How to Address Being Fired on Your Resume 6 Tips for Minimizing Damage to Your Job Prospects

Most of us have been let go from positions because of circumstances beyond our control or as a direct result of our actions (or inaction). Whatever the reasons for termination, the challenge facing you now is to minimize the damage on your resume, while making it an effective marketing tool.

1. Let the resume format work for you in downplaying a job loss.

Instead of using a reverse-chronological format that accentuates employment dates, use a combination format (part functional, part reverse-chronological) that showcases what you know. The functional area directly below the opening summary would include your skills. For an accountant that would mean account reconciliations, tax returns, internal controls, etc. The fact that these skills were attained at XYZ Company is minimized as employer names are not mentioned until the very end of the resume in a reverse-chronological listing.

2. Use dates of employment to your advantage.

If you were fired from a job of short duration that fell within the same year as your last position, it can be completely excluded. For example -- you worked at ABC Company from March to September of 2008. Before that, you worked at DEF Company from July of 2002 to February of 2008. Simply list the second company (DEF) with the years of employment (2002-2008) -- no months. This will show an unbroken employment record.

3. Never explain on a resume that you were fired.

As much as hiring managers want to be fair and open-minded, they are only human and will tend to dismiss any candidate who admits to being fired. No matter how you try to explain your dismissal (e.g., "It was office politics." "My manager didn't like me; I have no idea why." "It's because I'm old; they wanted someone younger."), the explanation will still sound negative and self-serving.

4. Don't confuse being laid off or let go due to downsizing as being fired.

If your company was bought out by another firm and you were let go, that's not the same as being fired. If your position has been eliminated (for whatever reason), you weren't technically fired. Hiring managers tend to look at "being fired" as a negative that was caused by the employee (e.g., they stole company funds, they were always late to work, they didn't fulfill their daily duties). It's important to note the distinction and to list those jobs on your resume when economic conditions beyond your control were a factor.

5. When there's no way to avoid the fact that you've been fired.

If the industry you're working in is a small one and everyone knows about your job loss, or if the potential employer does a background check on you, then it's essential to showcase the positive (what you achieved at the job), and to minimize the negative (confrontations with management or co-workers). An interview is not the time to prove that you were treated unfairly at the last company -- rather, it's the time to prove to the new company that you can excel because of your unique set of skills and qualifications.

6. How to answer: 'Why were you fired?'

Avoid the negative and accentuate the positive. Never criticize former employers, past management, or colleagues. Always turn the firing into an opportunity that allowed you to seek something better, whether your goal was monetary or one of personal satisfaction. Keep your answer short and stick to it, especially if you're going through multiple interviews within the same company. Your interviewers will compare notes and you don't want them wondering why your story kept changing.

Boundary Crisis Management Minimizing How a Personal Crisis Affects Your Work Life

We all have those days: Your car won't start, you spill coffee on your shirt, or you get a call from Uncle Sal, who wants to chat even though you're already running late. But by the time you walk through the office doors, you're usually able to focus on the day ahead and leave any personal tribulations temporarily behind.

Sometimes, however, what happens outside of work makes it challenging to be a model of professionalism on the job. Whether it's dealing with a death in the family, divorce or prolonged illness, your ability to focus and interact with others can be impaired. Following are some tactics you can use to help manage during tough personal times.

Take time. Certain events shake you to your core, and even though going back to work may provide a distraction, you probably won't be on your "A" game. You might, for example, have trouble concentrating or overreact to things that are usually all in a day's work. The best way to regroup may be to take some time off, either by using personal days or taking advantage of your company's extended leave policy.

Get the word out. Everyone reacts to personal ordeals in different ways, but it's not uncommon to be overcome with emotion when you least expect it. Make it easier for yourself -- and your colleagues -- by being upfront about your situation. You don't have to offer details; just let people know that you are having difficulties in your personal life. If you're uncomfortable telling colleagues directly, ask your manager or a coworker to let others know the basic circumstances on your behalf.

Remember, awkwardness is the norm. Some of your colleagues will be hesitant to speak to you, and others will want to talk more often than you'd prefer. If you don't want to discuss what's going on, politely let curious coworkers know when they bring up the subject. Your own reactions might be off as well. If you are brusque with your colleague or miss a deadline, apologize and do what you can to rectify the situation.

Know what you need. After a calamitous event, some people want to take on more work, and others need a lighter schedule. Speak to your manager to see what accommodations can be made to allow you time to recover. Also, don't be afraid to ask your colleagues for help. Letting them cover for you on a project for a few weeks isn't nearly as damaging to your career as submitting sub-par work. Most people will be happy to help you out if you're going through a challenging personal time.

You may want to get back to normal as soon as possible after a distressing event. But keep in mind that tending to your needs -- whether by taking time off or adjusting your workload -- and allowing yourself time to recover are the best ways to get both your professional and personal lives back on track.