up front about your situation without getting into any unnecessary details. A lack of honesty is likely to come back to haunt you.
If a mistake caused your dismissal, own it and recognize what you’d do differently next time. If there was a conflict with a supervisor, your tact should be about your interest in finding a good fit. Don’t badmouth a previous employer.
If you were laid off or restructured, you will likely have a document from your former employer that explains this.
Even before getting to the interview stage, don’t leave your previous employer cited on your resume as if you are still employed there.
This article discusses how to deal with questions of why you were terminated. As well, it outlines proactive steps employees can take to help them if they’re let go suddenly (for additional advice be sure to see the comments at the bottom of the article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/explaining-you-were-let-go-andrew-seaman/
Here’s advice on how to deal with scenarios of an employee being fired or laid off:
https://www.best-job-interview.com/answer-job-interview-questions.html
https://www.zsa.ca/dealing-with-past-terminations-in-your-job-search/
Here’s advice specifically related to an employee being fired and how to respond to questions: http://careerbuilder.ca/blog/2018/11/19/how-to-explain-being-fired-to-potential-employers/
This article addresses how to deal with job termination on your resume and cover letter https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/job-termination-and-your-resume-canada
Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to update their resume and cover letters and conduct comprehensive job searches.
They can also assist you with your other job search tools and ensure you’re using all the resources available to you, including accessing potential training opportunities (see contact details below). Your strategies may include updating or acquiring new skills.
Regardless of the circumstance surrounding leaving your last job, your focus needs to be on finding a suitable new position. This can be challenging, particularly if you were blindsided by a layoff or dismissal beyond your control.
Take any steps necessary to help you cope with any lingering stress so that you’re ready to take on that next great position. Then be ready to put your best foot forward for that next great job.
If you want more help with your job search at no cost, contact us at 780-539-5477. You can send enquiries to info@gpworkplace.ca. Our office is located at #105, 9840-97th Ave., Grande Prairie.
We also help employers find qualified candidates.
