As with many things in life, whether you should disclose being fired to a potential employer depends on context. Statistically, you're far from alone—40% of Americans have been fired at one point in their career—some of these include Oprah, Steve Jobs, and Anna Wintour. So no, it likely won't come as a shock.
But will it hurt your chances? That depends on how you tell the story. You can't undo the past—but you can demonstrate growth, self-awareness, and resilience. And often, that’s exactly what employers are looking for.
In this article, we’ll break down how to navigate the topic of being fired with honesty and confidence. You'll learn:
- When and if you should disclose being fired
- How to frame your experience in a way that highlights personal growth
- What to say during interviews and on your resume
Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn, prepping for an interview, or just rebuilding your confidence, this guide will help you turn a tough experience into a powerful narrative.
Key takeaways
- It’s okay to leave a job you were fired from off your resume—especially if it was short-term or irrelevant.
- You should never lie about your employment history, but you can choose what’s most relevant to include.
- If you decide to mention being fired, do it in an interview, not on your resume, and focus on what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown from the experience.
- Neutral phrases like “mutual separation” or “role concluded” help frame the situation professionally.
- Interviews offer space to explain your termination with context, confidence, and clarity.
- Being fired doesn’t define your career—how you handle it moving forward is what really matters.
What does it mean to be fired from a job?
Being fired means being involuntarily terminated by your employer. Reasons can vary, with the most common being poor performance, misconduct, violation of company policies, or a breakdown in the employment relationship.
Even if you’re the perfect employee, a model of an agreeable person, you can still get fired. Circumstances change, mistakes happen, and no one is immune.
However, just because you were fired doesn’t mean you’ve become unemployable. What’s important is what you learn from your experience and, ultimately, how you frame it for the future.
Fired vs. laid off vs. quitting—what’s the difference?
Let’s clear up the difference between these closely related terms.
Fired vs. Laid off:
- Fired: Due to the employee’s behavior or performance.
- Laid off: Due to business reasons like downsizing or restructuring—not the employee's fault.
Fired vs. Resigned:
- Fired: Employer's decision.
- Resigned: Employee’s decision.
PRO TIP
In the case you’ve been laid off, you might be entitled to compensation, such as a severance package and/or unemployment benefits.
Should I leave a job off my resume if I was fired?
You can put a job you were fired from on your resume, as long as it’s relevant to your desired position. But you don’t need to mark “role concluded” on your resume. The reasons for your termination are something to explain—if at all—during an interview, where you can provide context and tone.
Here’s a good rule of thumb: only include what’s relevant. If you were fired from a job that has no connection to the role you’re applying for, it’s totally fine to leave it out—and skip the extra explaining. It’s also okay to leave out a short-term role.
For everything else, focus on how you’ll frame the situation if it comes up. We’ll dive into how to do that next.
How to write about a job you got fired from on a resume
You don’t need to hide the fact that you were fired—but you also don’t need to spotlight it. Your resume should focus on what you bring to the table now, not just how your last role ended.
The following strategies, paired with a well-framed explanation of your experience, can help hiring managers see you as a well-rounded, respected professional with a lot to offer.
That way, you're not defined by a single setback but by how you responded to it.
Let’s see what you can do.
#1. Use a skills-based resume format
Lead with your skills, achievements, and strengths, not your job timeline. A functional format lets you control the narrative by putting your qualifications first and tucking less relevant job details further down.
#2. Leverage testimonials or recommendations
A short quote from a previous manager or colleague can reinforce your credibility—even if it’s not from the job you were fired from. If a past employer can vouch for your character, work ethic, or growth, it helps balance out any concerns.
#3. Group short-term or contract roles
If the job you were fired from was brief or part of a string of temporary roles, consider grouping it under a general header like “Contract and Freelance Roles.”
#4. Highlight post-firing achievements
If you've had strong, steady work after being fired—even in side projects, volunteering, or freelance work—put it front and center. Show momentum and growth. This shifts the story from "I was fired" to "I bounced back stronger," which leaves a lasting impression.
When it’s okay to leave a job off your resume
There are times when it’s perfectly fine to leave a job off your resume—no matter how or why you left. For instance:
- The role lasted less than six months, and/or you have enough other experience.
- It’s not relevant to your current career trajectory.
- You've held stronger, more recent positions since.
In cases like these, leaving a job off your resume isn’t dishonest—it’s strategic.
Better ways to say “fired” on a job application
If the position you were let go from is relevant and valuable to your career path, it’s important to include it. What really matters, though, is what the narrative is. You want to avoid any language that could catch a recruiter off guard or raise red flags.
