Past Career Baggage
“I noticed from your résumé that you left your
last job after only a year. Was there a specific
reason?”
■“Unfortunately, the company I was working for was going
through some tough economic times and had a series of
layoffs. I survived three rounds, but the last one got me. My
whole department was laid off. I really liked the work I was
doing there and hope to find a similar job with some of the
same type of responsibilities. I applied for this job because
it looks like a perfect match for me and the skills that I can
bring to the job.”
■“My record over the last four years has been excellent, and I
would be glad to give any of my bosses as a reference.
Unfortunately, I have to admit that I was fired from my last
job because of poor judgment. It was a joke that went too
far. I’m sorry that it happened and can tell you that I
learned a very costly lesson as a result. I can assure you that
I won’t make that mistake, or one like it, again. I’m ready to
start with a clean slate and focus on my strengths as a loyal
manager and the value of my experience that I can bring
to this company.”
■“As a senior manager I was responsible for the people who
reported to me. One of my managers made a very serious
banking error that should never have happened. But it did.
He was called on the carpet for it and was fired. Because I
was his manager, I too was fired. I take responsibility for the
mistake because it happened on ‘my watch.’ I will always
stand behind any of the people who work with me
regardless of what happens. We both learned a difficult
➥