<p><em>I was fired from my prior last job. How do I answer the question, “Why did you leave your last position?”</em></p>

<p><strong>Advice from Dana:</strong></p>

<p>This question demonstrates that you are preparing for an interview well in advance — most candidates don’t take the time to prepare answers for the most commonly asked interview questions.</p>

<p>The key to answering any question that may expose something negative is to balance two important principles:</p>

<p>No. 1: Don’t divulge too much, and don't phrase things in a negative way.</p>

<p>No. 2: Be truthful!</p>

<p>Don’t deny the fact that you were let go, but you don’t disclose details or share any rationale for your departure, either. Make it short and say it with confidence.</p>

<p>Remember, layoffs happen daily — it’s all about how you frame it in an interview. And you have choices:</p>
<ul>
	<li>“The company downsized.”</li>
	<li>“The company had a reduction in force.”</li>
	<li>“My department reorganized.”</li>
</ul>
<p>These explanations admit that you were impacted by a change but don’t share performance issues or the specific reason for your departure.</p>

<p>That said, be sure to avoid saying things like:</p>
<ul>
	<li>“I decided to leave to pursue other opportunities.” Nobody leaves a good job — they pursue new opportunities while employed.</li>
	<li>“My boss and I did not see eye-to-eye.” This statement should throw up red flags in the interviewer’s mind!</li>
	<li>“I was capped out and bored.” Shame on you — it sounds like you disengaged!</li>
</ul>
<p>In the other tough interview questions that you prepare for, strive for brevity and clarity. You’re there to show your confidence, self-awareness, preparedness, and passion for the position.</p>

<p>Spend hours preparing well in advance of any interview — there are no shortcuts! My book — <em>Cut the Crap, Get a Job!</em> — has two chapters on interviews and includes a useful interview prep guide.</p>