Instead of saying “fired” in application forms or interviews consider using more neutral, professional phrasing that emphasizes fit, context, or company changes.
Here are some tactful alternatives:
- Position ended
- Mutual decision to part ways
- Role concluded
- Expectations were not fully aligned
- Seeking a better fit
- Professional differences
- Company and employee goals diverged
These phrases help explain the departure without sounding defensive or negative. In interviews, you’ll have the chance to elaborate with maturity and a focus on what you learned and how you’ve grown since.
As much as we try to avoid placing blame, the truth is: bad bosses exist, and toxic work cultures can lead to unfair terminations.
While I don’t recommend bad-mouthing former employers, there may be times—especially with the right hiring manager—when you can share a bit more of your story. Chances are, they’ve seen similar situations themselves and will appreciate your honesty and self-awareness.
Author’s take
How to address being fired in the interview
One of the best times to address a sensitive part of your work history—like being fired—is during the interview. Whether it’s in person or over Zoom, nothing beats an honest conversation. An interview gives you a chance to read the hiring manager’s tone, build some rapport, and lay the groundwork for empathy before sharing your story.
When you do bring it up, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be transparent, not defensive: You’re not on trial. You’re not seeking sympathy or justifying every detail—you’re simply offering context. Stick to the facts and stay composed. Don’t over-apologize or overexplain.
- Avoid placing blame: Life–and that includes your work life—is complicated, but pointing fingers only reflects poorly on you. Take responsibility for your part, and keep it professional—even if others weren’t.
- Share what you learned: Negative experiences and discomfort usually teach us more than our successes. Share your insights and how they helped you grow.
Example scripts for an interview
Let’s review some sample answers you can use for inspiration for your own, depending on your situation.
Misconduct
“I was let go due to a lapse in judgment that went against company policy. I take full responsibility and have taken clear steps since then to ensure it never happens again. It was a hard but valuable learning experience that helped me mature both personally and professionally.”
Underperformance
“Unfortunately, I didn’t meet the performance expectations of the role. Looking back, I didn’t seek enough clarity early on and didn’t adapt quickly enough. Since then, I’ve focused on building the right skills and communication habits to ensure I stay aligned and deliver stronger results.”
Absenteeism
“At the time, I struggled with personal issues that affected my attendance. I didn’t communicate properly, and I recognize that was unprofessional. Since then, I’ve put the right structure in place, and it’s no longer an issue. I’ve learned a lot about responsibility and consistency.”
Breach of company rules
“I made a mistake by not following a key company policy, and it led to my termination. It was a clear wake-up call. I now make it a priority to fully understand and respect company policies, and I’ve become far more detail-oriented and accountable in my work.”
Frequently asked questions about leaving a job you were fired from off your resume
If you’ve been fired and aren’t sure what that means for your career, these quick answers can help clarify your next steps.
Is it legal to leave a job off your resume?
Leaving a job off your resume isn’t the same as lying—but be careful not to misrepresent your work history. If the job shows up in a background check, be ready to explain the gap honestly. It’s always better to control the narrative than get caught off guard.
Can employers find out if you were fired?
Yes—if they contact your previous employer, they may be told you were terminated. However, many companies only confirm dates of employment and job title due to liability concerns. If asked directly, it’s best to be honest and prepared with a professional explanation.
How does being fired affect future employment?
A termination doesn’t automatically hurt your chances—what matters is how you explain it and what you’ve done since. Employers value accountability and growth, especially if you’ve learned from the experience and moved forward productively.
Does getting fired from a job go on your record?
No official “record” exists. Terminations aren’t part of a public or government employment file. However, if a future employer contacts your past employer, they may share that information depending on their policies.
Does firing show up on a background check?
Typically, no. Standard background checks confirm employment dates, education, and criminal history—but not reasons for leaving. That said, if the background check includes employer references, the termination could come up in conversation.
Can you get rehired after termination?
Sometimes, yes. It depends on the reason for the termination and the company’s policies. If you left on relatively good terms or resolved the issue that led to your departure, rehire eligibility is possible—especially after some time has passed.
Conclusion
Being fired can feel like a setback, but it doesn’t have to define your resume or your future. What matters most is how you frame the experience—honestly, professionally, and with a focus on growth.
Whether you choose to leave a job off your resume or include it with care, make sure your story aligns with your strengths and the direction you're heading. Employers aren’t just looking for perfection—they’re looking for people who learn, evolve, and show up stronger than before.
Make one that's truly you.
