[Tono23]

Good Day All-
I finally landed an interview scheduled next week! What should I tell my prospective employer as to why I am no longer at the firm? I am certain they will ask. FYI, my role was terminated after busy season due to expectations not being met.

Here are some ideas I have:
1. “Management decided to end my role after busy season.”
2. “Management decided to reduce its workforce”

Thank you!

[Missy]

If the company interviewing you called your previous employer, would they say one of the two answers above? Usually the question is asked “Is tono eligible for rehire?”. If they would say yes, go with #2 above. If they would say no, just say it wasn't a good fit then give a VERY good reason why this job would be a good fit. (source: I am a certified HR professional in addition to my CPA license.)

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Holly]

@Missy what is an example of a very good reason? I have a situation where I wasn't a good fit, recognized it, gave my two weeks notice on a Friday and was let go on the following Tuesday because they were “going in a different direction.”

BEC - 79
REG - 85
AUD - 5/27/16

[Missy]

Here's an example but may or may not apply. “I wasn't a good fit in a department of 30 accountants because the roles were rigidly defined and I work best when I have to switch gears on a dime. I know this department is only 4 accountants and due to the size each person is required to hold multiple roles at the same time. Thats when my performance is at its best. For example, in one of my jobs I was responsible for bank reconciliations, depreciation calculations and analysis of product line cost. It would have been far too easy to get too involved in any one of those tasks and neglect the others however given the tight deadline I had, I rose to the occasion and had all three completed by the 2nd business day with 100% accuracy.”

Completely downplayed the reason you weren't a good fit while highlighting a strength the interviewer considers important. After the interview the person won't even remember why you said you left but will be thinking “we have a tight month end close and NEED someone driven by deadlines”.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Pete]

If you have a friend at the firm, who will say positive things about you, it will likely give you a LOT more flexibility.

They (people at new position) will likely ask that friend how you performed etc. In that case, you can merely say you were let go because you ran out of work after tax season while that friend will vouch for you. I would confirm this with the friend, before you go about doing it though.

On the other hand, you can always contact one of your former managers, whom you were relatively close to, asking the same question. I would think they would probably be happy to state that you ran out of work to help you; be positive when you contact them though. They don't gain anything by hindering your job search.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[Missy]

You can use a peer or manager as a personal reference but almost always to verify employment they're going to want to talk to HR. Know your previous firms policy, I will only verify dates of employment and job title and only in writing. Don't need any drama, but an HR person can legally say anything that's true and verifiable (for example can say you were late in excess of their policy if there are time records to prove that is true.)

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Author]

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