I wish we could be honest, the game playing in interviews is exhausting. If you have or had a toxic boss or company I wish we could say that without being penalized. I wish we could normalize honesty * sigh
Everyone sits around lying to each other expecting honesty from the other person. It’s like the meme with 2 Spider-Mans where they point to each other….
While I did praise the previous company for training me and giving me a lot of new skills I still use and would bring to the new company, I didn't want to give too much credit to them, otherwise, why did I leave? The reality was, while I loved my work and the people I worked with, I left after 3 years (5 years total, as I was promoted 2 years in) before my mental health declined further. I was an overachiever and did extra things to help the company and to help manage my demanding position. However, they all became normal tasks, which I could not keep up with. My boss and I were not seeing eye to eye on my daily tasks and we were no longer communicating effectively. I'm now happily employed with a new company because of my careful honesty. My new job has also been very supportive.
Why do I want to leave my current job and work for you? I don't. I'm happy where I am. However I was told by the recruiter for your company that contacted me that I really need to hear what you have to say. So, I'm listening...
I've used that before, "I moved and there was nowhere for them to transfer me too and remote wasn't available." however if they call them, they can lie, then you're hosed.
Really? Is that what you say? - I would go like this: My hours were cut. I was happy with that but I needed a job that payed a higher salary to compensate for the fewer hours.
Why I left my last job?: I didn't. The job quit me. My contractor job with T-Mobile was shut down due to advances in technology (probably A.I.). Currently taking time for myself to heal an illness.
That's a risky move. I do boast about that to my family friend circle. I had to lie to land most jobs because if i was honest, i would remain jobless. Interestingly, my current job i was honest with them and they still hired me. Its a higher demand role.
@nickr3441 they can come up with a reason when they want you back. Granted, it can be challenging depending on where you live. But when you are marked to be removed, your days will become miserable.
I got laid off in my last job because, three weeks after getting my job, a rival approached my boss and asked for a job. He could do any job in the company and brought some clients over with him, whereas I couldn't offer that. So my boss let me go, because I was the only non-permanent worker (I was still in my probationary period). The boss said that it was no reflection on my performance and if another job opens up, he will call me back. He said he hates letting me go but this is too good an opportunity to ignore. I heard the place has financial troubles as well, so this guy's client list might help generate more business. My boss even said he would be a reference and tell anyone I interview for the reason I was let go if asked.. How should I explain this to a potential employer? Does it reflect on me? I mean, it is unusual circumstances to be fired for. How do I present this reason to an employer, as I feel embarrassed?
Bryan do you think this is a good answer: "The job became something different from what I was expecting and it ultimately became not a good fit. However, I still learned a lot about working with data and taking more initiative in my work, and I will not let that setback define me as a young professional. I'm confident that my previous experience and skill set will translate well into this new role."
I think a lot of hiring managers know this tactic now. While they can't call you out on it or probe, I'd be worried that it may cause them to them to think you're hiding something and lean towards putting you in the 'no' column. (esp if my last job doesn't seem like one that would have an NDA).
I've been laid off twice in the last 4 years or so. I've heard a lot of "oh that's too bad" when I tell interviewers that, but I also had a director confront me over it. I was laid off twice. What did you want me to do instead? I didn't get any farther in the interview process for that position and frankly would have turned down the opportunity to interview further. There is nothing but trouble ahead if the director has that kind of mindset.
“My former boss wouldn’t meet with me, evaluate my performance, or do any work to support me, however she insisted on meeting me only after hours for drinks. She made sexually suggestive comments to me, gave me sexually suggestive gifts, and insisted I entertain her in my private home when I lived alone where she didn’t talk about work at all, just got drunk and peeked in my cabinets. (While hanging a raise over my head). She made a rule that I wasn’t allowed to talk to make friends with anyone in the company except her. She made a huge show to everyone to convince them she and I were BEST FRIENDS when she was completely dropping the ball and exploiting me. When I complained to HR she became hostile and made my life hell.” How the FUCK do you spin that, dude? …I think I’ll be self employed from now on and not return to that industry because I got FIRED for continually complaining. That part of my life is over and I’m fucking glad.
@weekendwarrior3420 When it seems ridiculous, clearly you don't see the necessity of the narcissism. I don't see it either, but then being entirely autistic, I can't actually be narcissistic anyway. I do see how it could help if I could though since I'd fit in better.
@weekendwarrior3420 narcissism means that you feel a lot of sympathy for yourself, but before you can feel that you have to feel sympathy for a lot of things. You have to have that capacity to feel for others before you can feel that for anyone including yourself. So those who can't feel that also can't be narcissists. That's why they check to see whether your careful in how you talk about how you got fired. To see whether you can feel sympathy enough to at least be a narcissist. Then your expected to turn that narcissism off and feel for others instead, but they also filter out the autistics.
Are these legitimate reasons? Would a combination of the two below be a fine response? 1. Left last job to start my own business or to freelance 2. Left to pursue an education and take care of family
Most of the time when I've changed jobs it's been pretty straightforward reasons like "I graduated with my Master's and my employer didn't have any openings for Master's level staff," "I moved to a new state," etc. My last job change not so much, so I practiced in my head what I would say at the interview and apparently it worked because I got the job and am still working there!
When I was interviewing for a new position, I explained that growth opportunities were limited in a previous employer, and that I was looking to challenge myself in a new role.
@@tracym8952 When I was laid off from my corporate IT job this year, I work, but I'm not working in "corporate." When I say I don't work anymore to people, what I mean is I'm not working in my field. I took up part time work while taking a breather to bring in some income. I spend the rest of my time looking for work in my field. So I'm not "working," in IT, but I am still working to bring in income. I tell most people that I'm unemployed - because this is how I define unemployment. Unemployment USED to mean an engineer or accountant that was laid off now flipping burgers. Today, working two service jobs is now considered gainfully employed.
Saw you on the Ramsey franchise, good to see you out and about. Your advice is spot on. Even if one is employed its valuable information you share, for navigation purposes alone.
Those are good answers. The recruiter is just trying to see if you are a good fit, and can address their needs. You're doing the same. It doesn't need to be difficult.
