IN JOB INTERVIEWS, HOW SHOULD PAST EMPLOYMENT ISSUES BE EXPLAINED?

EMPLOYMENT MISTAKES OR STRUGGLES IN THE PAST DO NOT HAVE TO HAUNT YOU. CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO EXPLAINING PAST WORK ISSUES LIKE FIRING IN FUTURE JOB INTERVIEWS.

Any professional can be sacked, and it isn't necessarily your fault. Alternatively, you may have made a mistake regarding your skill level or fit with a certain type of employment. Mistakes and setbacks are part of the learning process, but when it comes time to move on to your next job, you may be concerned about what to say in an interview if you were fired from your previous one. While there is no need in beating yourself up, you will need to explain and demonstrate that you are a genuine contender. Let's talk about how to describe upsetting work-history incidents.

BE TRUE TO THE INTERVIEWER

It should come as no surprise, but the most essential thing to remember in these instances is to be honest about why you were fired or whatever distressing occurrence occurred. Give the most impartial explanation to the possible employer. You can gently explain why it happened from your point of view, mentioning how much you've learnt since then. Keep it truthful and clear, and respond to any follow-up inquiries.

You can create a profile so employers can find you, but they'll look into your past positions and ask the tricky questions eventually. Don't accidentally turn a small issue into something bigger by trying to minimize or hide what happened. Hiring managers value a candidate who can be direct and truthful without badmouthing anyone. Well-worded reasons for being terminated from a job might include:

The company thought your set of skills was right for the position but changed their minds.

There were too many absences or tardiness due to personal circumstances and work-life balance.

You weren't given enough time to improve a performance rating.

The job was outsourced and you were fired or laid off without wrongdoing.

When you submit a CV and obtain an interview, the enthusiasm may drive you to overlook the fact that you will almost certainly be asked about leaving your previous position. The greatest thing you can do is be open and honest about what happened and what portions of it were beyond your control. That way, you're more likely to be heard, and employers are more willing to overlook the problem.

Focus on the positive

When discussing situations such as getting fired, you must be careful not to criticise your prior employer. Any negative scenario or setback at work typically has an upside. For example, someone looking for a job in digital marketing may state, "Firing me wasn't necessary, but I understand why it was done and have learned a lot more about what it takes to thrive in digital marketing."

DISPLAY HOW YOU'VE GROWN

After the basics are out of the way, hiring employers want to know that you are a dependable employee in the present. By demonstrating what you've learned and how you've developed in the aftermath of a setback, you indicate that you accept responsibility and want to improve. Feel free to detail what modifications you've made, new skills you've learnt, and new techniques you've devised to prevent such a problem from recurring.

Move ON TO The CURRENT SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS.

Although you will most certainly be questioned about a major work issue, such as being fired, it does not have to take up a large portion of the interview. Once you feel the issue has been covered, go on to describing your talents and how you believe you can contribute to the firm.

The purpose of the interview is to see how you would do in the position that is now available, therefore don't let anything from your past distract you from your current worth. That terrible event was just a trial that helped you become the employee you are now, and an honest, direct demeanour will help the hiring manager agree.

SHOULD YOU MENTION FIRINGS ON YOUR COVER LETTER?

Some job searchers ask if mentioning being fired from a previous job on cover letters sent with resumes is the most honest thing to do. This may be for the best if you are confident that it will be revealed after a reference check. At the same time, don't fill your cover letter with the entire tale. Simply be concise but correct, and keep the more detailed explanations for a phone screening or interview.

Many people give up on finding work after being fired because they are afraid of being judged. Difficulties in your work history should not prevent you from applying for your dream jobs. All you need to do now is apply your ever-improving mindset to finding the best job-searching platform. Using CareerBuilder tips and guides, you'll have the skills and confidence to land a job sooner.

How many hours can you work and still be laid off?

The majority of jobless people either claim for unemployment insurance (UI) or find new jobs. Contrary to common belief, some employees who have lost their jobs continue to work part-time and get unemployment benefits. However, there are limits on how many hours and how much money may be made before these benefits are affected. States have different versions of these laws.

As an Example, New York Unemployment Insurance

For instance, the New York State Department of Labor states that you must work fewer than 30 hours per week and make less than $504 to qualify for partial unemployment insurance payments. You can record zero hours to UI and yet receive your whole unemployment insurance payout if you work fewer than 10 hours.

The weekly equivalent of one day of work is between 11 and 16 hours; this results in a 25% reduction in benefits; two days of work are between 17 and 21 hours; this costs you 50% of your weekly benefit rate; and three days of work are between 22 and 30 hours; this results in a 75% reduction in benefits.

