Getting fired can feel pretty rough. It’s hard to talk about with your friends or family, and it can be even tougher when it comes up during a job interview. If you’ve been fired, it’s totally normal to worry about how to handle that question when you’re looking for your next job. Even if you don’t bring it up yourself, chances are the hiring manager will ask, “Why were you fired?”
But don’t stress—being prepared is the key. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to confidently answer this tricky question and provide some examples you can use in your interview.
What hiring managers want to hear about your termination
When hiring managers ask about why you were fired, they’re really trying to see how you handle tough situations. Being let go can be a big setback, but what matters most to them is how you’ve dealt with it and how you’ve moved forward. They want to know that you’re resilient and have learned from the experience.
They also want to hear that you’ve taken steps to fix whatever led to your termination. If it was due to your performance, how have you improved? What have you done to make sure the same thing won’t happen again? Or, if the job just wasn’t a good fit for your skills, how have you figured out what type of job will suit you better going forward?
How to answer “Why were you fired?”
Take accountability
It’s important to own your part in what happened, even if you think the firing was unfair. Instead of placing blame on your former employer, acknowledge your role and what led to the situation. This shows maturity and helps the hiring manager feel confident that you’ve learned from the experience.
For example, if you were fired because of performance issues, you could say something like, “I understand now that I wasn’t meeting expectations in that role, but I’ve since taken steps to improve those skills.” Owning up to it tells the employer that you’re responsible and that you’ve reflected on the experience.
Demonstrate growth
Once you’ve acknowledged what happened, shift the focus to how you’ve grown from the situation. Explain the steps you’ve taken to improve. For instance, if your firing was related to time management or missing deadlines, share how you’ve since developed better habits or sought out training to improve your skills.
An example could be, “After being let go, I enrolled in a project management course to strengthen my organizational skills, and I’ve been using new tools to stay on top of my tasks.” Employers love to hear about personal growth, as it shows you’re proactive and willing to learn from setbacks.
Keep it brief
When answering this question, it’s important not to dwell on the details. The more you say, the more likely you are to accidentally say something that could raise red flags. Stick to a short explanation—one or two sentences—before smoothly moving on to more positive topics, like your strengths or why you’re a good fit for the job.
You might say something like, “I was let go due to some performance issues, but I’ve taken steps to improve in those areas and I’m confident I’ll be successful in this role.” Then, redirect the conversation to your skills or what you bring to the table for this new opportunity.
How not to answer
Don’t get defensive
It’s normal for a hiring manager to ask why you were fired, so don’t be caught off guard or act defensive. Getting upset or acting offended can make you appear unprofessional or unprepared. Instead, stay calm and composed.
For example, if you respond with, “I don’t see why that’s important” or “I don’t think that’s fair to ask,” it sends the wrong message. Keep in mind that interviewers aren’t trying to put you on the spot—they just want to understand what happened. By keeping your cool, you’ll show that you’ve processed the experience and grown from it.
Avoid making excuses
It might be tempting to blame others for what happened—whether it’s a bad boss, difficult coworkers, or even the company itself—but that’s a slippery slope. Saying things like, “My boss had it out for me” or “It was all office politics” can make you seem like you’re avoiding responsibility.
While it’s okay to acknowledge that a tough work environment contributed to your firing, focus on what you can control, like how you’ve improved since then. Employers want to hire people who can handle challenges without pointing fingers, so keep the blame game out of your answer.
Don’t lie
No matter how awkward the conversation may feel, never lie about why you were fired. Saying you left voluntarily or creating a false narrative can backfire, especially if the employer does a reference check or asks your former company about you. The truth almost always comes out, and getting caught in a lie can cost you the job, no matter how well the rest of the interview goes.
A better approach is to be honest, acknowledge what happened, and explain how you’ve learned from the experience. It shows integrity and professionalism—qualities hiring managers value.
Sample answers to “Why were you fired?”
Example #1
“I was struggling to balance my school schedule with the demands of the job, and it affected my performance. I’ve learned now that I need to manage my time better and prioritize my commitments. I’ve been practicing better time management, and I’m confident I can handle my responsibilities more effectively going forward.”
Why this works:
This answer shows the candidate taking responsibility without placing blame on external factors. The mention of time management shows they’ve reflected on what went wrong and taken steps to improve. It’s also relatable for young professionals, many of whom may have had trouble balancing work and school at some point.
Example #2
“I realized that I wasn’t fully prepared for the technical side of the job, and it impacted my performance. Since then, I’ve taken an online course to build my skills and feel much more confident about my abilities. I’m now applying for roles where I’m certain my skills match the job requirements.”
Why this works:
This answer shows accountability for the firing while also highlighting personal growth. By mentioning the specific action of taking a course, it demonstrates that the candidate took proactive steps to address their weaknesses. It also reassures the hiring manager that they’re now more prepared for the responsibilities of the job.
Example #3
“The job ended up being a poor fit for my strengths. I was trying to keep up with tasks that required skills I didn’t have at the time, which led to mistakes. Since then, I’ve been focusing on roles that align more with my abilities and interests. I’m excited about this opportunity because I know it’s a great match for my strengths.”
Why this works:
This answer is great for someone who may have been in a job mismatch. It acknowledges the situation without blaming anyone, and it shifts the focus to the candidate’s self-awareness. By explaining how they’ve learned to seek out roles that better suit their abilities, it shows maturity and readiness for a new position.
When asked why you were fired, the best thing you can do is be forthcoming and genuine with your answer. By responding with humility and professionalism, you’ll show the hiring manager that you’ve learned from past mistakes and have taken the necessary steps to succeed in a new role.