How To Write An Effective CV After Being Fired

Losing your job is always a stressful experience that can add extra pressure to your search for a new job. The current job market, especially, has left many feeling discouraged.

Truth is, to a potential new employer, the fact that you were fired may leave an unfavorable connotation on you. However, there is no place for negativity in a CV. How can you write an effective CV after getting fired?

Before updating your CV for the next job opportunity, consider the following to help you through the application and interview process:

1. Showcase Your Achievements And Accomplishments

Your mission is to get your foot in the door for an interview and to make an outstanding impression. You do not need to bring up that you were fired or laid off from your last job on paper. Instead of focusing on how your previous job ended, quantify what you accomplished while you were employed there.

If necessary, you will have the opportunity during an interview to explain further details.

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2. Don’t Lie About Your Employment

You should never lie on your CV. Don’t fabricate anything on your CV or your reason for looking for a new job. If asked about this during an interview, you need to address the question truthfully, but keep it brief regarding the reason for your departure and move on to more positive points. At least you now have a greater advantage to explain the reason for departure in a more positive light.

You can also use it to your advantage to reinforce points of achievements and accomplishments that may apply for the job. Remember that companies do check references and background information. Any candidate caught lying is grounds for dismissal.

3. Gather Your References Together

Gather people you worked with on the job as references, whether it’s co-workers, clients, or vendors. Individuals who worked with you on the job and who can speak positively about your work can help effectively rid any negative connotations associated with being fired.

4. Focus On Functionality Rather Than Chronology

If a chronological CV format has not worked for you in the past, we recommend you use a functional CV format.

Functional CVs are typically not used since they lack detail on dates of employment—information most employers want to know.

A functional CV focuses on grouping specific skills and experiences together as the highlight of your CV. This type of format might also work for the career changer and those with gaps in employment history that are due to other pursuits, such as education or family.

Being fired means you have an additional challenge to overcome to find a new job, but it is not impossible. It’s all in the way you write your CV and handle yourself in addressing the matter if the subject comes up. Remain positive, address any concerns briefly and honestly, and then move on to the more positive highlights.

Do you need help with crafting your CV to make it more effective? Reach out to professional CV writers who will help you in your journey.