BIG YES BOMB!!!!!

Gr34zy · 2025-04-22T15:25:19+00:00

I’ve done interviews but never asked that question. If I did I would want a reasonable explanation as to why the interviewee was terminated. Something like “I was terminated at ABC for poor performance. I have since done XYZ to improve my performance and it will not be an issue going forward.” Or explain that you had some life events going on at the time that impacted your work performance but have since been resolved.

jake_morrison · 2025-04-22T17:07:53+00:00

There is a difference between being terminated for cause and terminated due to company bullshit.

A lot of situations will fall under, “I had to sign a non-disparagement agreement in order to get severance, so I am not at liberty to discuss the details”.

wanderlust_careers · 2025-04-22T15:52:44+00:00

Hi there. Your best answer will be one that is even, reflective, and not blaming in any way. You can say, "unfortunately the company and I were a poor fit for one another" and then explain why (unclear instruction, unclear tasks, boundary issues etc.). You can also say, I was terminated due to xyz, and in reflection, I understand that I could have ABC to have improved my performance. While I regret that I was unable to manage that issue at the time, with reflection I know feel confident I would avoid repeating the same mistake.

vett929 · 2025-04-24T03:08:18+00:00

Lie. Never say you get fired. At least in the US the job is not allowed to tell any new employer any more then “candidate worked here from date a- date b in this role “

Last_Owl3457 · 2025-04-23T05:24:57+00:00

I have never been asked this question in my entire life.

Expert_Equivalent100 · 2025-04-23T16:33:21+00:00

I’ve never specifically asked the question but I work in a small industry where word gets around, so I did have a candidate decide to head off anything we may have heard by saying he was fired for performance, followed by telling us what he learned from it and how he’s demonstrated those lessons since. It came across very well. While he didn’t get the role, it was because he was lacking some necessary experience, but we would definitely be open to hiring him for a more appropriate position.

meanderingwolf · 2025-04-22T16:18:58+00:00

I have had considerable experience doing this over the years. I have interviewed thousands and thousands of people and after a few early years came to ask this question of every candidate. It was a test, as I was looking at how they responded and could instantly tell who was not truthful. I learned to rule them out as candidates.

I watched many people swallow and say yes. I would smile, and then ask them what happened, and let them tell the circumstances. Now, here is the critical follow on question. What did you learn from the experience and how did it change you? You could see the good candidates, that ones that had learned and grown from their experience, relax as they explained how they had taken responsibility and grown from the experience. Poor candidates would get nervous and blame it all on the company or other people. How a candidate handled past adversity is a good indicator of how they will deal with future adversity and challenges.

For many years I was a retained executive search consultant and specialized in senior management (CEO and C-level) positions. I estimate that at least half of the successful candidates I recruited had been fired from a position at some time in their career. They had grown from the experience and used it to propel their careers. Overcoming adversity changes people, all for the good!

meanderingwolf · 2025-04-23T02:03:16+00:00

I have encountered that before. It’s best to answer in the affirmative and request that your response be kept confidential. Only do it to an HR representative or the hiring manager. Clearly state that you were a victim of sexual harassment and retaliatory termination when you tried to report it. Generally, that will suffice. They may subsequently ask what action, if any, you subsequently took. You should respond briefly if you can. Refrain from going into detail about the situation. Deal with it in a direct and positive manner and it will work in your favor.

meanderingwolf · 2025-04-24T22:10:09+00:00

Whatever, you understand perfectly well what I meant.

meanderingwolf · 2025-04-24T22:51:26+00:00

2025-04-24T02:15:37+00:00

[deleted]

UsedNegotiation8227 · 2025-04-24T18:43:48+00:00

Why would anyone ever answer yes to that?

BIG YES BOMB!!!!!

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

To all interviewers: If you ask candidates whether they've been terminated at anytime in their working history, what were some "winning" answers, or at least answers that kept them in the running of the hiring process?

To all interviewers: If you ask candidates whether they've been terminated at anytime in their working history, what were some "winning" answers, or at least answers that kept them in the running of the hiring process?

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