Every State Has a Different Unemployment Insurance Program

Each state has its own requirements for eligibility for unemployment insurance based on an applicant's prior earnings and on specific rates of benefit penalties (or reductions) imposed to individuals who work while receiving UI.

Some states pay only a set amount — or for a set number of weeks — and require you to be actively seeking for work while on partial UI. Some states, such as Michigan and Wisconsin, have more complicated requirements for part-time employment/UI eligibility.

Concerns About Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance, according to Indeed, is a brief financial reprieve from an unexpected loss of work owing to a firm layoff or a significant reduction of hours at your job. Part-time employment is defined as any position that needs an employee to work less hours and days than a full-time employee, although most smaller organisations define full-time hours or obligations differently. Larger firms (those explicitly classified by the IRS as an applicable large employer — or ALE — with more than 50 full-time or 50 full-time equivalent workers on staff) consider full-time work as 30 hours per week, or 130 hours per month.

It's also necessary to verify your work status. Instead of laying off or firing employees, employers may try to place them on short furloughs or put them to a "zero-hour" schedule. These work classifications may preclude you from claiming UI depending on where you live. It is advisable to consult your state's unemployment website for particular UI information, benefit eligibility, and protocols.

UnemploymentPUA provides a thorough table outlining each state's qualifying standards.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF JOB INTERVIEWS AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR THEM

The interview can be a moment of success or pause in the search for a job for a young professional. Check out the importance of interviews as well as how to excel in different genres.

While crafting the perfect resume is worth all the effort, you'll also need to be prepared when interviewing. However, with the rise of remote work and the ever-changing office landscape, there's no guarantee where your next job interview will be, or even if you'll have to leave your home. Let's look at some examples of different types of job interviews, along with tips for succeeding in each.

INFORMATIONAL

You can think of an informational interview as a face-to-face meeting with a professional in your field, or an industry you want to learn more about. Although informational interviews are not related to a specific job, they are an opportunity to gain insight into a career path. They are meant to be more formal, often in a café or other place for coffee or a snack. If all goes well, you may get a new industrial connection from a friendly conversation.

Informational interviews are also unique because you will ask them to give interviews about their job, company, and industry. The FAQ revolves around the person they have worked for, their opinion of recent industry developments, and their advice on achieving your career goals.

PHONE

Telecommuting jobs typically rely on telephone interviews, and desk positions may use them as a first-round screening tool. Steve Sah, Robert Half's Global Executive Director of Finance and Accounting, notes that "telephone interviews are an important part of the screening process that can help a job seeker meet face to face."

“Demonstrate your interpersonal skills by listening to what is asked of you and interrupting and then responding,” advises Saha. “What you say and how you say it can make all the difference. This may sound obvious, but make sure you do your part to the company and the person you are interviewing for. It is important to be a more enthusiastic person: because the interviewer cannot see eye contact or body language Let them “see you smile” over the phone.

VIDEO

Video interviews are on the rise, as they are convenient for long distances while still providing a "personal" feel. “The best way I recommend preparing for these types of video interviews is to prepare just as you would for a face-to-face interview,” says Rob Hatch, associate professor of marketing at Baruch College in New York City. A quiet room and a professional-looking back are key, as well as making sure your computer camera is positioned correctly.

Hecht trains marketing managers, students, small start-ups and brand clients to achieve brand productivity. He explains, "Just as successful brands today are goal-driven, employers are looking for candidates to demonstrate how their personalities and emotions align with the company's goals in their video interviews. It can." A video interview is not only an easy way to show off. Your ability but a little personality, in a way that can't be replicated in a phone interview.

GROUP

Group interviews are when a company interviews many applicants simultaneously for a single position or a limited number of positions. It's an effective way to listen to and compare more applicants, and it also tests how you work in a group situation. To master group interviews, Saha emphasizes elevator pitches, first impressions, and social blessings. “How you present yourself and the impression you make makes a difference. At least once during an interview, try to be the first person to answer the interviewer’s question. You have to answer every question first. You don’t want to dominate the group with the answer.”

PANEL

Group interviews are the opposite of a group interview: Several company decision makers will interview you together. Make sure who's attending, or ask if needed, and do some research. You will be able to practice answering common interview questions in a way that appeals to the panel and conveys shared values.

Saha notes that for group interviews, “It is important to maintain eye contact with each person as they speak. This is usually a chance to meet different people at the same time, senior executives and HR contacts. From potential co-workers. Remember, two are on the way. So consider questions to ask the hiring manager or the team."

Although job interviews can come in many forms, the same principles of professionalism, preparation, and confidence will apply. The next time you create a profile so employers can find you, be confident when asked for an interview. Regardless of the genre, you will know how to prepare in advance and show your talent right now.