| Topic Name: |
Unemployment |
| Message Name: |
My circumstances |
| Date Posted: |
10/01/2004 |
| In Reply To: |
If there is anyone out there that has ever been terminated from a position
1)How long did it take you to find an employer willing to hire you?
2)How did you explain your termination during the interview?
I have been unemployed for over 6 months and explaining why I was terminated is getting harder and harder. The real reason: my boss and I were like oil and water and the person that replaced me has since left as well-it REALLY is my boss that's the problem. My reason during the interview: I was not the right fit for the position. This explanation is obviously not working for me. |
| Message: |
I was an Engineering Director for a medical device manufacturer until I was terminated in March, '04.
1) Since my termination, I have found no one willing to hire me. I have probably had at least 20 telephone interviews since then and about a dozen on-site interviews. No luck, and no viable prospects in sight. Telephone calls and interviews have tapered off dramatically. Hopefully things will pick up after the election.
2) I tell the truth about my termination at the interview: I was laid off because the company was having deep financial problems and the owner decided to dramatically cut manufacturing, get rid of staff, and focus on selling Asian-made products.
I understand your situation. No one can get along with everyone, especially if their boss is a pig. Nevertheless, prospective employers are sold on the "Team Player" concept, and they expect you to be able to get along with event the most vial jackasses under the most impossible circumstances.
I am convinced that an unofficial reason for my termination was because the owner of the company was an evil, egotistical jerk who thrived on creating melodrama and conflicts within his company. He and I never really got along and I am convinced that he felt threatened by my intelligence and abilities. The thing is, as much as I feel betrayed, hurt, and disgusted by my relationship with this individual, I will NEVER tell that to a prospective employer.
Remember, no matter how bad you feel towards your previous boss, don't let on to your interviewers that there were any personality conflicts or difficulties in your working relationships. As far as your previous employers were concerned, it was all happiness and sunshine. Use politically correct reasons for your termination (e.g. the economy, downsizing, reorganization, etc.)
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