How to Find Out Why You Got Fired

First, if your past employer was not forthcoming with an explanation as to why you were let go, you may want to try calling now to get a clear cut answer. "Firing" or "letting an employee go" is a difficult task for most managers and he or she may be a bit more comfortable discussing the topic in depth with you over the phone now that you've left the company as opposed to face-to-face in the heat of the moment.

Why call? Because as an employee, it's important to fully understand what you may have done wrong in order to improve upon those areas in your future endeavors. Explain this to your previous manager. Be professional and understanding in your tone and manner. If you do this, chances are, your old boss will appreciate your attempt at self betterment and offer up a bit of advice.

Once you've got an answer, it's important to be truthful with prospective employers. If you make up excuses for your previous at-work conduct in a job interview, they will be seen as just that – excuses. Instead, tell a prospective employer what you did wrong and how you've since rectified the situation. Provide an example of how you've learned from your mistakes. One of the biggest job interview mistakes to avoid is this: don't place blame and don't bad mouth your old employer. Accept responsibility for your own actions and the outcomes of those actions.

Now, if you left on bad terms and giving your old boss a ring is a bit too far outside your comfort zone, do some serious self evaluation. In all reality, if the company was downsizing and your position was eliminated for business – not personal – reasons, they would have told you that. If you weren't told that, chances are it was something YOU did. So be honest with yourself and critically evaluate the quality of your work as well as your relationships with management and coworkers.

We all have areas of our personality and work ethic that could stand to be improved upon. Figure out what yours may be and create solutions that will aid you in becoming a better employee and hence more employable. Then, you will not only have a reason to cite for your current state of unemployment, but you will also have a carefully crafted message of your own self improvement to sell to prospective employers.

If you've got a job-related question, ask the JobHelper.