@5:10 "Oh, well, we at Example Company prefer close supervision to ensure that the worker is accurately completing the job correctly." I've had that said to me before in an interview. I swear it felt like I was sitting across the room from my old boss. Definitely did not follow up to that interview!
I tried the "My team had different directions of where the company was heading, I respect their directions but it doesn't fit into my style". Oops I guess that makes you sound like you are hard to get along with and unadaptable. Straight up saying "I wasn't into bullying and slander" would have been better. Next time I will say, "I do not adapt well to cut throat politics that go left unchecked and I have enough self respect to remove myself from that". Wait companies do not like those who respect themself even a small amount anymore.
Simply rotate between laid off, moved and perhaps signed an NDA. Saying you're looking for a new challenge will be seen as a red flag by the employer that you get bored easily.
This is an easy one to answer if you quit the position. While I appreciated all that I learned while in my role, I decided that it was time to branch out and experience new challenges and methodologies to become a better ____________. Unfortunately there are no higher positions in my former company, so I've decided to seek a new position.
I don't underst and why we have to lie, since they probably know we're lying. Or why do I have to explain myself how it's possible that I haven't worked for a year. Well, clearly I manage money better than most people and clearly the job market sucks, so out of thousands of vacancies there's just 1-2 worth applying for. And that's clearly beyond most recruiters (or, in my country, employers themselves), so everyone thinks there's something fishy if you haven't jumped at the first crappy job you saw. I don't get the lying, the excuses, the dishonesty, which is more than transparent and especially when you have not done anything wrong.
I was forced to quit. Shortly after I complained about several years of harassment about piling more on to my position while also being vilified for wanting advancement, management told me I had to take on the additional skills or take a pay cut. The company also refused to work with a state agency that helps individuals with disabilities to improve their employment situations & refused a workplace accommodation request. Somehow, I still can't find a lawyer to help me.
Your answer is a question. "Whats more important is why is this position open? Did the last person leave, were they fired, and would you mind if I called them as a reference to see if they would ever consider employment within this company ever again? My reasons are my reasons and that's truly all you need to know. I'm interviewing with many potential companies at the moment. Thats reason enough. Why are you hiring for this role?" The interview is a 2 way street. You're putting them on the spot too. Your investment and risk outweighs theirs 100 fold. You are the person - they're afterall the soulless entity. A business is not a name a brand mission a product a building or a group of people. It's a legal folder attached to a bank account. Its 2024. Never forget it. They aren't entitled to ANYONES labor. If they have a problem with you asking hard questions in return you REALLY don't want the job anyway. Toxic is as toxic does.
I got let go because I made some code changes the team wanted to approve first before adopting the new code. I got the approval of a Jr. Dev and my boss, but not the rest of the team. I got fired for "not being a team player", even though I was given a second chance to implement the same code and introduce it slowly. I think maybe I was defensive in my pull request comments, so maybe that was it. I'm otherwise unsure. I probably deserved it for some other reason non related to work. I wish I hadn't made the changes and just did it the 'dumb' way. I'd have paid off all my debts right now if I'd just kept my mouth shut and gone along to get along. Corporations don't tend to like new ideas, even ones that solve the problem (which the code I found did). Many of my prior employers would have been ok with the changes.. I'm so confused. If anyone's looking for a .net developer....😅
Egos are fierce in Dev teams and something to watch out for. Clearly you had good solutions to offer and some great insights to share. Your challenge seems to be the "How" rather than the what. Winning hearts and minds first through engagement and gentle influencing. 😊you'll go very far I'm sure. 🎉
What if you did have another job lined up but it didn't work out because of schedule conflicts and now you're unemployed but not willing to go back to your recent former employer because they only gave you 4 hours a week? 🤔
My new favorite question to ask at the end is on this line, "is there anything I have said today that has you thinking I would not be a good fit for this role?" and I'll add another comment on the lines of "I would love the opportunity to give more insight where needed." I have had a few moments where I was shot down quick very openly, and others where they told me in that moment they had no concerns. This way I know immediately where I stand, and at the minimum know if I am rejected it is likely simply due to someone purely being better in some regard they need in that moment.
How would you answer it on an application? Just came across an application that asked: Have you ever been involuntarily terminated, or asked to resign in lieu of termination?
Unless I quit, the answer is always laid off. I've been fired before and in my state the employer is not allowed to say anything. Both times I was fired the reasons were questionable based on environment and actual performance so as long as I collected unemployment, I was laid off.
In canada you can lie and say you are still employed. Most employers don't bother with references. Those that do, we just get a spouse, family, etc. be a "former boss" to land the job. As long as you know the job and don't discuss when you start new job, you will be fine.
Here’s the thing they won’t care because at that point that statement will tell them what they want to know your not a “team player “ and not a yes man
I recently quit my job. My boss was unprofessional. I realized the situation was only going to get worse as people don't change who they are. I'm not sure how to address this in a job interview. Lately, I've started to internalize the situation as a character flaw within me because I wasn't able to withstand the mistreatment from this person. I can play the game, I just don't know how to spin it as being unemployed zaps your self-esteem & confidence.
What should I say if I was fired for discrimination/lack of reasonable accommodations? I don't want to bad mouth the employer but that seems like what it would end up sounding like. "While I tried.....the employer never....so, I couldn't fulfill my job duties."?
There was a conflict of interest between me and the company. My interests did not align with theirs. Even so, I left on good terms. I know this is not the truth, and you were wronged by them(I’m sorry)but this is a graceful way to explain yourself. Hope this helps you
depends if you are desperate, lie. if not tell the truth, you will only be hired by a great manager. I got hired after lay off and my manager is awesome
as much as I appreciate your advice, I know you have to protect your professional integrity and avoid recommending lying. But I have no professional integrity so I will tell everyone here that lying is the best option, specially if you were fired. Unless you were fired for something serious (like being under the influence during work, theft, belligerence, etc), the best thing is to lie because your employer will legally not be able to provide any details about why you were let go. Legally all they can confirm is your employment dates. So lie, lie, lie your way to a new job.
