Fired as A1 - How to talk about it in interviews?

I got fired as A1 in my probation period.
Reviews were mixed and varied from good to bad.

Firm told me there were a number of factors (performance, team fit, market).
How should I explain this in interviews?

I am still employed for 6 weeks (not allowed to work but on contract). Can I act like I still work at the firm, or if I am asked "how do you like it at xxx" can I phrase it like I still work there?

Firm told me they will make reference letter sound positive and wont mention that I got fired. So can the new firm find out about it (e.g. background check etc.)

4 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I'd recommend 100% focusing on the market variables side, and making it sound like a layoff that had nothing to do with your performance. You can select a few datapoints to bolster the argument (e.g. firm was down X% YTD, had seen Y% redemptions, cut Z jobs total including A in my pod/strategy) and it sounds like the firm will at least semi-back you up.

The new firm probably won't find out about it unless your employer is exceptionally sharp-elbowed or, like, best friends with the guy soliciting the references. I've done a million reference calls at my PE firm and always focus on the positives -- it's in our best interest to make sure former employees still somewhat like us given the industry is only so big. 

 

Thank you thats helpful.

However, just to make sure. Should I bring this up myself? As mentioned I am still employed for a few more weeks and my CV also says currently employed. If asked how I like my work/the firm/ etc., should I already inform them, that I am unemployed in two months time and currently on my notice period?

Based on your comment, I understand the phrasing, however just wanted to make sure, if I should say it all. Of course, if the interview process lasts for months, I would eventually need to inform them that I dont work at the firm anymore, but what about the time until I then? 

 

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