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Getting fired is rarely a pleasant experience for all people who are involved in the situation. Sometimes getting fired is justified based upon the employee behavior, whether it be unprofessional behavior or a rules violation. Other times it is a result of an unfair situation or a conflict between a supervisor and an employee. Regardless of the circumstances, explaining a firing can be a delicate situation. You don't want to lie to a potential employer, but at the same time you don't want to start with your most negative historical material. Here are a few thoughts on how to carefully write a resume when you've been fired in the past.

STICK WITH THE FACTS, JUST NOT ALL OF THEM

The resume is a collection of jobs, skills, and time periods. For example, when someone lists their prior jobs, they might list the general job duties, accomplishments, and the dates they worked at that organization. For example, they might list their work dates as "2005-2008". Again, lying is not recommended when looking for a job, but there is no reason that a person has to write "I WAS FIRED!" on their resume next to the respective job. How the job was ended simply does not have to be listed specifically on the resume.

BE READY WITH A GOOD ANSWER

Granted, some employers will ask some questions about prior jobs. Technically speaking they can't always get into too much detail regarding an employee's history, but they can ask certain questions. Also, some applications have a "Reason for Leaving" section that the potential employee is supposed to fill out. Some people answer this question by being a little vague or general. Others leave it blank and hope that the employer does not ask them to clarify their lack of response. Regardless of the strategy, it is best to have some sort of answer ready. Usually it is best to stick with the facts and not get rattled by the question. When people stutter, get nervous, or vigorously blame someone else, it can send up a red flag for the potential employer. Sometimes it is best to simply discuss it as an isolated situation and hope that the employer is able to differentiate it from other abilities and job experience.

As mentioned, prospective employees should do their best to leave their negative past behind them when seeking a new job. They can be honest, but they shouldn't dwell on the past or put a great deal of emphasis on it in their resume. Granted, they may need to explain certain time periods, but with calm explanations, they may be able to minimize the situation and focus the employer attention on their best traits.

Learn more about this author, Todd Pheifer.
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