I'VE BEEN FIRED - BEST WAY TO ANSWER

I would like to know the best way to answer this question, "Have you've been terminated?", on a job application or an interview. I have been honest in the job app. but in an interview they ask for a reason/explanation. I feel it has made my chances for landing a job more difficult since I now have a criminal record.

Also if that company should be put down as a contact/reference?

Why were you fired?

If you do not think that the company will give you a good reference, do not list them as a reference. However, you need to list them in your employment history. Do not lie or omit things.

Being fired is pretty bad. However it also depends on what the reasons were for that. Whatever it was, try to show in your interview that you have worked on this issue and improved. For example, taking employment class at some agency would work towards you. By the way, a community agency could help you to start over and get a job.

This is probably the best answer I have ever heard: "As you see on my resume, this was not the only time I worked just a couple of months and left. I was young, immature and made some bad decisions that affected my career and my family. Since then, I have completed the job readiness program at Youth Starting Over Project and I can now manage my time better, and I also learned how to communicate more effectively with my colleagues. I am confident, if you give me a chance, I can prove you my reliability and professionalism".