Just about everyone has had some type of negative experience in their work history. According to a study by Leadership IQ, 46% of newly hired employees will fail within the first 18 months. A Gallup study conducted in 2015 revealed that one in two adults left their job to get away from a manager at some point in their career. With these types of statistics, it’s no wonder you have some negative stories to tell but here are some tips to handle them.
1. Know how the employer will handle a separation
Before you start looking for a job, make sure you ask the previous employer how they will handle questions concerning your separation. You want to make certain your story matches with the company. Some companies have strict polices and will only mention the dates of employment. Make sure you go to the HR department to inquire how your departure will be explained to future employers.
2. Be honest yet selective and do not lie
While honesty may be the best policy, it’s not essential to bare your soul. Avoid saying words like “fired,” instead state it as being “laid off” or “a mutual decision.” Be prepared with a brief description of what occurred but frame it as positively as you can with an explanation of what you learned or how it opens you to more and better opportunities. Be brief with only a couple of sentences.
3. Steer away from blaming and do not become emotional
If more questions are asked around why you left, make sure you do not blame your old boss or co-workers. Do not badmouth anyone even if you believe you were wronged. Once you go down this road your emotions may take over and kill any chance for getting the job. You do not want to come across as angry or bitter.
Be responsible and focus on what you learned, making you a better employee. For example, “In being laid off, I was able to understand what I’m truly looking for in my next opportunity and I now know I prefer an environment that is more team oriented. I am excited about this position because it is better aligned with my values and how I work best.”
4. Emphasize your positive attributes on how you fit the new job
Steer the conversation on how your abilities and experience align with the position. Emphasize how your skills, experience, and abilities tie to the qualifications of the job description. This way you are focusing the interview back on how you’re a good fit for the job, leaving the negative experience behind you.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
You may want to start practicing what you will say by writing it down. It might help you to first process the negative emotions. Get them out and put them all on paper. If you need help, call a friend or talk with a family member to assist you in understanding how you feel. You won’t be able to contain your emotions unless you understand them and know how your negative past influences you. You don’t want to find yourself at a job interview being triggered by something or unable to contain yourself. Your body language may be saying a whole different story than your words.
Once you feel confident in understanding yourself and the negative experience, write down briefly what happened in a positive way. Practice in front of a mirror, tape yourself and/or ask a friend to help by asking questions by acting out a mock interview. Remember being let go can happen, and many employees have dealt with a Manager they didn’t necessarily like. You are not alone, and you will find a better job. Much like the Zen story about luck, life is a series of up and down events that change in an instant. What appears negative one day will more than likely turn around into something positive the next day.