Is That Firing or Layoff Going to Cost Me My Next Job?

When you lose a job, there is a big distinction between whether it was due to a layoff or a firing.

In cases where you were laid off, you have a better chance of explaining yourself to potential employers in regards to why you are out of work. If, however, the loss of the job was a result of a firing, carefully choosing your words to discuss the situation is imperative.

While I have never been fired from a job over a 23-year career, I have been a layoff victim.

The layoff eventually led me to considering starting a small business, however, I was eventually persuaded to realize the fact that having someone else take care of your checks and health insurance is not such a bad thing.

As I pondered whether or not I would look for another job or go into business for myself, the idea of having to deal with the thought of getting a small business loan to start a business was also not overly appealing.

Yes, the loss of a job stings in a number of ways, but a layoff is much easier to explain to a potential boss than why someone found a good enough reason to fire you.

In the event you have been fired from a job or jobs over time, how have you gone about explaining it off when it comes time for an interview?

Keep in mind several things in this position:

• ·         Be realistic
• ·         Covering gaps in your timeline
• ·         Don’t talk negatively about former employers
• ·         Admit any wrongdoing
• ·         Show appreciation for another opportunity

While a firing or layoff is the last thing that someone wants on their career plate, oftentimes good things can come out of them if you take a positive approach.

Dave Thomas writes extensively for Business.com, an online resource destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.