I've had a number of entry level temp and sales jobs where I either left or not meeting quotas (call transfers, sales goals) and since I'm an older guy, almost all of these companies are gone, so I can honestly say "they're out of business"...let them do their research.
May be worth coving but it sorta correlates on sanitizing. For instance, I lost a senior supervisor position because a then director removed it from the company. I was told he would go to venues and find managers were putting their work on to the senior supervisors. His way of dealing with it was to remove the position. I got the impression that explaining that didn't help me to any new potential employers. It's circumstances beyond my control but still get penalised by potential employers.
What about if we left for health reasons? I was diagnosed with an incurable illness and had to focus on my health to make it manageable, now I’m healthy enough to return back to work life
I would just say something like, "I left for personal reasons but they have since been addressed." I have had to say something similar before due to having to take a break from school and a student job due to a family emergency.
@@speedracer9132Yes, I think so. That’s over sharing and could backfire on you. As long as you’re capable to do the job you’re currently interviewing for they don’t need to know (or have any right to) your health history.
Your videos are so helpful and informative, thank you for all the content. I now have a guideline to how to answer this question with potential future employers. But what about my current employer? I'm currently working my first 9-5, and I've had a couple clashes with my employer. So I am anxious to leave as amicably as possible. When the reason I'm leaving is because of personality differences, what do I say in my resignation letter?
You don’t have to give a reason, just your final day. If you feel compelled to give a reason you can say “for personal reasons “ or that the job is no longer a good fit for your life.
I was a contractor. I had to take an oath to uphold certain laws. When I reported to my manager that a supervisor was breaking theae laws, rhey ended my contract. How do I answer that? I was honest, my employer commited a felony.
I love your videos! Can you please do a video on how to work around being on a team with many people in the same position (a.k.a sales reps) and your boss cannot give you a raise or provide a change without doing it for everyone else?
Why yes I'm VERY confident in the fact that my own damn insecurities wouldn't let me go any further in this program to earn more job skills, and I therefore graduated with people who were in the program for less time than myself - after doing what I could to make the store look its best. I guess I should puff out my chest and flat out announce "I SCREWED MYSELF, SIR" like an obediant soldier. Though in reality, I could say it was a mixture of graduating a program and the insecurities - I could leave it at the program, but I could've technically been working there longer if I took the plunge in taking on the register.
A few good ones are: Took time to learn new skills, caring for family members, working on home renovations or helping out family, working gig jobs while focusing on the others. There are a ton of Apps for gig work so it's not unusual at all. Exploring self employment or trying a home business that unfortunately didn't work out. Writing a book.
I recently got offered a work contract, I wanted to come upfront with my nervousness due to a physical agression I recently lived in the subway to make sure it didn't cause problem. Not to say they invalidated the contract 5 min later. I struggle to understand why employers would rather have me hide information from them honestly but I guess that was a lesson.
I think I'm quite fortunate here, I'm a contractor. Contract ended because of budget which was a shame as they wanted to use my skills elsewhere. Screwed job wise but at least the departure is positive, if such a thing is possible. Challenge is, getting as far as an interview...what is going on out there?
What advice would you give in my situation? I’m currently working as an instructor at a great flight school. However, the previous flight school let me go without giving me a reason why. I infer that it was because I questioned some of their unethical business practices, and shortly after got let go. However, in an interview with an airline, I’m not really sure how I’m supposed to word that or if they want me to infer as to why I may have been let go.
As someone who was fired from their first job I would just tell them that my position was eliminated and leave it at that or I was laid off. The work number only ask what your employer, your job title and how long you worked there.
What's the best way to phrase that you left an employer because your physical health kept declining, and there wasn't really a chance to "escape" work to be able to get to doctors appointments and physical therapy appointments without having to "make up" those 3 hours later that night? I don't want to come across "lazy" but I don't want to say "I'm a workaholic who worked 80 hours/week and completely sacrificed my health for the company's success on these million-dollar projects as the technical team lead"? Catch-22. I left to focus on my health, but when leaving an employer, you also lose access to health care, since USA revolves 100% around insurance corporations being the middleman and 99% of coverage is unfortunately tied to the employer benefits package. I dread having to explain all this in my future job search because of a multi-year gap where my health kept getting worse because of no access to health care. Tips?
Dealing with this question during an interview is not my concern. What I am struggling with is how to get the interview when they ask this question on the initial application and they give you limited space to write an answer. I "left" a job because of mental health issues, that are now much better managed. Any suggestions?
when I was laid off and had to look for a new job . I noticed tactful communication is key I was very honest about it but at the same time very tactful about it as well including a white lie there Some companies don’t even ask so for those I don’t even mention it . This was when I got multiple offers due to the help of this channel. Which I may need again!! Also getting laid off is better than getting fired…as many employers will be more understanding over that than a firing With a firing you have to be SUPER tactful!!!! Perhaps even more
Everyone I know in the construction industry has been fired a bunch of times it seems that’s the nature of the industry, in my own experience and the case of a few people I know, Fired for reasons which are illegal. This would not look good on a resume. How do you broach this subject if you are just in the application phase without lying if asked.
From my experience we don't have a free job market. When you have employers talking to other employers passing a candidate to another employer who pay less salary then the previous employer that they applied to who paid more salary. Then you have employers colluding with other employers to single out a candidate from getting a job making them go to numerous job interviews but with no intention of giving them a job.
What about an injury situation. I jad a cdl and drove a semi tractor and unloaded the trailer daily. I sustained a herniated disk in lower back. Long story short, it will be 2 years this October this year. I am finally able to move around somewhat better then previously. I am not able to sit in a seat for 10 hours aday like im a commercial vehicle, but something alittle but more light side. What do I do
If it won't affect your ability to do the job (ie...you need a reasonable accommodation), I wouldn't offer that you were injured. They will look at it as a risk for worker's comp. I'd say something along the lines of "OTR was difficult on my personal life, but I love driving. This local job is the best of both worlds"
my problem is idc about judgment so i tend to be very brief with this question. i was laid off from my last job and i can always sense the judgment when i tell them it was because of company downsize.
