Interviewing for a new job is a very exciting experience, but it can also be a nerve-wracking one. After all, nobody really enjoys being questioned about their work history, not to mention those questions that have no good answer such as “Tell me about your worst quality.” 

The interview process is an intimidating prospect even for those with impeccable work histories and references. However, for those who have lost a job, for whatever reason, it becomes even scarier.

Thankfully, there are ways to explain a job loss. While you should never ignore a job loss during an interview or lie about the situation, talking about it in a certain way can put an entirely different spin on an unfortunate incident. Here, we’ll review some of the most common reasons for job losses, and how to explain them in the best way possible.

Downsizing and Layoffs

In today’s economy, this situation hardly has to be explained. With people out of work in record numbers, employers truly do understand that often, an employee is let go through absolutely no fault of their own.

Be sure that you explain the circumstances surrounding your layoff. If the entire company folded, mention it. If some employees were kept on the payroll, be sure to point out that they were key members of the staff, while yours was a more entry-level position.

However you approach it, this is the easiest of all job losses to explain. Only the most out of touch employer will hold a layoff against you, and that’s not really the type of boss you want to work for anyway!

You Were Fired

Explaining to a prospective employer why a previous boss cut you loose is definitely a more delicate situation. Your first objective is to put the best spin on the situation, pointing out the good instead of the bad. In fact, don’t mention the bad…it’s most likely right there on your resume, after all.

In order to put a good spin on being fired, point out what you learned from the experience. Acting a little bit embarrassed is not a bad thing – it shows that while you are a confident person, you take pride in your work. Don’t make a big show of things, but don’t act as though a dismissal is no big deal.

If you feel that an employer is put off by your previous dismissal, offer to take the job on a probationary basis. This will show them that you are dedicated to doing a better job than you’ve done in the past, and willing to be accountable for your actions.