Getting the boot can leave you feeling like you’re walking on hot coals, but fear not, this is your chance to rise from the ashes! The sting of losing your job can singe your confidence and make the hunt for a new role feel like a fiery trial.
Particularly scorching is the experience of being fired, rather than simply laid off. But remember, there’s no room for smouldering negativity in your CV.
At the same time, playing with fire by fibbing on your resume can backfire spectacularly, scorching your chances of landing or keeping that next role.
So, how do you fan the flames of your career prospects without getting burnt by the truth of being fired? Fret not! This article is brimming with sizzling tips on crafting a CV that glows with positivity and honesty, helping you reignite your career path.
Should I leave a job off my resume if I was fired?
Being fired is not a reason why candidates should exclude a job from their CV. So no, you should not forget about your last position just because you’ve been let go.
That is because you have still done the work, helped the company thrive, learned new skills, and achieved results. And all that should find a place in your curriculum.
However, there may be other reasons why one may want to leave their last placement out. Find below examples of factors to consider when deciding whether to put a job in the CV.
How long you’ve been in the company
If you’ve worked as a manager for 3 years in your last organisation before having been made redundant, then you should keep that experience in.
If, on the other hand, you were told that you were not going to pass the probationary period after a short period (let’s say 2 or 3 months in) then you may want to leave that out.
How relevant is the experience to the position you’re applying for
We can’t stress this enough: a tailored CV is a successful one. If you have plenty of relevant work experience that has given you the skills and knowledge required in the job description, then you should focus on those positions rather than on your exploration into a completely different industry.
Handling different firing scenarios
Losing your job can be a challenging experience, and the circumstances surrounding it can vary significantly. Whether it’s due to performance issues, redundancy, or company restructuring, each scenario requires a different approach when updating your CV after being laid off.
Let’s delve into how you can handle these distinct situations with poise and professionalism.
Performance-related dismissal
If your dismissal was due to performance issues, it’s crucial to reflect on what you’ve learned from the experience. In your CV, focus on the positive aspects of your role.
Highlight the skills you developed and the contributions you made. It’s not necessary to mention the reason for leaving. Instead, concentrate on your achievements and how they have prepared you for future opportunities.
Redundancy
Redundancy is often a result of company decisions rather than individual performance. If you’ve been made redundant, it’s important to communicate this subtly in your CV.
You might mention the role was subject to restructuring or that the company underwent significant changes.
This approach indicates that your departure was not due to personal shortcomings, allowing you to maintain a positive narrative.
Company restructuring
Company restructuring can lead to various positions being eliminated. If this is your situation, you can mention in your CV that your role was discontinued due to organisational changes.
This helps to clarify that your departure was a business decision, not a reflection of your capabilities or performance.
Your CV is a marketing tool. As such, it’s about showcasing your strengths, skills, and experiences in the best light. Focus on what you’ve achieved and how you’ve grown professionally. The goal is to paint a picture of a capable and adaptable professional, ready for new challenges and opportunities.
Remember, everyone faces setbacks in their career. It’s how you overcome these challenges and present yourself moving forward that truly counts.
Your CV is the first step in turning a new page and embarking on an exciting new chapter in your professional journey.
Does being fired affect my chances of getting a new job?
Having been sacked is not a deal-breaker. Plenty of studies have shown that nowadays, organisations are much more understanding when it comes to career changes and gaps as well as dismissals.
That’s because the landscape has changed dramatically: it’s now known by all HR professionals that employees switch jobs every 4 years on average. Moreover, recruiters are well aware that having been let go doesn’t necessarily make you a bad employee or underachiever. There may be many more elements at play.
The fact that your last employment was not a good fit for you isn’t in itself an issue. What matters is how you deal with it and present it.
How to write the termination in the CV
The general advice is: don’t include the fact that you’ve been fired in the resume. You should never write the reasons why you left a position in your CV, even when they are as understandable as moving to another town.
