NEED IMMEDIATE HELP! Explaining why I was terminated. (attorneys, legal) - Denver - Colorado (CO) - City-Data Forum

Ifeelsolost · 08-01-2012, 10:04 AM

I was recently let go from a legal secretary position which I held for 10 years. I still do not understand why I was terminated. I had made some mistakes, but nothing detrimental. I was working with 5-8 attorneys at a time. I was also helping with IT work on computers. I helped train new staff members. I covered for other employees when they were absent. I worked evenings and weekends when asked. It is true that I made mistakes. It is not true that these were excessive in number, and they were most certainly not intentional. The mistakes I made were at times careless, but that came from being overloaded.

I was told that the reason I was being let go is because one day one of my mistakes could detrimental to the company. In the 10 years I was with this firm, I have never had a mistake that has been detrimental to the company. Any mistakes were easily fixed, and were the kind of mistakes that others have made themselves.

So my question is ………..I have a VERY important interview today for a position that I have always dreamed about. How do I explain that I was terminated? Thank you for whatever help you can give me.

Snikt · 08-01-2012, 10:32 AM

Maybe say something like you were over worked and weren't given adequate time to complete tasks/projects?

Ifeelsolost · 08-01-2012, 10:48 AM

Thank you for your response. That answer has a catch 22. I don't want to make it appear that I cannot handle a busy workload. The interview today will require a busy workload, but it is something more reasonable.

Snikt · 08-01-2012, 10:54 AM

True, but your being there 10 years is also in your favor. Was there a change of management or anything?

Ifeelsolost · 08-01-2012, 10:59 AM

I know that 10 years looks good on my side, but explaining the "real" situation is hard. No change in management, but I did have a supervisor that Dr. Jeckyl/Mr. Hyde. If you stayed on his good side, you were okay, but if you made a mistake and got on his bad side, you were done. Part of what happened to me.

Mike from back east · 08-01-2012, 11:02 AM

Hope you get the new job, sounds like you deserve it. Just tell them the truth and stay calm and composed while you do so -- confidence is sexy (or so they say on TV).

Ifeelsolost · 08-01-2012, 11:05 AM

Thank you Mike. I will do my best. :-)

Thomas M · 08-01-2012, 11:22 AM

Yep, just like Mike said, tell the truth but of course don't talk negative about your previous employer. I would not divulge anything that might be taken negatively or more than they ask for. I really hope you get the job also! I think if you have the skills and they like you, then you have a great shot. Usually their mind is made up within a couple minutes of you walking in the door.

proveick · 08-01-2012, 11:24 AM

Did you sign a policy and procedural manual? Were your errors documented?

Ifeelsolost · 08-01-2012, 11:37 AM

Thank you everybody for your input. The policy and procedural manual was very generic. Management at this company was, at times, unfair depending on if they liked you or not. If my errors were ever documented, they were never shared with me. I NEVER signed anything. I know not to be negative and this is not my personality anyway. :-) I was thinking along these lines because I was needing a challenge and 10 years at my position was not challenging anymore. But I was stuck in my comfort zone. What do you all think?

"I wanted my career to move in a different direction, and I guess my mental separation set up the conditions that led to my departure. But by contrast, the opportunity we're discussing seems to be made for me and I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility."