One of the mistakes jobseekers make during job interviews is stating they were ‘fired.’ Most don’t understand the difference between getting laid off and being terminated. But there is a distinction between the two. Representatives of hiring organizations understand the difference. Jobseekers should as well.
Layoffs occur due to a business decision – for example, the outsourcing of a department. The circumstances are beyond an employee’s control. Firings, on the other hand, are based on poor job performance or inappropriate conduct.
Words have a lot power and when jobseekers qualify their ‘I was fired’ response with the specifics of the layoff, the damage can be irreparable. Hiring managers may assume the candidate isn’t being forthcoming about the circumstances. Once a hiring manager questions the candidate’s integrity, it will be difficult to shake that impression – even when proven through a reference check that the candidate’s version of events are accurate.
Uneasy that their candidacy is tainted, most jobseekers are discouraged about their chances of landing a new position. Jobseekers’ perception is their own worst enemy. Often, they walk into an interview defeated and simply going through the motions. This strategy is sure to backfire.
Candidates should keep in mind that through the employment dates on resumes, interviewers are aware the jobseeker’s unemployment status prior to extending an offer to interview. They are purposely overlooking a job loss in favor of experience.
Over the years, the stigma surrounding those who are laid off has decreased significantly. In fact, in some cases, jobseekers are harder on their unemployment status than those responsible for hiring.
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Linda Matias, president of CareerStrides and author of How to Say It® Job Interviews, has earned credentials in all three primary aspects of the job search: Certified Interview Coach (CIC), Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC), and Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW). Through her career and outplacement firm, CareerStrides, Linda dispenses advice on topics including changing careers, resume writing, and effective interview techniques. Linda is also the former president of the National Resume Writers Association. Her contact information is as follows: website – www.careerstrides.com and email –linda@careerstrides.com. (c) material
