Navigating Job Interviews After a Confusing Termination: How Honest Should I Be?

Hi Sir, I worked at a small company for more than 2 years as a senior employee. One day, HR called and informed me that our COO had complained about my performance not meeting his expectations. I was given the option to continue as a junior employee or to leave the company. HR mentioned that I could communicate my decision to the COO via email. Simultaneously, the company blocked my access to the company email. I drafted a resignation letter from my personal email account in response to the situation, expecting to choose the first option to continue as a junior employee.

Unexpectedly, the COO replied that he did not want my resignation letter and instead informed me that I was terminated. Although they provided me with an experience letter stating that I had worked there until a certain date as a senior employee, I did not receive an official termination letter.

Interview Concerns

My question is, how should I respond if asked in an interview why I left my previous company? Should I disclose that I was terminated, or can I simply state that I resigned for career growth reasons? I am hesitant to reveal that I was terminated as I lack the termination letter.

I am also concerned that the previous company may provide a negative review during a background verification process by a potential new employer.

Please advise on what steps I can take in this situation.

Termination Letters and Experience Letters

No company issues a termination letter to an employee for lack of performance. A termination letter is generally issued only if the employee faces some charges. Hence, the experience letter that you have will hold good.

Handling Concerns About Negative Reviews

Most human beings are good at heart. Your ex-employer is not going to badmouth you. You, too, should not badmouth your ex-employer during an interview. So, don't worry too much about bad reviews.