Fired to Hired
Getting fired should not become an insurmountable hurdle in your pursuit of a future position. It should instead be a learning experience. It is not advisable to withhold the information from prospective employers, however there is no need to volunteer details of how you were fired during the interview process. In the event an inquiry is made bring the information to light with tact and dignity.
In order to be able to hold your head high you must first come to terms with the fact you were fired. Before moving on, take an honest look at the circumstances that led to your expulsion. The time taken to evaluate the situation is a necessity. Was it one very clear action that prompted your employer to fire you? Was it a culmination of many different reasons? How could you have behaved differently? You must be candid with yourself. You should not dwell on your previous mistake, but certainly evaluate it to give you the ability to accurately articulate to future employers, if necessary, the reason for your dismissal. As well, use your past experience to modify your behavior in the future so you can handle similar situations differently. While analyzing the past be introspective. In the event it was not just one action that led to your exit, evaluate what accumulation of events seemed to create the final straw.
During the interview the question you have been dreading is asked, "Why did you leave your last job?" Do not dance around the question nor defile yourself. Be honest and succinct. State the facts simply and then move on to the next question. Do not let the inquiry shade your demeanor with doubts throughout the remaining interview process. Instead use it as an opportunity to display your maturity through acceptance of any mistakes. Share your plans to correct it in the future.
Show your potential employer that you do not hold a grudge and that you have a new perspective. Illustrate how you will never permit this to occur again and proceed this with your positive contributions to the previous organization.
You cannot change the past, however by handling your presentation of a less than perfect track record with confidence and an appropriate sense of humor you can create a new, bright future.