I found out if you sound like a loser they won't want you but if you sound too succesful, they believe you are not dependable. They need dependable employees who follow commands. All of this is about understanding the human psyche, not being honest.
Don't say anything. Oh wait... Can mention you have learned to schedule time to provide regular updates and not get caught up focusing on your work. I had a similar problem working from home where I would get in the zone and then realize it was suddenly 7:00PM and I forgot to send an email out before the office closed.
"I left because I needed to focus on my health". 100% true statement, and I can then focus both on finding something that meets my career objectives and is more focused on what I want to be doing.
How do you know if you were fired? If your employer tells you that you're laid off, they might still pick you because they felt that you underperformed. What's the difference, unless they let you go because you did something very bad? *UPDATE* - Biggest difference in my state is that if you're "fired" then you can't collect unemployment. I think that most employers are willing to classify you as "laid off" because they don't want to be mean. You would have to done something very bad for them to try to prevent you from collecting an unemployment check.
How do you answer the "why are you leaving your current job" question when the reason you're leaving is because they denied you bereavement pay when your mother died because they couldn't find coverage?
Yeah an interview isn't the right time to air grievances and turnoffs, it's to explore the common ground first. In my personal experience it's at the job offer stage that you want to start scoping out whether they're a shitty employer who tries to test the limits of how much unpaid overtime they can squeeze out of or whether they're a chill workplace where people cover for each other and aren't stressed the hell out.
What do you say when the real reason you are looking for a new job is to escape from a toxic work environment riddled with seniority cliques and blatant favoritism
Okay how about this one. My husband complained about a safety issue (A really important one) and his managers didn't address it and he continued to escalate it, ultimately getting his new manager in trouble for ignoring it. He worked there for 20 years with exceptional performance. His new manager is literally a childish idiot and he fired him for "improper use of company property" for taking home his cooler when he is expected to work from home regularly and all employees that do his role take them home its not against any policy. He then got an attorney and OSHA involved and the settlement was in his favor, but now he has no idea how to talk about it in an interview without diving into details and it seems like no employer wants to hear that you exposed an OSHA violation and were wrongfully terminated. Is there any way to bring this up that doesn't immediately kill the interview?
HR: Why did you leave your last position? Me: The company eliminated the position. HR: Was this a downsizing? Me: You could say that. HR: Ok, explain what happened? Me: The company hired a new CIO. This individual announced we would be a Windows only company. As such, my manager eliminated all Unix engineers. HR: Ahh so they migrated everything to windows. Me: No, they eliminated the positions first. I would assume they tried to migrate the 900 AIX, HP-UX, and Linux servers as well as the 300 AIX desktops afterwards. HR: Do you have a contact for a reference? It seems the company is no longer in business. Me: Provides contact to other Unix team members.
Really confused about what to say if you were fired still. Your answer completely dodged the question, and then you said "but don't give an answer that dodges the question or they will probe deeper and we don't want that". And what if you were fired for things outside of your control and they needed someone to take the hit? What if you were fired for retaliation for a particular event someone with power didn't like?
It funny how's that big NO NO in CAPITALISM, that's supposed to be about money, and it is, for the employer to see all in $$$, but as an employee, you have to balance some spiritual BS as a reason.
I wish we could be honest, the game playing in interviews is exhausting. If you have or had a toxic boss or company I wish we could say that without being penalized. I wish we could normalize honesty * sigh
As long as people are judgmental, you'll always have to play the game on some level.
Me too! I wish I could say I'm leaving because of the misogyny and favoritism that runs rampant at my work .
@ALifeAfterLayoff Life is a rat race that we will never win. We were never meant to.
Exactly, it's ridiculous
I don't get why we would be tbh toxic bosses exist, and toxic work culture is a thing not sure why saying it out loud is bad thing
Everyone sits around lying to each other expecting honesty from the other person.
It’s like the meme with 2 Spider-Mans where they point to each other….
While I did praise the previous company for training me and giving me a lot of new skills I still use and would bring to the new company, I didn't want to give too much credit to them, otherwise, why did I leave?
The reality was, while I loved my work and the people I worked with, I left after 3 years (5 years total, as I was promoted 2 years in) before my mental health declined further. I was an overachiever and did extra things to help the company and to help manage my demanding position. However, they all became normal tasks, which I could not keep up with. My boss and I were not seeing eye to eye on my daily tasks and we were no longer communicating effectively. I'm now happily employed with a new company because of my careful honesty. My new job has also been very supportive.
Why do I want to leave my current job and work for you? I don't. I'm happy where I am. However I was told by the recruiter for your company that contacted me that I really need to hear what you have to say. So, I'm listening...
Video starts at 2:09
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Thank you
Best answe. And ive always used it.
"I moved"
Its a dead end answer and they cant question it.
This is a good answer, but make sure you always use a PO Box when they ask for an address.
I'll keep that in mind!
I've used that before, "I moved and there was nowhere for them to transfer me too and remote wasn't available."
however if they call them, they can lie, then you're hosed.
that's actually a really convenient answer haha.
Will keep it in mind for next time.
@weekendwarrior3420 I don't think so. Where would they get that info from?
I quit because of a toxic boss, but I've been saying I quit because of staffing changes and a reduction in hours (which are also true).
I usually say that my hours were cut and I needed a job with more hours.
The compensation was not what was presented so I decided to pursue other opportunities.
Really? Is that what you say? - I would go like this: My hours were cut. I was happy with that but I needed a job that payed a higher salary to compensate for the fewer hours.
Why I left my last job?: I didn't. The job quit me. My contractor job with T-Mobile was shut down due to advances in technology (probably A.I.). Currently taking time for myself to heal an illness.
Years after i got my job, i told the person who interviewed me that inlied to them almost about everything. She laughed,😅
That's a risky move. I do boast about that to my family friend circle. I had to lie to land most jobs because if i was honest, i would remain jobless. Interestingly, my current job i was honest with them and they still hired me. Its a higher demand role.
@asadb1990 I have slot of senority now. If they fired me I'd sue and win. Can't fire me without just cause
@nickr3441 they can come up with a reason when they want you back. Granted, it can be challenging depending on where you live. But when you are marked to be removed, your days will become miserable.
