Fired With Cause: Everything You Should Know
Losing your job is tough, but being fired with cause comes with an added layer of stress and uncertainty. Unlike a layoff, being terminated for cause means your employer believes you did something wrong—whether it was violating company policies, underperforming, or displaying misconduct. It’s not just the end of your time at that company, but potentially a red flag for future employers.
What to do if you believe you were terminated unfairly
If you believe your termination with cause was unjust, the first step is to seek clarification. “That may include speaking with the Human Resources department,” Paik says. “Understand the policies of the organization to determine if the termination is justified.”
After the company’s response, if you still believe they were unfairly terminated, thoroughly review employment contracts or severance documents. These materials outline your rights, responsibilities, and the terms of your employment, including conditions under which you can be terminated. Look for any clauses that seem unclear or that you believe may have been violated during the termination process.
Be honest
Prospective employers will likely ask why you left your last position. “It’s important for candidates to be honest with potential employers when discussing termination with cause during the interview,” says Thomas Paik, managing director of Cowen Partners Executive Search and specialized in executive leadership recruitment.
During the interview, a candidate can reference termination with cause in several ways. “The culture of the organization may not have been a good fit and it may have taken some time to assess,” Paik says. “There are times when the responsibilities of the position may have changed due to a reorganization.” Transparency builds trust, and employers value candidates who take responsibility for their past.
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About Thomas Paik
Thomas has diverse experience supporting global brands going through transformational change. At Cowen Partners, Thomas supports executive searches in the areas of human resources, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and change management.
Prior to joining Cowen Partners, Thomas was the Global Talent Acquisition Director for Mercy Corps – a leading international NGO (non-governmental organization) focusing on senior level and executive searches. There he Co-Founded the People of Color Affinity group in partnership with the executive team.
Prior to Mercy Corps, Thomas recruited for Knowledge Learning, the nation’s largest early learning provider and worked at Nike Inc. for 19 years supporting various business functions inclusive of Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion.
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