Position yourself wisely with potential employers, after being fired

941

Dear Joan:
I was let go from a high level IS manager job last June. The company would not give me a reason why I was being terminated, other than "they wanted to go in a different direction." There was no notice or any signs that would indicate that they were dissatisfied with my work. As a matter of fact, I was given an $8,000 performance bonus less than six months prior to my termination.

My work record, accomplishments, and work ethic are exemplary. I can only surmise that it was because of differences in management philosophies between me and the VP who terminated my role with the company. What is the best way for someone in this position to explain why they were terminated to a potential employer?

Answer:
"Spin control," is the answer. You need to package a response that doesn’t raise any more red flags than necessary. Poor chemistry is often the reason for terminations at your level. Often, when a new senior manager moves in, expectations change and philosophies change. It’s not unusual and it doesn’t always mean the fired employee was "wrong."

The key, of course, is making sure the potential employers see it that way. To do so, you will need to put yourself in the employer’s shoes. What will he or she worry about regarding your situation?

For starters, employers will be concerned that,

1. You were unwilling to be flexible regarding a new direction.
2. You were really a poor performer and the company forced you out, using philosophy as an excuse.
3. You were difficult to get along with.
4. You’re philosophy was obsolete.

"But none of that is true!" you say? It doesn’t matter. Potential employers will assume the worst, unless you take steps to position yourself wisely. Your spin control will need to address each of these silent fears.

1. Regarding flexibility, make certain that you provide examples on your resume and in interviews about your willingness and ability to try new things, work with new people and find creative solutions. For example, if you have had several different managers, you might make it a point to tell an interviewer that each of them had different styles and expectations and that you were able to work well with each of them.
2. If your performance was great, you should put the focus on your accomplishments in your resume, cover letters and interviews. You need to prove you did things well. Use specific examples that leave no doubt. For instance, say, "The company-wide computer training for managers was completed on time and under budget. 95% of the users were able to successfully use the software by the time the system went live." This is much better than, "Successfully implemented manager training for a new company-wide system." Mention that you received top bonuses for your results.
3. You will also need to showcase your interpersonal skills. Tell stories about difficult situations and how you were able to handle them successfully. Use third party quotes, "The VP always brought me to senior executive meetings because he said I had a skill for clearly explaining complicated situations in a calm and confident way."
4. Show that you are current in your field by mentioning that you are familiar with new technology and describe how you have applied it. Also, highlight any recent courses you have taken and any conferences where you have presented.

And now the all-important question, "Why did you leave your last job?" Prepare a well-rehearsed response that you can recite at a moment’s notice. It must be positive and non-defensive. Here are a few sample responses you can use to craft one that fits your circumstances. "The new Vice President came in with a different agenda and wanted to take the systems in a whole new direction. Unfortunately, a number of us lost our jobs in the reorganization." Another approach, "The Vice President and I had different philosophies and in spite of my attempts to work with him, it became clear that we were never going to resolve it, so we parted ways."

If you do mention the conflict with your manager, you will be asked what those differences in philosophy were, so be prepared with an answer. The best response is one in which you don’t belabor the point. Speak about your former manager in positive or at least neutral terms, and then quickly move back to your qualifications and what you have to offer.

I would also contact your former employer and ask them what they are planning to say if they are contacted for a reference. If they plan to say more than your name, rank and serial number, ask them to emphasize your strengths and contributions and then get it in writing. If they don’t put it in writing, spell out what they agreed to say in a letter and send it to them as a confirmation of your discussion.

Savvy Negotiation Strategies to Get Paid What You’re Worth on a New Job (Detailed, 8-page PDF by email – no shipping charge)
Easy, Step-by-step Guide to Using the Internet to Land a Great Job (Detailed, 10-page PDF by email  – no shipping charge)
The Resume That Opens the Door and the Interview That Gets the Job (Detailed, 37-page PDF by email – no shipping charge)