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Subject:Back again.... looking... From:Tony Chung <tonyc -at- tonychung -dot- ca> To:Wade Courtney <wade -dot- courtney -at- gmail -dot- com> Date:Wed, 19 Dec 2012 10:13:41 -0800
On Wednesday, December 19, 2012, Wade Courtney wrote:
> So, what do you say to a prospective employer when they ask why you were
> let go?
>
>
The toughest questions are always around leaving: why did you leave, why
are you leaving, or why were you let go? Your answer shows how well you
know yourself, your passions and goals, your ability to read the
environment and culture, and ultimately whether you'll be a good fit with
the interviewing organization.
It doesn't pay to lie or editorialize your reason. You could sell yourself
to a company so well that they hire you. Only then you find the job isn't
the right fit.
In Robert's case, he was told he didn't fit in with the strategic goals of
the company. Did they mean that he specialized in an area that the company
no longer required? Were they unsure of his ability to adapt to change,
learn new skills, or whatever would suit the bew world order? Great! That
means he has a specialty, and if he markets it well, he could find work
that he could be more passionate about.
Did the company mean that they had different staffing ideas, such as
wanting to hire friends or relatives? Then Robert is good to be out of that
company, who would trade professionalism and experience for preservation of
the family line. Even if the company kept both members on staff, the odds
of Robert winning an argument that involved the family member are slim.
Or did the company mean they didn't feel confident that Robert could do the
job they wanted him to do? In this case, it pays to learn new skills and
techniques, throw together a portfolio, and sell the departure as a
learning experience. Employers love stories of how their competition sent a
good candidate to the streets, only to find him rise like Phoenix from the
ashes, bigger, better, and bolder than ever.
Whatever the reasons for departure, there is no excuse to let that reason
affect your job hunt. If you're willing, you can learn so much about
yourself and the work you were called to do. Arm yourself with that
knowledge and find new work that fuels your passion.
-Tony
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