Good people get fired everyday. It's business, pure and simple. To put a negative connotation on a job termination is what you want to avoid.

Going into a job interview, have the confidence of knowing your former employer will not divulge how you were separated from your job. This doesn't mean you should lie, but have the confidence of knowing any ugliness from a firing is behind you. It's up to you now to put the right spin on it.

There's lots of ways to lose a job. If you were a good employee, there's the likelihood of getting a job reference from that former boss. Making this request after a firing is not out of the question. If agreed upon, it validates your value and gives you extra assurance when you try to land that next job.

There are some things about your past firing that you cannot cover up. Being candid with a potential employer can build trust. Being too open about it can also raise some doubt, so it is important to be direct and to the point. Knowing what to say going into that interview will help. It's also good to anticipate questions that might arise and how to address those issues, as well.

Getting fired can also be a wakeup call. It opens the door to new opportunity, to open your eyes to the realization your former employer and you were not the right match. You were likely mired in a job that robbed you of your spirit and creativity. Show a prospective employer your sense of renewal and rededication. and let them know this time you have found the right employer.

The more comfortable you are talking about your job termination, the better the interview. Confidence and honesty will win over your new boss.

Learn more about this author, Brian Keith Compton.
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