Legend
I got laid off in my last job because, three weeks after getting my job, a rival approached my boss and asked for a job. He could do any job in the company and brought some clients over with him, whereas I couldn't offer that. So my boss let me go, because I was the only non-permanent worker (I was still in my probationary period).
The boss said that it was no reflection on my performance and if another job opens up, he will call me back. He said he hates letting me go but this is too good an opportunity to ignore. I heard the place has financial troubles as well, so this guy's client list might help generate more business. My boss even said he would be a reference and tell anyone I interview for the reason I was let go if asked..
How should I explain this to a potential employer? Does it reflect on me? I mean, it is unusual circumstances to be fired for. How do I present this reason to an employer, as I feel embarrassed?
Bryan do you think this is a good answer:
"The job became something different from what I was expecting and it ultimately became not a good fit. However, I still learned a lot about working with data and taking more initiative in my work, and I will not let that setback define me as a young professional. I'm confident that my previous experience and skill set will translate well into this new role."
I wouldn't use the term "setback"... Spin it to a positive "it's all been a really good learning experience".
Be sure to close with "and if I may ask about the same, why are you looking for another candidate"
I can't divulge the information, because I signed an NDA.
I think a lot of hiring managers know this tactic now. While they can't call you out on it or probe, I'd be worried that it may cause them to them to think you're hiding something and lean towards putting you in the 'no' column. (esp if my last job doesn't seem like one that would have an NDA).
For me it’s 1 of 2 reasons:
- laid off
- because $$$$$$$$$$
I've been laid off twice in the last 4 years or so. I've heard a lot of "oh that's too bad" when I tell interviewers that, but I also had a director confront me over it. I was laid off twice. What did you want me to do instead? I didn't get any farther in the interview process for that position and frankly would have turned down the opportunity to interview further. There is nothing but trouble ahead if the director has that kind of mindset.
Agreed red flags can appear in the interview AGAINST the company as well!!
“My former boss wouldn’t meet with me, evaluate my performance, or do any work to support me, however she insisted on meeting me only after hours for drinks. She made sexually suggestive comments to me, gave me sexually suggestive gifts, and insisted I entertain her in my private home when I lived alone where she didn’t talk about work at all, just got drunk and peeked in my cabinets. (While hanging a raise over my head). She made a rule that I wasn’t allowed to talk to make friends with anyone in the company except her. She made a huge show to everyone to convince them she and I were BEST FRIENDS when she was completely dropping the ball and exploiting me. When I complained to HR she became hostile and made my life hell.” How the FUCK do you spin that, dude? …I think I’ll be self employed from now on and not return to that industry because I got FIRED for continually complaining. That part of my life is over and I’m fucking glad.
Wow! I'm sorry that happened to you. I hope you found something else. Remember: she will get what's coming to her for what she did to you. Be blessed.
@@Behappy4ever-i7y sounds like Single White Female the movie. Better off out of it!!
"My position was affected." Got that right!
@weekendwarrior3420 When it seems ridiculous, clearly you don't see the necessity of the narcissism. I don't see it either, but then being entirely autistic, I can't actually be narcissistic anyway. I do see how it could help if I could though since I'd fit in better.
@weekendwarrior3420 narcissism means that you feel a lot of sympathy for yourself, but before you can feel that you have to feel sympathy for a lot of things. You have to have that capacity to feel for others before you can feel that for anyone including yourself. So those who can't feel that also can't be narcissists. That's why they check to see whether your careful in how you talk about how you got fired. To see whether you can feel sympathy enough to at least be a narcissist. Then your expected to turn that narcissism off and feel for others instead, but they also filter out the autistics.
Are these legitimate reasons? Would a combination of the two below be a fine response?
1. Left last job to start my own business or to freelance
2. Left to pursue an education and take care of family
Most of the time when I've changed jobs it's been pretty straightforward reasons like "I graduated with my Master's and my employer didn't have any openings for Master's level staff," "I moved to a new state," etc. My last job change not so much, so I practiced in my head what I would say at the interview and apparently it worked because I got the job and am still working there!
My previous employer was bought by a private equity firm and I was part of a mass layoff.
When I was interviewing for a new position, I explained that growth opportunities were limited in a previous employer, and that I was looking to challenge myself in a new role.
Right now I can honestly say that my last place of employment shut down due to COVID-19.
You haven't had a new job since 2020?
@@tracym8952 When I was laid off from my corporate IT job this year, I work, but I'm not working in "corporate." When I say I don't work anymore to people, what I mean is I'm not working in my field. I took up part time work while taking a breather to bring in some income. I spend the rest of my time looking for work in my field.
So I'm not "working," in IT, but I am still working to bring in income. I tell most people that I'm unemployed - because this is how I define unemployment. Unemployment USED to mean an engineer or accountant that was laid off now flipping burgers. Today, working two service jobs is now considered gainfully employed.
That was 4 years ago..
@@tracym8952 He didn't say current job, he said last job. Many people are struggling with finding work. People may be working, but just not at a 9-5.
Regarding the fourth tip on not talking negatively, what about a short answer like burnout from frequent staff shortages?
Interview is a game where two parties are trying to lie to their best efforts 😂😂
OMG I need this video since this applies to me
Saw you on the Ramsey franchise, good to see you out and about. Your advice is spot on. Even if one is employed its valuable information you share, for navigation purposes alone.
Those are good answers. The recruiter is just trying to see if you are a good fit, and can address their needs. You're doing the same. It doesn't need to be difficult.
@5:10 "Oh, well, we at Example Company prefer close supervision to ensure that the worker is accurately completing the job correctly." I've had that said to me before in an interview. I swear it felt like I was sitting across the room from my old boss. Definitely did not follow up to that interview!
If someone has left a company because of stress, mobbing or toxic environment, what would be the magic answer
To seek a better opportunity
I tried the "My team had different directions of where the company was heading, I respect their directions but it doesn't fit into my style". Oops I guess that makes you sound like you are hard to get along with and unadaptable. Straight up saying "I wasn't into bullying and slander" would have been better. Next time I will say, "I do not adapt well to cut throat politics that go left unchecked and I have enough self respect to remove myself from that". Wait companies do not like those who respect themself even a small amount anymore.
