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What Do I Say in an Interview When I've Been Fired?

By: Taunee Besson, CMF, CareerCast.com Senior Columnist

Q: I was fired from my last job. How do I explain this in a job interview without losing my chance at the job?

By: Samantha Nolan

Dear Sam: I resigned from a high-profile job for personal reasons. Is it okay to generically tell prospective employers that I resigned for personal reasons and not go into detail about the reasons for my resignation?
– Jenny

Dear Jenny: Yes, you could tell a prospective employer that you resigned for personal reasons, but realize that this will leave them wondering if these "personal reasons" are going to present themselves as issues if they should choose to employ your services. I'd suggest an answer not so vague, if at all possible, to ensure the prospective employer feels confident you will be able to dedicate yourself to the company's needs while at work.

By: Renita Burns

Impressive resume? Check. Well-written cover letter? Check. Got called for a job interview?

Nope.

With dizzying layoffs signaling employers' reluctance to fill payrolls, securing a job interview can turn into a full-time job. As more people compete for limited positions, today you need more than just good qualifications – it takes creativity to get your foot in the door. In strategizing your job search, it's imperative to transcend the role of a mere professional and turn yourself into a brand. Job applicants need to leverage what makes them different, and this process doesn't start the first day on the job. It starts with the job search. Check out these tips on clever ways you can land the interview and snag the job:

Down to the Wire: Succeeding in a Second Job Interview

By: Taunee Besson, CMF, CareerCast.com Senior Columnist

If you make the first job interview cut and get asked to return for another look, congratulations are in order. But it's important to remember that you're still competing with other candidates, many of whom will be just as qualified as you.

By: Nick Corcodilos

Q: I had an important job interview two weeks ago, and I still haven't heard back (I sent a thank you email after the interview, of course). I would really like to work at this company and I want to show my excitement, but I don't want to look desperate. Is it a good idea to call or email them and say, "Hey, remember me?"

A: That depends on whether you have other options. It's all about leverage: Do you have any? Without options, you have nowhere else to go. On the other hand, if you've developed other good opportunities, then you're in a position to try to speed this up. For example, say "I want to work for you, but I have other opportunities pending. Is there anything else you need to know about me? It would help me to know when you will make a decision."

By: Taunee Besson, CMF, CareerCast.com Senior Columnist

Q: Next week I'm going in for an interview for a dream job. I know I've got the right qualifications, but I'm afraid I'll say or do something that takes me out of the running. How can I put my best foot forward when I'm feeling so stressed?