When a person gets fired, it’s not usually because of one reason. Instead, it’s a combination of reasons that come together, too much for a company to tolerate and overlook. But why do people get fired? Here we’ve listed the most common causes.
If you haven’t been fired from your job yet, you may also refer to the below list of things to avoid to keep your job. Meanwhile, if you’re one of the unlucky ones who did get fired, this list will help ensure that you will succeed in your next job.
Note that this list only refers to the reasons when it is “you” and not the company.
Your Personality Will Get You Fired
“Your personality can either hire or fire you.”
You got hired not because of your skills. First, you got chosen for an interview because of your resume. If your resume is still out of shape, hire a certified professional resume writer who can do wonders and land you that interview.
When you get interviewed, this is when the employer can confirm the credentials mentioned on your resume. Other candidates will likely have those skills. Thus, for the hiring manager, it all comes down to the personality of the candidate. Which one will be the best fit with the company culture? Who is most likely a team player?
You got hired because of your personality, but you can also get fired because of it.
- People get fired because they bring baggage to the office.
You must leave your emotional laundry before entering your office door because it can hinder your everyday performance. You’re not the only one who has personal issues, but we must all learn how to cope, put the problems at the back of your mind and focus on your work. - You complain about your employer on social media.
If you have issues with your employer, don’t post them on social media. Instead, call a friend and pour your heart out as much as you want in private. Many people have been fired because of ranting about their bosses or their jobs online. Eventually, one way or another, they’ll find out. - You refuse to follow directions.
Refusing to follow directions is a sign of disrespect and will result to clashes. To have a good working relationship, you must respect each other’s expertise, with the superior making the final decision. Whatever the outcome, you’ll both learn from it.
- You are slacking off.
Are you always late? Have you been taking so many sick days? Are you going beyond your vacation days? Your slacking off will only interfere with your productivity. Remember that you are hired in this company to get the job done. If you don’t have the discipline to show up on time or on days when you’re needed, it means you can’t be relied on. Eventually, your manager will need to find someone who can do better.
Violating Company’s Policies Will Also Get You Fired
Protocols and policies are in place because acting or behaving outside of these can sabotage the whole business. When you get hired, it is best to review your company policies carefully to ensure that you are not breaking any of them. Here are some common examples of how you can violate your company’s policy:
- Damaging company property.
Whether you meant to do it or not, damaging a company’s property can lose your job.
- Falsifying company records.
Firstly, it is unethical to falsify company records. This will also result in legal problems for your company. - Drug or alcohol possession at work.
Taking drugs and drinking alcohol during work hours will only prevent you from doing your job. Plus, drugs are illegal. If an employee gets caught, this will affect the company’s image. - Misusing company’s email and/ or property.
Are you using the company’s supplies and equipment for your personal use or a side gig? You better not get caught, because once you do, it will not end well for you. Better yet, just don’t do it!
You’re Not Up for the Job
If it’s not about your attitude, then it can be one of the following:
- Poor performance.
Who would want to keep an employee who continues to deliver poor performance? It is bad investment of time and money for the company. The company may give you a warning or a chance to work on it, but the company will eventually try to find someone better if you don’t improve. - You’re not the right fit for the job.
Sometimes the wrong fit goes unnoticed in job interviews. If, after some time, they see that you can’t fit in the company’s corporate values or simply not who they’re looking for and that it is hindering in their productivity and targets, they may have no choice but to let you go. - Productivity is not one of your strengths.
Low productivity can cost the company time and money. When an employee misses a deadline, this can create backlogs and impact the company.
What to Do After Being Fired?
People get fired for different reasons. If you got fired from your job, there are chances that it will affect your future career. However, there are ways to spin it around, but that does not include telling an interviewer that you could not get along with your team. Saying something bad about your past company will not reflect on them but on you.
Try the following scripts instead:
- There was a new manager who would like to take the department in a different direction.
- The company was cutting expenses, and unfortunately, I was one of the unlucky ones.
- Because the new director brought their own people, it made my position redundant.
Remember to add the following sentence too:
“Still, it’s a learning experience for me. I learned a lot while I was working there. But now I am here – glad to have the opportunity to present myself. Here’s how I can be an asset to your company…”
If you are not happy with your job, simply find a place where you can show your best potential. Our certified professional resume writers at Mystarresumes.com can help you get there, so that you can make the next opportunity and workplace a better experience.