Thanks for your kind responses
Simply rotate between laid off, moved and perhaps signed an NDA.
Saying you're looking for a new challenge will be seen as a red flag by the employer that you get bored easily.
This is an easy one to answer if you quit the position.
While I appreciated all that I learned while in my role, I decided that it was time to branch out and experience new challenges and methodologies to become a better ____________. Unfortunately there are no higher positions in my former company, so I've decided to seek a new position.
Since most interviewers ask boilerplate questions, that's a completely accurate boilerplate response. Touche!
I moved, I went back to school, COVID, contract duration ended, I wanted to branch into a more advanced skillset.
I don't underst and why we have to lie, since they probably know we're lying.
Or why do I have to explain myself how it's possible that I haven't worked for a year. Well, clearly I manage money better than most people and clearly the job market sucks, so out of thousands of vacancies there's just 1-2 worth applying for. And that's clearly beyond most recruiters (or, in my country, employers themselves), so everyone thinks there's something fishy if you haven't jumped at the first crappy job you saw. I don't get the lying, the excuses, the dishonesty, which is more than transparent and especially when you have not done anything wrong.
I was forced to quit. Shortly after I complained about several years of harassment about piling more on to my position while also being vilified for wanting advancement, management told me I had to take on the additional skills or take a pay cut. The company also refused to work with a state agency that helps individuals with disabilities to improve their employment situations & refused a workplace accommodation request. Somehow, I still can't find a lawyer to help me.
all my jobs have been temporary jobs via employment agencies at companies ,
we can also say that the last job was contract job or remove some jobs from resume
Your answer is a question. "Whats more important is why is this position open? Did the last person leave, were they fired, and would you mind if I called them as a reference to see if they would ever consider employment within this company ever again? My reasons are my reasons and that's truly all you need to know. I'm interviewing with many potential companies at the moment. Thats reason enough. Why are you hiring for this role?"
The interview is a 2 way street. You're putting them on the spot too. Your investment and risk outweighs theirs 100 fold.
You are the person - they're afterall the soulless entity. A business is not a name a brand mission a product a building or a group of people. It's a legal folder attached to a bank account.
Its 2024. Never forget it. They aren't entitled to ANYONES labor.
If they have a problem with you asking hard questions in return you REALLY don't want the job anyway. Toxic is as toxic does.
I got let go because I made some code changes the team wanted to approve first before adopting the new code.
I got the approval of a Jr. Dev and my boss, but not the rest of the team.
I got fired for "not being a team player", even though I was given a second chance to implement the same code and introduce it slowly.
I think maybe I was defensive in my pull request comments, so maybe that was it.
I'm otherwise unsure. I probably deserved it for some other reason non related to work.
I wish I hadn't made the changes and just did it the 'dumb' way. I'd have paid off all my debts right now if I'd just kept my mouth shut and gone along to get along. Corporations don't tend to like new ideas, even ones that solve the problem (which the code I found did). Many of my prior employers would have been ok with the changes..
I'm so confused.
If anyone's looking for a .net developer....😅
@weekendwarrior3420 private github repo, sorry.
Egos are fierce in Dev teams and something to watch out for. Clearly you had good solutions to offer and some great insights to share. Your challenge seems to be the "How" rather than the what. Winning hearts and minds first through engagement and gentle influencing. 😊you'll go very far I'm sure. 🎉
What if you did have another job lined up but it didn't work out because of schedule conflicts and now you're unemployed but not willing to go back to your recent former employer because they only gave you 4 hours a week? 🤔
My new favorite question to ask at the end is on this line, "is there anything I have said today that has you thinking I would not be a good fit for this role?" and I'll add another comment on the lines of "I would love the opportunity to give more insight where needed."
I have had a few moments where I was shot down quick very openly, and others where they told me in that moment they had no concerns. This way I know immediately where I stand, and at the minimum know if I am rejected it is likely simply due to someone purely being better in some regard they need in that moment.
Your tan is looking amazing in this vid! Jelly.
"Budget cuts due to Covid/other excuse"
Works every time.
How would you answer it on an application? Just came across an application that asked: Have you ever been involuntarily terminated, or asked to resign in lieu of termination?
Unless I quit, the answer is always laid off. I've been fired before and in my state the employer is not allowed to say anything. Both times I was fired the reasons were questionable based on environment and actual performance so as long as I collected unemployment, I was laid off.
In canada you can lie and say you are still employed. Most employers don't bother with references. Those that do, we just get a spouse, family, etc. be a "former boss" to land the job. As long as you know the job and don't discuss when you start new job, you will be fine.
Just say: “I don’t divulge that information.” And if they don’t like that answer, stand up and leave. Plain and simple.
Here’s the thing they won’t care because at that point that statement will tell them what they want to know your not a “team player “ and not a yes man
I recently quit my job. My boss was unprofessional. I realized the situation was only going to get worse as people don't change who they are. I'm not sure how to address this in a job interview. Lately, I've started to internalize the situation as a character flaw within me because I wasn't able to withstand the mistreatment from this person.
I can play the game, I just don't know how to spin it as being unemployed zaps your self-esteem & confidence.
Do not internalise other people's disrespect towards you. You need to love and respect yourself absolutely 😅😊🎉
What should I say if I was fired for discrimination/lack of reasonable accommodations? I don't want to bad mouth the employer but that seems like what it would end up sounding like. "While I tried.....the employer never....so, I couldn't fulfill my job duties."?
There was a conflict of interest between me and the company. My interests did not align with theirs. Even so, I left on good terms.
I know this is not the truth, and you were wronged by them(I’m sorry)but this is a graceful way to explain yourself.
