Fired during interview
For context, I was fired from my previous role due to failing my FINRA exam in June (have now passed).
I had been applying to opportunities before and after June - the current process I’m talking about, I applied and interviewed after my last day at my previous firm (beginning of June) and had my first round (end of June).
Essentially I’ve been in process (6 rounds + modeling test + case study) at this bank and am pending the final round. I’m getting anxious as it’s starting to become evident that this new opportunity still assume I work there due to conversational points such as ‘are you usually working from home’ etc.
I haven’t disclosed that I’m no longer at my previous firm as they haven’t asked directly and when asked about my xp I’m speaking in the accurate tense etc. but genuinely haven’t felt a point to naturally bring it up - not a case of me wanting to hide it.
My CV is accurate, end date is written as June 2026 so don’t think background checks is an issue but assume the interviewers haven’t thought much about it or realized that means that I don’t work there.
In this final round with the head of the team (who I’ve already met) I imagine my situation could come up / I would be in a position where I need to lie in order to maintain their assumption which I’m not going to do.
My question is, how best to approach this if it comes up and have I put myself in a bad position by not disclosing straight away?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how to navigate this situation effectively:
Addressing the Situation if It Comes Up:
If the topic arises during your final round, honesty is crucial. Avoid lying or misleading the interviewer, as this can severely damage your credibility. Instead, frame your response positively and focus on your proactive steps since leaving your previous role. For example:
Have You Put Yourself in a Bad Position?
Not necessarily. While it might have been better to disclose this earlier, the fact that your CV is accurate (with the correct end date) works in your favor. The interviewers may not have noticed or connected the dots, but you haven’t misrepresented yourself. The key now is to handle the situation with transparency and confidence if it comes up.
Proactive Disclosure (Optional):
If you feel the topic might create confusion or come up unexpectedly, you could consider addressing it proactively in the final round. For instance:
Focus on Your Strengths:
Regardless of whether the topic comes up, steer the conversation toward your qualifications, the value you bring, and your readiness to contribute. Highlight your recent achievements, such as passing the FINRA exam, and how they position you as a strong candidate for the role.
Remember, seasoned professionals understand that career setbacks happen. By addressing the situation with honesty and emphasizing your proactive approach, you can mitigate any potential concerns and maintain your candidacy.
Sources: The Secret Weapon That Lets You Control the Job Interview, The 24 Interview Lessons I Learned on the Way to Getting My First Full Time Job, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/negotiating-offer-before-during-and-after-interview-follow-up?customgpt=1, Was just asked to resign...what should I say on interviews?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/suing-a-former-employer?customgpt=1
Bump
Banks understand that people lose their jobs, fail licensing exams, and interview while being unemployed. That’s nothing new.
Two things you shouldn’t do during the interview: (i) don’t lie (not setting the record straight is quasi-lying in my opinion) and (ii) don’t overexplain.
Failing an exam that you can retake an almost unlimited number of times (and that you already passed) is a very recoverable story.
“I wrapped things up at my old firm in June since I wasn’t able to pass the FINRA exam within their required window. Since then, I retook and passed the exam. Truth is that I was so eager to hit the desk, that I ended up spending most of my time learning about my coverage and didn’t prioritize studying for the exam. Taught me an important lesson very early on. On a more positive note, this situation provided an opportunity for me to focus entirely on finding the right long-term opportunity and that’s why I’m here today”
If they ask why you didn’t disclose or clarified your employment status during your previous interviews, you can say:
“Honestly, it never directly came up and my resume reflected the correct end date. Most of the interviews have been focused on fit and technical background. I wasn’t trying to hide it, but in hindsight maybe I should’ve clarified this upfront.”
Ownership and self-awareness are incredibly important in this industry. Obviously, I’m not saying volunteer to be the sacrificial lamb every time, but there’s nothing wrong with owning up to things and some people will respect you for it.
You made it pretty far in the process, so they must think you are at least capable. Don’t mess it up by lying to try to get out of an uncomfortable question. Good luck!
Really appreciate the comment and insight.
From your perspective is it best to clear the air unprompted at the beginning of the interview, or wait till there is an opportunity for me to raise it (if there even is one).
I’d wait to raise it. If the conversation is heading down a path where it becomes clear that they are under the assumption that you still work at your old firm, you should step in and clarify. Because in a borderline situation, once they realize after the interview they’ll ether feel misled at best, and lied to at worst - even though you technically didn’t lie and they should’ve paid more attention to your resume.
Reason I say this because I had a similar experience with a lateral candidate I was interviewing a few years back. I barely looked at his resume and it turns out he had been let go two months prior. While I didn’t ask point blank, I did ask questions that made it clear that I was under the impression that he was still working, and instead of correcting me he decided to try to fly under the radar. Turns out I had to share feedback after the interview and had another look at his resume.
Again, there’s nothing wrong with not volunteering information. But in my situation, I didn’t feel like he had good moral character and honestly that’s not someone I want under me. Truth is that I wouldn’t have cared had he corrected me on spot.
Thanks for the response again and completely agreed.
And just one more - if it doesn’t come to a point where it can be brought up without being unprompted, then it’s not worth bringing up at all?
Appreciate your perspective given you’ve been on the other side of the table!
Latest time to bring it up cleanly is with HR when being presented / discussing the offer (or with whomever, who’s making you an offer) — assuming that it didn’t come up before / you tried to cover it up
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