Work Coach Cafe

Dear Work Coach,

I work retail and just this passed Thursday I was let go from my job. The reasons that they stated is that I did not fit in the new company direction and I was not doing my job properly.

Even after a month ago they sent me to train other managers, I was praised by the CEO, and not to mention I was asked back to the company after I left. Nevertheless I have another interview soon.

How can I put all of that into a positive nature and not sound like I’m bad mouthing the company? I work long and hard for this company and I don’t want three years of managerial experience to go to waste. I need any help so I can have a great interview.

Sincerely,
Jennifer

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Hi Jennifer!

I can only imagine how frustrating that must have been for you. I’m so sorry.

You’re right. You want to leave any hard feelings behind you during an interview, and be as positive as possible about this new job being exactly the right match for you.

If they ask you what happened, (using your own words, of course) you can say something like you actually had a good experience there, but they’re moving in a new direction and, although it took you a little by surprise because you’ve always had good feedback, this turned out well for you since this new job is much more in line with where you want to go with your career. And be prepared to tell them why!

As an old song says: “Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative” – at least as much as possible.

You might want to take some time beforehand to prepare and practice your answer until it feels comfortable and still natural. Practicing with a friend and/or using a recorder can be very helpful.

I also hope you have solid references from the last job (as well as others) that will tell the new employer just how good you are. And when asked why you were fired, I hope they’ll simply say it was about a new management direction or changes in management or some such thing – and leave it at that while heralding your many good qualities.

Here’s a post I found that offers more possible answers for you and other people in your situation. (Remember to look at any such answers and then come up with your own ideas and ways of phrasing it so it doesn’t sound canned.)

Job Interview Answer: Why Were You Fired?

I hope this helps. Many people have been in your situation – including me early in my career. Sometimes a good person just doesn’t fit what management wants for the company, but they may be precisely what another company is looking for!

Quite honestly…for me it’s always been a blessing; since if I don’t fit their corporate image there’d be no room for me to grow there and I wouldn’t be happy. And there have been plenty of places where I did fit. Just like with dating, it really is about finding the right match.

So congratulations on a chance to find a job where you’ll really be appreciated!

Good luck, Jennifer. And please let us know how it goes.

Ronnie Ann

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New Work Coach Cafe Policy:

Although I had to stop answering individual questions (to preserve my sanity), as always your thoughts and stories are VERY welcome here.

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