Hope this helps you
depends if you are desperate, lie. if not tell the truth, you will only be hired by a great manager. I got hired after lay off and my manager is awesome
Easy Answer. My position got redundant after a company-fusion. ^^D
"They started paying employees what they felt they were worth. Won't catch ME working for nothing." 🙂
'To get a better job and save my sanity' might be a good answer.
as much as I appreciate your advice, I know you have to protect your professional integrity and avoid recommending lying. But I have no professional integrity so I will tell everyone here that lying is the best option, specially if you were fired. Unless you were fired for something serious (like being under the influence during work, theft, belligerence, etc), the best thing is to lie because your employer will legally not be able to provide any details about why you were let go. Legally all they can confirm is your employment dates. So lie, lie, lie your way to a new job.
This is much better advice then he gave. Honest abe usually gets screwed
I've had a number of entry level temp and sales jobs where I either left or not meeting quotas (call transfers, sales goals) and since I'm an older guy, almost all of these companies are gone, so I can honestly say "they're out of business"...let them do their research.
May be worth coving but it sorta correlates on sanitizing. For instance, I lost a senior supervisor position because a then director removed it from the company. I was told he would go to venues and find managers were putting their work on to the senior supervisors. His way of dealing with it was to remove the position. I got the impression that explaining that didn't help me to any new potential employers. It's circumstances beyond my control but still get penalised by potential employers.
What about if we left for health reasons? I was diagnosed with an incurable illness and had to focus on my health to make it manageable, now I’m healthy enough to return back to work life
I would just say something like, "I left for personal reasons but they have since been addressed." I have had to say something similar before due to having to take a break from school and a student job due to a family emergency.
@@kimberlybega8271 so would be a bad idea to say upfront that it was for health reasons?
@@speedracer9132Yes, I think so. That’s over sharing and could backfire on you. As long as you’re capable to do the job you’re currently interviewing for they don’t need to know (or have any right to) your health history.
Thanks Brian, can you do an updated video on finding a job as a recent grad and/or no experience in the field?
Sure, I'll take it into consideration.
@@ALifeAfterLayoff appreciate it!
How does "because I want to change industries" sound?
@weekendwarrior3420 thank you for responding.
Your videos are so helpful and informative, thank you for all the content.
I now have a guideline to how to answer this question with potential future employers. But what about my current employer? I'm currently working my first 9-5, and I've had a couple clashes with my employer. So I am anxious to leave as amicably as possible. When the reason I'm leaving is because of personality differences, what do I say in my resignation letter?
You don’t have to give a reason, just your final day. If you feel compelled to give a reason you can say “for personal reasons “ or that the job is no longer a good fit for your life.
I was a contractor. I had to take an oath to uphold certain laws. When I reported to my manager that a supervisor was breaking theae laws, rhey ended my contract. How do I answer that? I was honest, my employer commited a felony.
I love your videos! Can you please do a video on how to work around being on a team with many people in the same position (a.k.a sales reps) and your boss cannot give you a raise or provide a change without doing it for everyone else?
I left my last job because I had to have treatment for cancer. What is the best thing to say in this regard?
Why yes I'm VERY confident in the fact that my own damn insecurities wouldn't let me go any further in this program to earn more job skills, and I therefore graduated with people who were in the program for less time than myself - after doing what I could to make the store look its best.
I guess I should puff out my chest and flat out announce "I SCREWED MYSELF, SIR" like an obediant soldier.
Though in reality, I could say it was a mixture of graduating a program and the insecurities - I could leave it at the program, but I could've technically been working there longer if I took the plunge in taking on the register.
@A Life After Layoff do you have any content about how to respond to questions about an extended employment gap?
A few good ones are: Took time to learn new skills, caring for family members, working on home renovations or helping out family, working gig jobs while focusing on the others. There are a ton of Apps for gig work so it's not unusual at all. Exploring self employment or trying a home business that unfortunately didn't work out. Writing a book.
I recently got offered a work contract, I wanted to come upfront with my nervousness due to a physical agression I recently lived in the subway to make sure it didn't cause problem. Not to say they invalidated the contract 5 min later. I struggle to understand why employers would rather have me hide information from them honestly but I guess that was a lesson.
Biggest no no i was always taught was throwing the previous employer under the bus or coming off as unprofessional.
I think I'm quite fortunate here, I'm a contractor. Contract ended because of budget which was a shame as they wanted to use my skills elsewhere. Screwed job wise but at least the departure is positive, if such a thing is possible. Challenge is, getting as far as an interview...what is going on out there?
What advice would you give in my situation? I’m currently working as an instructor at a great flight school. However, the previous flight school let me go without giving me a reason why. I infer that it was because I questioned some of their unethical business practices, and shortly after got let go. However, in an interview with an airline, I’m not really sure how I’m supposed to word that or if they want me to infer as to why I may have been let go.
Can state that you weren't given a reason for the lay off and assume it must have simply been a business decision.
As someone who was fired from their first job I would just tell them that my position was eliminated and leave it at that or I was laid off. The work number only ask what your employer, your job title and how long you worked there.
What's the best way to phrase that you left an employer because your physical health kept declining, and there wasn't really a chance to "escape" work to be able to get to doctors appointments and physical therapy appointments without having to "make up" those 3 hours later that night? I don't want to come across "lazy" but I don't want to say "I'm a workaholic who worked 80 hours/week and completely sacrificed my health for the company's success on these million-dollar projects as the technical team lead"? Catch-22. I left to focus on my health, but when leaving an employer, you also lose access to health care, since USA revolves 100% around insurance corporations being the middleman and 99% of coverage is unfortunately tied to the employer benefits package. I dread having to explain all this in my future job search because of a multi-year gap where my health kept getting worse because of no access to health care. Tips?
What if I got fired for being on my phone what do I say
Dealing with this question during an interview is not my concern. What I am struggling with is how to get the interview when they ask this question on the initial application and they give you limited space to write an answer. I "left" a job because of mental health issues, that are now much better managed. Any suggestions?
"New management came in and there was a restructuring, and unfortunately myself and a few others were let go."
Always good!
Helpful information TkU
when I was laid off and had to look for a new job . I noticed tactful communication is key
I was very honest about it but at the same time very tactful about it as well including a white lie there
Some companies don’t even ask so for those I don’t even mention it .
This was when I got multiple offers due to the help of this channel. Which I may need again!!
