NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

i am really stressing about an interview i have tomorrow.

The dreaded question of 'what happened at your last job, why did you leave'

what should i say??

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

With questions like that, it's sometimes helpful to focus on the positive, rather than a negative. It's a shame that someone treated you so harsh b/c you were being honest. Personally, I'd be grateful that they didn't offer me the job, b/c it says a lot about the kind of management the company has.

Is this new job interview in the same industry as your last job? If not, you can always say that you are looking for a dynamic work environment, an opportunity that provides a more engaging individual role, as well as a chance to contribute to a team that is strong in their industry and has a respected management team.

Feel free to pick and choose...you'll know what fits best for your situation. Just try to remain upbeat, positive and self-confident. If you wince when they ask they question, they will know something's up.
Don't quote me, b/c I don't have a research study to back this up, but I believe 60% of winning in the interview process is in non-verbal communication.

Good luck!!!

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

Just be positive and say you are looking for something different, more challenging etc.. I am pretty sure they can't just call up your employer and ask about you. You can give the other two people as references. Your past employer is not allowed to bad mouth you and prevent you from being employed elsewhere!

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

How about usign the ol 'laid off' thing? Most people are sympathetic that - especially in this economy. And just hope they dont call your former boss.


If you dont want to lie - I would recommend that you NEVER say you were terminated for performance issues or worse lying on your timesheets. It doesnt matter if you did it or not, the prospective employer will hear bells go off.

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

Lie, say you were looking for a growth opportunity. Look on Monsterboard.com. They have great advice on interviewa. Good luck.

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

I know for a fact my former employeer can not say anything about why i left. It's against the law.

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

I wouldn't advise lying. When they call HR or other references to verify you leaving a common question is reason for leaving and would you rehire this person. I am doing a reference check as we speak and HR gave me a list of questions. You do not need to throw up any red flags but straight out lying. They do not have the right to bad mouth you but they can ask simple questions. Also, read what you sign on the application. Our company has a waiver that says they can basically ask your references any question and employment is pending these reference checks, etc.

I am not 100% what the best answer is. I do not believe in lying but I think you can turn a negative situation into a positive answer. Something like it was a mutual decision that the company or position or industry was not working for either so you decided you would pursue a more challenging and rewarding environment. I also agree with the body language - you know what is right for you and present that in your body language. Also, do not bad mouth your former employer. Keep all that negativity out of the interview - that is a sure turn off.

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

PS Good Luck!!!!!!!!

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

Just a note: Most companies wont give out too many details about why you left/terminated because that is company policy to prevent lawsuits. However, MOST people have big mouths. I have called many references and have been told the real deal many times despite company policy being otherwise. Dont just assume that a company wont reveal the circumstances because they werent suppose to - particularily if you had a personal run in.

Oh and it not illegal to give out information provided its factual. If someone calls a company asking why you dont work there and they say you were 'terminated' that is enough for the prospective employer to get the drift.

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

I have gotten some great tips, ok so what do you think will work best??

I have the
'Conflict of interest that was best solved by leaving, but i am looking forward to being apart of a team'

The somewhat honest approach:
'I was terminated due to a misunderstanding about my timesheet, the company has a strict policy about it and i was not given an exception'

**which a few people told me i should not use because i shouldnt mention anything about being terminated**

'I am looking for a dynamic work environment, an opportunity that provides a more engaging individual role, as well as a chance to contribute to a team that is strong in there industry and has a respected management team'

or
'mutual decision that the company and i were not working for either, so i have decided to persue a more challenging and rewarding environment'

I have a list of some questions i could ask them.
'what would be my responsibility to the client team'
'what is expected of my performance'
'what skills would be required to assist the team'

the standard:
'why did this position become available'
'what is the dress code'

I am so sorry to do this to everyone. I have been on a dozen interviews and all i have been getting is rejections. i got 2 rejection letters in one day. i also got offered a job then a week later they sent me a rejection letter. that really hurt and my confidence just fell to the ground.

All your encouragement is really helping

I dont know if i can handle any more rejection

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

I spoke with an HR person that i know and she told me that no matter what the circumstance may be a company can not give out reasons for termination. they can say yes you were terminated but thats as much info as they can give out.

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

I guess the only other thing I can suggest is just be yourself, and THINK POSITIVE. You really sound like you are letting the rejection thing rule your heart and your mind, and believe me, that will be the worst thing you can do. You have to get over it.

The reality is, the job market is tight right now. The economy stinks and employers are looking for a the cheapest/easiest ways to solve their staffing challenges. You have to approach each and every interview opportunity with a fresh perspective, and if the employer feels that you have the right skill set and the right attitude for the job, you will win.

But rejection is the name of the game, and it's not necessarily refective of your recent termination. Look at me for instance - I've been a stay at home Mom for almost seven months and I am trying to re-enter the workforce. I've been sending out my resume for the last 3-4 months. I have only gone on one interview, and haven't gotten too many calls back. I don't take it personally, though. I know my industry has taken a big hit with the economy. I also know I have a lot to offer an employer - but the reality is, some companies probably can't afford me right now. I'm willing to make the right sacrifices and negotiate for what is mutually acceptable.

Hang in there...something will work out!

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

thank you everyone. You have all given me a great lift.

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

Melissa, how did the interview go?

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

the interview i had 2 weeks ago for taylor rafferty didnt go well. the lady never let me finish my sentence. she would ask me a question and in the middle of my response she would say 'oh yea uh hu um yea so ok....' next question. i didnt think it was really a productive interview.

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

I would think that you are best mentioning how you are looking to be part of a team and make a contribution. It may be true for you, without mentioning the rest of the details about your termination. Then, I would turn your response around to say how you would like to contribute and what you bring that could aid them. It is sort of like when you are asked a question about what are you good at and what are you not so good at...it's best to include something that you aren't so good at but to tell them how you are working to improve it (turn the negative into a positive). Good luck on the interview! We would love to know how it goes if you feel like sharing!

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

I would say the reason is personal.
They can not pry and ask more. It could have been anything if you respond this way.
Also, remember body language says alot. Sit up straight, and look them straight in the eye and smile.

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

Just wondering how the interview went, if you feel like sharing?

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

Re: NWR: Job interview tomorrow..help, what to say??

Keep at it. Your job will come along. There are many people out of work right now so the competition is stiff for every job. But you will land something. Just keep trying and remember to be positive.