How do u explain a firing on an application or interview gracefully?

The only way is to be completely honest. Anything else may be discovered later and be grounds for termination. Advise your interviewer the specifics and allow them to make a decision. Remember that they deal with these situations all the time.

First, remember this: a prospective employer will only know what you tell them. Listen closely: do yourself a favor by NOT volunteering any information. Let the questions come to you! If you are asked why you no longer work at the previous place say very simply that your position was downsized. Notice I said YOUR POSITION...NOT YOU PERSONALLY! That would not be lying and it would keep you from going into unnecessary details. Talk about how the company was looking to cut costs, for example. That also would not be lying - based on what you've said - and would keep the conversation moving along. The law prohibits your previous employer from providing or discussing the specific circumstances that led to your termination. They won't do it 'cause it could mean a big lawsuit (and a big payday for you). So, in summary... 1. Answer ONLY what you are asked. 2. Keep your answers short and to the point. 3. DO NOT VOLUNTEER ANY INFORMATION!!! (Don't get chatty with a recruiter...ever!) Best wishes:) Henry

Tricky, because if it is a court case, they should not talk about it much, if at all. I would write on the application that I would explain more at an interview, and then at the interview, I would just say that I was fired and as it is going to court, that I can't say much about it. I would however try to let them know that it was not for something like theft or something really bad.

Depending on what state your friend lives in, they need to check the employment laws. I know some states really can't say anything negative about an employee especially if a case is pending. Not knowing what the deal is, maybe your friend doesn't even need to put that employer reference on the app? People take time out to deal with family issues, etc. On the other had, lying on an app is cause for termination. Tough place to be for sure.

That's a tough situation to be in, because many employers have the attitude that if someone was fired there is something wrong with that person. Yet, it is not a good idea to lie.

But taking about it can be tricky, too, because you are not supposed to say anything negative about a former employer.

If you do, that will likely be held against you.