Getting over Loss of a Job and What to Say in Interview?

As for what to say in an interview to the question "Why did you leave your last job?" At the outplacement company that I consult with, we call this a "reason for leaving statement".

Write out a statement and practice saying it out loud and changing the wording until it feels right to you. Start with a very short, factual statement about what happened. I agree that you can contact your HR person to find out what information would be shared with a potential employer if they call the company. Base your statement off of that. If they aren't going to state that you were terminated, you can use something generic like "the job became not a good fit for me", but if they are going to reveal that you were terminated, you might want to say "there was a misunderstanding that led to my termination".

Next in your statement shift to a positive statement about what you are proud of having done, something you learned or accomplished, during the time you were there. "I'm glad that while I was at the company, I was able to ....".

Then end with a statement about the future. "And now I'm looking forward to bringing my skills and experience to a new company."

All this should be less than a 30 second answer. Keep it short, simple, factual, unemotional.

So, for example "Over time, due to some changes, the position with company X was no longer a good fit for me. I'm happy that I was able to learn several new skills and complete an important project before I left. Now, I'm excited to find a new company that can benefit from my experience and skills."

In this day everyone is losing jobs, being let go, and handed less hours. No one is too surprised about any of this. Just letting them know that you weren't on the same page (use your words) if it comes up. When hiring they want you to do their job, and although they might ask something related it's the future of their own company they are concerned about. You used the word misconstrued, but I would practise saying miscommunication about what your tasks were and kind of leave it at that.
AS far as the person who betrayed you...why on earth would you even for a split second consider having any assistance from this person at all? It is none of their business how your employment search is going If they want to go and admit that they (I assume lied or alter facts) and get you your job back, let them know that. Otherwise stay away, far away, ouchouch and donot use them as a reference NEVERNEVERNEVER

Continue with your appeals process. If it was truely wrongful all of it will come out during this process. Its hard to really say anything not knowing all the details. Texas is a right to work state so I don't have to give a reason why we are terminating an employee. Now, that being said, I always do. Termination is like the "death penalty" of employment. Its permanent and serious. I make sure that I have all the documentation that will be needed to justify our decision.

As far as this person I would cut communications. If you are still in the appeals process this person could be giving information to your former company. If they were so driven to give information that caused you to be fired from your job, then they don't want to help period. Stay away!

As for future interviews, talk positive about the company but just say that it wasn't a good fit and didn't work out. You don't have to go into details but under no condition do you bad mouth the former company or co-workers.

During the meantime, contact your local staffing companies. They may have termp to perm positions available or even contract. Keeps the money flowing in and you don't have too much of a gap in your employment record. Employers look at that as well. Good luck with your search!!!

I am not sure if the laws are the same in Utah, but I know for a fact, in California, your previous employer cannot say why you left and whether or not you were terminated. They can say your length of employment and whether or not you are rehirable, but many employers won't even say that because they are fearful of crossing "the line" and getting sued. I agree with Sue and her generic response, you don't have to go into detail, and I wouldn't, because it only opens the doors for scrutiny and potential employers making their own judgements.
As for the state employment office, just have as much information as you can with specifics. Good luck.

I have a similar situation with my termination. And mine too was a wrongful termination. So far I've won two lawsuits and I'm on the third. It's been a long road. Do not trust anyone in the office. They are not your friends. They are only interested in keeping their jobs. Believe nothing unless it's in writing. Do not keep in touch with them, because anything you say can be used against you. The company is only interested in the problem going away and no lawsuits. The staff only in their job and as much juicy gossip they can get their ears on. Staff lied about the circumstances in my case, yet one came and apologized to me later. So I asked her to tell the supervisor what she said. She said she would, but she never did. Not one of them knew the facts or cared about the facts. Rumors started to make stories up, and it was very hurtful, still is. How I worked with these people, I'll never know. Maybe I was stupid to be honest and forthcoming but that's me. My union was not helpful. The liars kept their jobs and I'm out of one. On employment apps I put "will discuss" which is what I was advised to do. But I have yet to have an interview where I've had to explain what happened. When I spoke before the judge at my EDD appeal hearing, I waited for questions before volunteering information. I was early to read what my former employer wrote, and further had the advantage of them not showing up. I happen to think it was on purpose. My supervisor and I got along very well. And I think he said as little as possible in his written statement. In the end, the judge said they handled things all wrong and should have never terminated me. He wrote a beautiful set of findings that made me lift my head high again. And I won the State lawsuit as well. Took two years. I probably should've fought for my job, but I kinda didn't want it. My boss was gonna let it go, but I think it was his boss that made things change, because the next day everything changed. I guess he approached her to let her know his intentions and then she was afraid of a lawsuit from the liar. And I'm sure he was willing to back up whatever she says because he was an inexperienced boss. He should've gone to bat for what was right. Now I'm battling for my vacation pay. If I knew then what I know now, I think I'd have gotten the law on my side. But I know more now than I did then. Trust me, the battles are worth the win, but they are difficult indeed. Sorry I wasn't able to answer your question as you wished, but I wanted to write to you that I feel for you and wish you all the best.

you need to call HR and find out what your termination status is, because potential employers will be calling for reference if you are listing them on your resume, and you need to know what they would tell them. Most employers can only give dates of employment, but you should be aware of what your ex-employers policy is regarding reference checks. Keep up with the appeal process. I'm sorry this has happened to you. Best of luck-