Have you been fired and don’t know how to talk about it in the job interview?

Carole Martin, The Interview Coach

1. Script Your Thoughts. Whether you were fired under unfair circumstances or for something you did that you regret, write down your thoughts on how you would explain the instance. Read your script aloud or use a tape recorder and practice until you like what you hear. Better yet, answer the question for someone else in a mock interview. Have him observe your interview technique — your body language, eye contact and comfort-level while discussing your experience. Feedback from someone else will help you improve your presentation. Continue Reading

5 Ways to Get Fired

Ken Sundheim, CEO of KAS Placement

Getting fired is a very unpleasant, psychologically wearing event that many people go through at least once in their career.  Being fired is one step lower than being laid-off which is also a very painful experience for those who are involved (including the family members).

Bad News Practices

No doubt you’ve seen it because within four days of its appearing on the Net, everyone and their cousin was talking about 10 Things That Will Get You Fired. There were some items with which that I had painful, first-hand experience.

“That’s not part of my job description” is not just a rudely smug expression. It’s a statement that was very popular in the early 1980s. Apparently it’s still alive and well. But to my dismay I recommended a secretary who found herself in need of a new position after the firm where we worked closed. Based on my recommendation to the partner of a nationally prestigious law firm, she was hired. I was glad for her because as we interacted at the previous firm, I found her to be a very capable, sensible person.

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