The CV is a document that should show your strengths and value as an employee and give recruiters a clear picture of your professional profile in seconds. Details can be discussed in the interview if necessary.
This doesn’t mean that you should lie, which is often a risk in the dates of employment. Many job seekers write ‘present’ even when they have been let go. Lying is one of the greatest mistakes you can make on the CV and should always be avoided.
How to manage references
Space is precious when it comes to the resume, which should be kept short and clear and even limited to one page if possible.
That’s why, normally, references should be left out of the CV unless specifically requested in the job ad. Even standard expressions like “references available upon request” are considered unnecessary.
However, you should always keep recommendation letters at hand and contact potential referees to see whether they’d be willing to back your application at a moment’s notice.
In case of a sour termination, it’s still a good idea to get in touch with your last employer and let them know that you’re looking for a new opportunity. They probably won’t sing your praises, but remember that avoiding issues and a potential lawsuit is more important than badmouthing.
How to turn things in your favour
When you describe a past job in the work history section of your CV, you should focus on achievements and results and whether you have quit or been fired makes no difference.
As mentioned before, you have acquired abilities that you can apply as you progress in your career, regardless of how the professional relationship with your employer has ended.
Use numbers to show the impact you have had in the organisation and mention awards, new processes that you have implemented, and anything else that may make your application stand out.
Of course, you should still prepare yourself for the interview and consider how you will then explain the situation. Remember to keep a positive attitude at all times, be honest, and reverse the attention to your skills and accomplishments whenever possible.
Legal and ethical tips for addressing firing on your CV
When it comes to disclosing the circumstances of your departure on your CV, it’s important to be both legally compliant and ethically sound.
Here, we provide you with essential information on the legal and ethical aspects of addressing firing in your CV, helping you make informed decisions about what to include and what can be omitted.
Legal considerations
Legally, you are not obligated to provide specific details about why you left a previous job on your CV. Employment law generally allows you to choose what information to disclose.
It’s essential to understand that the primary purpose of your CV is to highlight your qualifications, skills, and achievements, not to delve into the intricacies of your employment history.
What’s required:
- Mention the start and end dates of your employment.
- Provide your job title and the name of the company.
- Include your responsibilities and achievements during your tenure.
What can be omitted:
- Detailed reasons for leaving, especially if they involve sensitive or personal matters.
- Negative experiences or conflicts that do not contribute positively to your professional narrative.
Ethical considerations
From an ethical perspective, focusing on your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications demonstrates transparency and professionalism. While honesty is vital, you can choose how to frame your departure in a way that portrays your readiness for new challenges.
Ethical approach:
- Emphasize your professional growth and the lessons learned from past experiences.
- Highlight your commitment to personal and career development.
- Maintain a positive and forward-looking attitude in your CV.
Remember that your CV is your professional story, and it’s up to you to shape it in a way that showcases your strengths and readiness for your next career opportunity.
One last tip: If you think you could be getting fired sometime soon, become acquainted with dismissal laws in the UK and be ready.
FAQs
How do you write a resume after being fired or dismissed?
When writing a CV after being fired or dismissed, follow these steps:
- Reflection: Reflect on your skills and achievements, focusing on the positive aspects of your career.
- Honesty without over-explanation: Mention the start and end dates of your employment without dwelling on the details of the dismissal.
- Achievements and responsibilities: Spotlight your accomplishments and responsibilities in the role to showcase your value as a professional.
- Positive attitude: Maintain a positive attitude, emphasising personal and professional growth.
Do I have to tell my future employer I was fired?
You are not legally obligated to disclose the details of being fired or dismissed from a previous job to your future employer. Employment law generally allows you to choose what information you include on your CV or share during interviews.
However, it’s essential to be truthful in your application and maintain professionalism. You can focus on your qualifications, skills, and achievements, using your CV and interviews to present yourself positively and demonstrate your readiness for new challenges.
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