Also getting laid off is better than getting fired…as many employers will be more understanding over that than a firing
With a firing you have to be SUPER tactful!!!!
Perhaps even more
What's the difference between laid off and firing in your mind? In the UK curious.
Everyone I know in the construction industry has been fired a bunch of times it seems that’s the nature of the industry, in my own experience and the case of a few people I know, Fired for reasons which are illegal. This would not look good on a resume. How do you broach this subject if you are just in the application phase without lying if asked.
From my experience we don't have a free job market. When you have employers talking to other employers passing a candidate to another employer who pay less salary then the previous employer that they applied to who paid more salary. Then you have employers colluding with other employers to single out a candidate from getting a job making them go to numerous job interviews but with no intention of giving them a job.
What about an injury situation. I jad a cdl and drove a semi tractor and unloaded the trailer daily. I sustained a herniated disk in lower back. Long story short, it will be 2 years this October this year. I am finally able to move around somewhat better then previously. I am not able to sit in a seat for 10 hours aday like im a commercial vehicle, but something alittle but more light side. What do I do
If it won't affect your ability to do the job (ie...you need a reasonable accommodation), I wouldn't offer that you were injured. They will look at it as a risk for worker's comp. I'd say something along the lines of "OTR was difficult on my personal life, but I love driving. This local job is the best of both worlds"
@ALifeAfterLayoff how do I address the gap in work history then?
I have never had a gap in work history for this long before
I went pre-screening and two rounds of interviews without being asked this. Wondering why.
my problem is idc about judgment so i tend to be very brief with this question. i was laid off from my last job and i can always sense the judgment when i tell them it was because of company downsize.
Definitely agree!
I found out if you sound like a loser they won't want you but if you sound too succesful, they believe you are not dependable. They need dependable employees who follow commands. All of this is about understanding the human psyche, not being honest.
What if you simply will get 25% more at the new job? What reason must we make up, since that is apparently too 'selfish' ?
Good topic
The video helped clear out some things but honestly is it better to lie or be honest?
If they ask I say I’m still working somewhere or that I LEFT. Then I ask why the positions open.
Oh! Easy! Project got cancelled, whole team was Laid off Via 10min Zoom Call haha!
I mean… that has happened a bunch recently
If someone was fired because he was not communicating enough, then what should he say when asked about why he left the job?
Don't say anything. Oh wait...
Can mention you have learned to schedule time to provide regular updates and not get caught up focusing on your work.
I had a similar problem working from home where I would get in the zone and then realize it was suddenly 7:00PM and I forgot to send an email out before the office closed.
"I left because I needed to focus on my health". 100% true statement, and I can then focus both on finding something that meets my career objectives and is more focused on what I want to be doing.
Next question…what were your health issues?
"What? You're prioritizing your health over your employer? NEXT!"
How do you know if you were fired? If your employer tells you that you're laid off, they might still pick you because they felt that you underperformed. What's the difference, unless they let you go because you did something very bad?
*UPDATE* - Biggest difference in my state is that if you're "fired" then you can't collect unemployment. I think that most employers are willing to classify you as "laid off" because they don't want to be mean. You would have to done something very bad for them to try to prevent you from collecting an unemployment check.
I have never said I was laid off, instead I said I was still at the company and that they can't call them as I'm still working there.
@@nonebusiness8618 what about the employee background check?
@@EZZCBER17738 you tell them they can't call them because you're still working there.
How do you answer the "why are you leaving your current job" question when the reason you're leaving is because they denied you bereavement pay when your mother died because they couldn't find coverage?
Due to a family tragedy unfortunately had to leave your former position.
Yeah an interview isn't the right time to air grievances and turnoffs, it's to explore the common ground first.
In my personal experience it's at the job offer stage that you want to start scoping out whether they're a shitty employer who tries to test the limits of how much unpaid overtime they can squeeze out of or whether they're a chill workplace where people cover for each other and aren't stressed the hell out.
And God forbid they have friends inside your current/former company where they can get a biased view into your performance 🎭
My answer. They won't pay me what I believe what I am worth.
What do you say when the real reason you are looking for a new job is to escape from a toxic work environment riddled with seniority cliques and blatant favoritism
Okay how about this one. My husband complained about a safety issue (A really important one) and his managers didn't address it and he continued to escalate it, ultimately getting his new manager in trouble for ignoring it. He worked there for 20 years with exceptional performance. His new manager is literally a childish idiot and he fired him for "improper use of company property" for taking home his cooler when he is expected to work from home regularly and all employees that do his role take them home its not against any policy. He then got an attorney and OSHA involved and the settlement was in his favor, but now he has no idea how to talk about it in an interview without diving into details and it seems like no employer wants to hear that you exposed an OSHA violation and were wrongfully terminated. Is there any way to bring this up that doesn't immediately kill the interview?
Very helpful recommendations in this one Brian! 👍
HR: Why did you leave your last position?
Me: The company eliminated the position.
HR: Was this a downsizing?
Me: You could say that.
HR: Ok, explain what happened?
Me: The company hired a new CIO. This individual announced we would be a Windows only company. As such, my manager eliminated all Unix engineers.
HR: Ahh so they migrated everything to windows.
Me: No, they eliminated the positions first. I would assume they tried to migrate the 900 AIX, HP-UX, and Linux servers as well as the 300 AIX desktops afterwards.
HR: Do you have a contact for a reference? It seems the company is no longer in business.
Me: Provides contact to other Unix team members.
Really confused about what to say if you were fired still. Your answer completely dodged the question, and then you said "but don't give an answer that dodges the question or they will probe deeper and we don't want that". And what if you were fired for things outside of your control and they needed someone to take the hit? What if you were fired for retaliation for a particular event someone with power didn't like?
How do I say I got fired without saying I got fired
...and what do you answer when you were made redundant during Covid and you have a huuuge gap..?...
What if you're leaving because you're underpaid and you're just trying to get a fair wage?
It funny how's that big NO NO in CAPITALISM, that's supposed to be about money, and it is, for the employer to see all in $$$, but as an employee, you have to balance some spiritual BS as a reason.
"My previous company went bankrupt."