"A few years ago I chose to step down from a position after the company announced major cutbacks. The result would have been a layoff at some point, and I wanted to leave on a high note. I quickly found a new role and maintained a solid relationship with the company even afterward."

"Earlier in my marketing career, I had a significant client tell my marketing director that he did not like my work. The director panicked, wanting to keep her client, and decided to terminate me. In retrospect, I was in a bit over my head with a client that had such significant marketing spend. I do wish that the director would have used the feedback as an opportunity to mentor and coach me, but I do understand that is not everyone's approach. I took the experience as a learning opportunity and took another role with a smaller agency, shortly after."

"I can get along with nearly everyone; however, I had one manager who was like oil to my water. We did not mesh, and despite my trying to hide my dislike for her personality, it remained pretty obvious. I was the junior associate in the role, so I resigned knowing that the personality clash was hard on the team. My termination likely would have been the result, had I stayed. The manager pulled rank, and I was smart enough to know that. There are no hard feelings there as I still met my quota and was beloved by our customers."

"I took an incredibly cutthroat sales role, right out of University for which I was most definitely not ready! It was a door-to-door residential alarm sales position. Someone was fired weekly, for not hitting targets. I made it eight weeks which was a record at the time, as most associates didn't even make it past week three. When I look back at the experience, I chuckle and how panicked we all were to make a sale. It was an eye-opening experience that I will never regret having."

"As an educator, I have never been asked to leave a position, or even become close to termination. I did get fired from a paper delivery job when I was nine though! I may have cut some corners in my delivery to make it for Saturday morning cartoons! All kidding aside, I am a very loyal and respectful teacher and plan to bring my high standard of work with me to my next opportunity. I have solid references ready for you as well."

Being asked to leave, step down, or flat out being terminated are all very rattling experiences. If you have been asked to leave a position, the worst thing to do it allow it to shake your confidence. Think of the circumstances surrounding your termination and turn them into a positive. Take responsibility for your part in the situation and then complete your response with what you learned. Keep your answer brief and avoid going on about how unfair it was, or how the employer will be 'sorry' they ever lost you. An interviewer will see a chip on your shoulder a mile away.

"Earlier in my career, I did lose my job about two months into the role. The reason was that of cutbacks; however, if I am honest - I am not sure that I was meeting their expectations when it came to learning their SAP modules. After the experience, I took a couple of SAP-related courses to improve my skills. I quickly found gainful employment again, and this company is still a positive reference for me."