Firing can be overcome

November 19, 2013
Filed under: Coach's Corner — Tags: , , — jonimar @ 10:33 pm

Q: I’ve been cut loose from my executive position with seven years until retirement. How do I position myself after being sacked?

A: Personality and “f i t” account for most terminations. Being fired is recoverable if you handle it properly. First, make peace with what happened so you don’t bring negativity to the interview.

If or when the issue comes up, admit you were fired. Don’t introduce it yourself. Address the question directly. Explain the circumstances and reasons without even a hint of blame, resentment or defensiveness. This is an opportunity to demonstrate selfawareness, self-management, honesty and transparency.

Recognizing a potent ial employer will have some concerns, a well-presented explanation can show that regardless of the termination, you are a person with great value and potential. Point to your strengths, expertise and past successes so they understand this one-time occurrence will not affect your future performance.

Look the interviewer straight in the eyes with matter-of-fact confidence. A person who conveys fear or anxiety in their tone or body language leads the interviewer to believe there is more to the situation than is being revealed.

Frame the dismissal in terms of what you learned, how you grew from it and how the next company will benefit from the experience. Take responsibility for whatever your part was in it. Provide strong references who can provide third-party credibility to your character.

Smaller organizations that are reaching maturity could benefit from your invaluable experience. Skills are transferable. What other industries would profit from your unique expertise and outside perspective? Attitude and a sense of confidence can be the key to finding an even better role in a company where you will be a valuable addition to their organization and a ‘fit’ for their culture.

Originally published in The Province, Nov. 17, 2013. 

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