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best way to explain getting fired in job interviews?

...
Curious Coffee Pot
  06/01/25
"A Reduction in Force was performed"
Outnumbered Purple Lay
  06/01/25
In real life higher-ups get fired constantly if the org goes...
Grizzly Karate
  06/01/25
I was fired from a completely unknown Startup
Curious Coffee Pot
  06/01/25
startup failed and laid off everybody
bull headed honey-headed spot kitty
  06/01/25
That shit is so easy to spin imo.... getting fired from A...
Grizzly Karate
  06/01/25
Compared to that it isn’t a big deal. With somewhere l...
Talking Windowlicker
  06/01/25
idk it seems like if I look at Linkedin that being at a Tech...
Grizzly Karate
  06/01/25
I think it depends on how long you were there. If you were a...
Talking Windowlicker
  06/01/25
Sure but Top Firms probably give more merciful offramps irl....
Grizzly Karate
  06/01/25
...
Hot dilemma old irish cottage
  06/01/25
how about "restructuring" i signed an NDA
Curious Coffee Pot
  06/01/25
they did "restructuring", which means they did lay...
bull headed honey-headed spot kitty
  06/01/25
how about "my team was let go" my boss quit the...
Curious Coffee Pot
  06/01/25
that works even better "the whole team was abolished&q...
bull headed honey-headed spot kitty
  06/01/25
"my position, and my boss' position were eliminated&quo...
Curious Coffee Pot
  06/01/25
...
Chocolate church multi-billionaire
  06/02/25
...
Talking Windowlicker
  06/02/25
If senior: Realized your vision didn't align with the other ...
Chocolate church multi-billionaire
  06/02/25
ok
Curious Coffee Pot
  06/02/25
Lmao
sick market
  06/01/25
Keep an active LLC in your name at all times
Crawly sapphire scourge upon the earth
  06/01/25
...
sick market
  06/01/25
Hedgerow Capital
Grizzly Karate
  06/01/25
"I had sex with the ceo's wife"
Balding meetinghouse affirmative action
  06/01/25
...
Flickering up-to-no-good stage
  06/01/25
They likely won’t even ask.
Talking Windowlicker
  06/01/25
Cr just be yourself and give them a firm handshake
sick market
  06/01/25
I've had 6 interviews and they asked about it in 5 of the 6
Curious Coffee Pot
  06/01/25
Did they just ask why you left? Just make something up
Talking Windowlicker
  06/01/25
Usually "why did you leave X" but sometimes "...
Curious Coffee Pot
  06/01/25
"I'm gay"
Balding meetinghouse affirmative action
  06/01/25
to me "wasn't a good fit" is euphemism for "f...
bull headed honey-headed spot kitty
  06/01/25
No it's a euphemism for phenotype imho. Literal fit. Like ph...
Grizzly Karate
  06/01/25
cr
Curious Coffee Pot
  06/01/25
just make up some reason that was outside of your control li...
Rough-skinned sweet tailpipe casino
  06/01/25
This guy Product Manages
Grizzly Karate
  06/01/25
...
Talking Windowlicker
  06/01/25
I can't, my Gantt Chart
sick market
  06/01/25
It’s cute how honest people live their lives. If you a...
crimson passionate milk lodge
  06/01/25
Right? Especially with cutthroat tech companies. You’r...
Contagious Deer Antler
  06/02/25
How much can I lie about tech knowledge?
Curious Coffee Pot
  06/02/25
Our core synergies weren't aligned
shivering point jap
  06/02/25
why would you admit to getting fired? just say you left. bet...
fuchsia alcoholic macaca masturbator
  06/02/25


Poast new message in this thread



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:21 PM
Author: Curious Coffee Pot



(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978866)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:26 PM
Author: Outnumbered Purple Lay

"A Reduction in Force was performed"

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978875)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:27 PM
Author: Grizzly Karate

In real life higher-ups get fired constantly if the org goes scorched earth (or last for years with low effort in other times). Layoffs happen to rank-and-file too. I mean, just call it a layoff and no one's the wiser unless they're savvy af and it's a public company where they'd know if there were layoffs.

In general it works against you in terms of negotiation and if your phenotype sucks and interest rates aren't low enough you might have to try a Worse Job or Lower Income that makes you an appealing prospect despite the Mystery surrounding your departure from your previous Firm. If your phenotype is sufficient I think you can convince them to look past it. Or if you're in Engineering just do White board shit to convince them you're a Nerd.

