Seeking advice for presenting myself at future job interviews after being terminated?

Question

My company went on a cattle call hiring spree looking for new store managers. I was promoted to assistant manager from supervisor 4 months ago. After the mass hiring I was fired along with 13 other managers. I was let go because of my personality. They have a new vision for what they want and our management style was not part of the new vision.

I have never been fired before so that was devastating. My personality is what it is and I fear that other companies may not think I am suitable either.

I managed by organizing the associates and keeping them motivated. Doing the daily books, ordering stock, dealing with vendors, etc. When an associate had a difficult customer, I would intervene for resolution. I am calm and methodical. The company decided they want all of their managers to be aggressive fireballs out on the front lines, dealing with the customers directly, and ambassadors for the stores. They are not concerned with timely bookkeeping and employee’s contentment now. I cannot hate on them for this.

Now I have to go to job interviews and explain why I was fired. Being embarrassed for one is shaking my confidence along with not knowing how to explain why this happened. Interviewers questions are precise at needing to know, “what challenges did you overcome, what would your employer say is your weak points, why were you not a good fit for your company?”

One company I interviewed with offered me a job but offered me $600.00 per month salary less than what I was making. I believe this is because I was let go.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experience on how to handle an interview with this obstacle?

Answer 1

Dont mention to them that your were fired, if they ask say you were let go. Being fired for your personality is not a reason its an excuse. Be honest with the answers that you give and be yourself and confident. Good Luck

Answer 2

may advice u shouldn't have to tell them (the company that interviewing u).....

what state are u in??

if your in los angeles, ca. my employer need a assistant secretary (no kidding)

Answer 3

I don't believe that you are required to up every job you've ever had on your resume. If the job didn't last a long time maybe you could skip that one. If they ask why you were not working for the period I would tell them I had a job, but it was a temp job and the skills you learn there were not relevant to you career choice.  

Answer 4

Hey, if you were terminated along with several others, don't worry.  Tell your prospective employers the truth.  Tell them that your former employer changed what they wanted from management associates.  Explain that you were let go because the company changed marketing strategies and you were on the list to be released.  Your talents lie in the administrative areas.  Hammer that fact home often and tell your prospective new employers that you are more methodical and office-oriented.  You might just find your position more quickly.  As for the salary, explain your salary requirements and negotiate your way closer to your old salary.  If you can get the new company to meet you at least halfway, then you can file for "unemployment" for the difference in salary, depending on what your state's rules and regulations are.  Check it out.  In any situation, it wasn't your fault that the company wants another management style.  People get fired for many reasons.  Try to get a letter of reference from your previous employer.  If they won't give you one, file for unemployment.  Get them on record with the state over the reason they terminated you.  They won't stand a chance if you are right and they are wrong.  They must file a written response to your claim if they intend to fight paying your benefits.  If they do, file an appeal.  You will receive a hearing and a judgement from your state employment bureau.  If you stick to your guns you will almost always win your appeal.  Most companies cannot justify their actions when they are required to appear before a referee or a judge.  Too often people settle for the "disqualified" notice, rather than stand up and fight for what is rightfully their benefit package.

Answer 5

If at all possible, avoid mentioning that you were fired. You're not on trial - you have to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, but not necessarily the whole truth! Try to answer every question in a positive upbeat way, e.g. I left the last company because I wanted to take my career in a different direction, learn new skills, etc. Don't ever complain about past bosses because no matter how justified you are, the interviewer will see you as a whiner and pass on you.