If you were fired, what's the best way to explain it on a resume?

Question

If you were fired, what's the best way to explain it on a resume?

Answer 1

The first thing to find out is, from the company from which you were fired, is whether or not you would be "eligible for re-hire."  People get fired all the time for different reasons (eg, not meeting sales quotas, poor attendance, conflict of interest, layoffs, "not the right fit," lack of initiative, etc.) However, such people often (depending on the company's corporate policy) aren't "blacklisted," if you will.  

Now, if the situation is that you were using drugs on the job, lying, harassing co-workers, or other serious infractions, you may not be eligible for re-hire.

Legally -- and this doesn't apply if you are going for a government job -- former employers cannot release any information about your employment except 1) dates of employment, 2) title and job duties, and 3) whether or not you're eligible for rehire.  Point 3 is why I suggested you find out your rehire eligibility from that company's HR department.

Legally, the HR department CANNOT say why you were fired, give a bad reference (unless you specify them as a reference), or otherwise stray outside of the above points.  To do so opens them up for a lawsuit from you alleging they were trying to interfere with your efforts to get another job.  The problem is that, should the company that fired you do this, the damage is already done.  Furthermore, this is difficult to prove in a court of law.

A poster before me suggested being honest about being fired, and following that up with an explanation (ie, the company's goals and my goals were different).  

I believe in ethics and honesty, but when it comes to things like that, I think back to our constitutional right as Americans not have to "incriminate" ourselves.  Perhaps you were fired for an illegal reason (health, gender, race, and thousands of other "wrongful termination" reasons).  It's generally very difficult to get another job if you tell your interviewer you were fired from your last one.  The US Government has these laws in place because they want to encourage employment (and tax revenue).

SO... My suggestion is this:  Have a friend call the HR department of your former employer, or your former boss if there isn't one,  Have your friend say that you are calling to "verify employment."  Have him/her ask the questions I mentioned:  Dates of employment, duties/title, and eligibility for rehire.  If they answer that last question with "no," and/or they provide negative information, then the last poster's suggestion (honesty, with a diplomatic explanation), is best.

If, on the other hand, they answer the last question "yes," or they refuse to answer that, then you should NOT mention you were fired.  Simply tell your interviewer that the company could no longer afford to employ you.  I know that some people would argue that that is dishonest, but the reality of the situation is that you are not committing perjury, and have every right to act in your best financial interest, provided you aren't breaking any laws.

Answer 2

First thing, don't mention it. If an "application" asks why you left your last job, find a nice way to say it. I always said things like "to pursue opportunities at other companies"

But, never EVER say why you left a job on a resume. The resume is a short but sweet explanation of your duties and great things you did. Nothing negative should ever be included on a resume.

Most employers can't ask if you were fired and your old employer cannot say you were fired. So, don't mention it unless for some crazy reason the application asks if you were fired (some civil service jobs ask this)

Answer 3

You don't need to explain anything on your resume. Just list the beginning and ending dates and job duties.

Explanation comes on the application in the section, "reason for leaving."  

Answer 4

Honestly but with discretion.  Perhaps, my career goals or directions weren't compatible with those of the company.  Or maybe, I am looking for a chance for growth and new opportunities.