I agree with your comments on this topic — honesty is the best route no matter how or why you left your last job.
Let’s look at a couple of common reasons for leaving and how they can affect interview process.
Downsizing.
In today’s job market, being laid-off is not nearly as much of a problem for your next employer as it once was. If your position was restructured, you were downsized or you were laid off, you have joined a sizeable group of professionals who have been in the same boat. There is strength in numbers, and joining the my-department-was-affected-by-downsizing group is no longer a red flag for future employers
Merger or acquisition.
When companies merge, many times there is duplication of roles. If yours was one of those, say so.
What if you were actually fired?
This can be a bit tricky, because being fired makes things very emotional. First, take the time to deal with your emotions before you start your job search. Much as you want to start looking for your next job, you really need to work through your anger, frustration and other emotions about your firing before you start interviewing. Recruiters have plenty of stories about of job candidates venting their frustrations about their last job during an interview. You don’t want to do this.
Getting fired hurts, but it is not an indication you are unemployable. Job candidates who have been fired survive the experience and move on to a better-matched position.
True, every employer wants to minimize their risk and make the best hiring decision. You can’t control the reactions of hiring decision makers. Some will admire your honesty and realize that everyone makes mistakes. Others may see you as high risk. If you’ve been fired, the best offense is to have good references who can vouch for your skills, experience and ability to get along with others. And remember, a good attitude is the No. 1 factor in overcoming your firing.
It is a bad idea to blame your previous boss or others. Focus instead on the fact that the previous job was a poor match. You can turn this situation into a positive. Focus on what you’ve learned and move on.
