Interviewing is always stressful but trying to explain an employment gaffe will only add to that natural nervousness. Discussing employment history with confidence requires practice and tact, especially for the firefighter candidate who has been fired from a previous position or has been a perpetual job changer.

When addressing the question of termination, it is always best to be candid with the facts. This will create an opportunity for the firefighter candidate to demonstrate personal growth.

Most individuals who serve on a fire department’s interview panel will admire a firefighter candidate that can admit that they made a mistake and are able to be honest about it. It is best to look them in the eye and give them the reason why you were let go. But don’t stop there. You will need to inform them of the steps you have taken so it will never happen again. This is where you will score points.

If you have a termination in your employment history then expect to be questioned about it. Now that you know this, begin to practice your response to this termination question that will undoubtedly be asked. In the end, an interview panel will see a firefighter candidate with tremendous courage, honesty, and professional maturity.