How do you answer 'Why did you leave your previous job if you were terminated' on a job application?

Answer 1

There's two ways to handle this: 1.) Be brutally honest, and simply write "Terminated", and perhaps even a short elaboration as to why. 2.) Be a bit more creative. Use terms such as "Administrative Separation". That's what was recommended to my wife when she was released from her previous job due to attendance problems associated with morning sickness. Or, in regards to one of my more recent job losses, I put "Disagreement with management". I mean seriously, the guy wanted me to serve food off the floor! I call that a disagreement. Really, it's a matter of personal preference and character. In my book, honesty is always the best policy. At the same time, however, Job Applications only give you room enough for a small bit of the truth to be expressed, so try to make it sound as harmless as possible while being as truthful as possible. And remember, whatever you put on your application is subject to verification with your references. So, if you do try to fib and they check up on it, your app will be the first to go out the door. Conversely, if you tell them the truth in a not-so-harsh sounding way, they may be graceful enough to give you a chance (in person) to expound on your side of the story. - Iszi

Answer 2

You can say there was a conflict of personalities or interests.