Source: MBA

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978877)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:28 PM
Author: Curious Coffee Pot

I was fired from a completely unknown Startup

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978884)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:31 PM
Author: bull headed honey-headed spot kitty

startup failed and laid off everybody

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978892)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:32 PM
Author: Grizzly Karate

That shit is so easy to spin imo....

getting fired from Amazon or something when there aren't mass layoffs seems way worse

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978893)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:37 PM
Author: Talking Windowlicker

Compared to that it isn’t a big deal. With somewhere like Amazon, everyone is tapped into ur industry. With a random startup it’s already assumed to be a shitshow.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978906)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:41 PM
Author: Grizzly Karate

idk it seems like if I look at Linkedin that being at a Tech Company is like being Anointed and even if the person sucks they get in everywhere they apply. I think HR Women scoff if everything on your resume is one of the 98% of companies that none of them have heard of.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978914)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:43 PM
Author: Talking Windowlicker

I think it depends on how long you were there. If you were at Amazon or Meta over 2 years then you are stamped at that level. If you get laid off or fired within the first year it’s potentially a flag and they’ll ask about it

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978919)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:45 PM
Author: Grizzly Karate

Sure but Top Firms probably give more merciful offramps irl. like biglaw. whereas evan39 fires on the first No Call No Show.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978925)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:26 PM
Author: Hot dilemma old irish cottage



(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48979004)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:33 PM
Author: Curious Coffee Pot

how about "restructuring" i signed an NDA

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978896)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:01 PM
Author: bull headed honey-headed spot kitty

they did "restructuring", which means they did layoffs

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978956)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:02 PM
Author: Curious Coffee Pot

how about "my team was let go"

my boss quit then i got canned

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978959)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:03 PM
Author: bull headed honey-headed spot kitty

that works

even better "the whole team was abolished", means it wasn't your fault

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978963)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:07 PM
Author: Curious Coffee Pot

"my position, and my boss' position were eliminated"?

could never actually say "abolished" irl

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978974)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 2nd, 2025 9:57 AM
Author: Chocolate church multi-billionaire



(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48980416)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 2nd, 2025 11:09 AM
Author: Talking Windowlicker



(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48980547)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 2nd, 2025 9:56 AM
Author: Chocolate church multi-billionaire

If senior: Realized your vision didn't align with the other key players in a very young organization (something about mission drift, blah blah blah) and decided to leave; amicable split all-round.

If junior: Entire project or team or department was eliminated due to shifting priorities from a young organization that is trying to figure itself out lmao.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48980412)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 2nd, 2025 12:22 PM
Author: Curious Coffee Pot

ok

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48980807)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:27 PM
Author: sick market

Lmao

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978880)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:30 PM
Author: Crawly sapphire scourge upon the earth

Keep an active LLC in your name at all times

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978889)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:32 PM
Author: sick market



(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978894)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:33 PM
Author: Grizzly Karate

Hedgerow Capital

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978895)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:34 PM
Author: Balding meetinghouse affirmative action

"I had sex with the ceo's wife"

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978899)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:59 PM
Author: Flickering up-to-no-good stage



(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48979065)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:36 PM
Author: Talking Windowlicker

They likely won’t even ask.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978903)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:37 PM
Author: sick market

Cr just be yourself and give them a firm handshake

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978904)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:37 PM
Author: Curious Coffee Pot

I've had 6 interviews and they asked about it in 5 of the 6

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978905)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:39 PM
Author: Talking Windowlicker

Did they just ask why you left? Just make something up

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978910)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:41 PM
Author: Curious Coffee Pot

Usually "why did you leave X" but sometimes "what happened at x"?

I've been saying, "it was a small startup, the role changed significantly and then was phased out."

Been considering just saying "wasn't a good long term fit."

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978913)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 2:43 PM
Author: Balding meetinghouse affirmative action

"I'm gay"

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978920)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:02 PM
Author: bull headed honey-headed spot kitty

to me "wasn't a good fit" is euphemism for "fired"

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978960)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:04 PM
Author: Grizzly Karate

No it's a euphemism for phenotype imho. Literal fit. Like physical fit.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978965)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:07 PM
Author: Curious Coffee Pot

cr

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978975)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:23 PM
Author: Rough-skinned sweet tailpipe casino

just make up some reason that was outside of your control like your project being canceled, layoffs after two bad quarters, etc.

don't tell them you were fired. they can't verify that, anyway, because nearly all employers will not give out that info. most of them will only confirm dates of employment and job titles. anything negative they say exposes the former employer to legal risk that an 85 IQ HR ninja will tell you is too risky.

source: going through management training at two jobs.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48978996)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:30 PM
Author: Grizzly Karate

This guy Product Manages

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48979009)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:44 PM
Author: Talking Windowlicker



(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48979039)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 3:47 PM
Author: sick market

I can't, my Gantt Chart

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48979051)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 1st, 2025 6:03 PM
Author: crimson passionate milk lodge

It’s cute how honest people live their lives. If you actually have the skill set, you can easily create a largely fake resume and no one will even notice. Once you’re hired people won’t even remember your back story after about 6 months.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48979292)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 2nd, 2025 11:18 AM
Author: Contagious Deer Antler

Right? Especially with cutthroat tech companies. You’re supposed to be dishonest and sleazy with them, that’s their language.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48980582)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 2nd, 2025 12:24 PM
Author: Curious Coffee Pot

How much can I lie about tech knowledge?

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48980814)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 2nd, 2025 9:58 AM
Author: shivering point jap

Our core synergies weren't aligned

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48980418)



Reply Favorite

Date: June 2nd, 2025 12:26 PM
Author: fuchsia alcoholic macaca masturbator

why would you admit to getting fired? just say you left. better yet just leave it off your resume and put in some made up freelance/contract work to fill the gap.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5732185&forum_id=2Elisa#48980825)