Can you get hired again after being fired?

Asked by: Dorcas Ritchie  |  Last update: August 15, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (56 votes)

Yes, you can get rehired after being terminated. It's not a myth. It's not a fairy tale. It's a reality.

Can you be hired back after being fired?

Yes, you can get rehired by a company that terminated you in the past. However, you must understand that the process isn't so straightforward and will require a lot of patience and effort. The reason this process is challenging is that rehiring someone that was terminated isn't a simple thing for a company to do.

Is it possible to get another job after being fired?

Assuming you are in the US, there is no law or rule banning you from getting another job when fired. You don't even have to tell your prospective employers. You can choose to leave that employer off of your resume, if you want. It may be more difficult to explain to people why you got fired, but not impossible.

How long does being fired stay on your record?

The truth is, there's no hard-and-fast expiration date for a termination record. But here's the good news – the older it gets, the less it matters.

Does getting fired ruin your chances of getting a job?

It's very unlikely that getting fired will ruin your career unless the reason behind it involves a crime, malpractice, or misconduct.

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Is it harder to get hired after being fired?

It depends on the circumstances of your termination and the company's policies. If you left on good terms, you might be able to apply right away. If there was bad blood, it's best to wait a while and let things cool off. In general, give it at least a few months before reaching out.

Can I say I quit if I was fired?

Hiring managers ask a number of questions during the recruitment and hiring process. Often, hiring managers want to know about your reasons for leaving a past position when screening applicants. If you were fired from that job, it's best to prepare in advance to answer as positively as possible.

Does getting fired look bad on a resume?

It is natural to be concerned about the perception other employers will have when they hear the news that you were fired from a previous role. But, believe it or not, prospective employers don't look as negatively on candidates who have been fired from jobs as they do on candidates who have voluntarily quit jobs.

Can future employers see if I was fired?

Can a Background Check Reveal if a Candidate Was Fired? It's possible that a job candidate's previous employers will reveal if he or she was fired from their previous job and the reason for the dismissal. However, in most cases, don't expect to receive this information.

Is my career ruined if I get fired?

No, getting fired won't ruin your career.

Can I get my old job back after being fired?

If you have been wrongfully terminated, you may be able to get your job back by way of legal action. If you can prove that the discharge was illegal, the court may order the employer to reinstate you, in addition to compensating you for lost wages. Employers may also offer the job back in order to settle the claim.

Can you fire and then rehire?

If it is not a redundancy situation, your employer must have 'some other substantial reason' for dismissing and rehiring you. It can only be a fair dismissal for 'some other substantial reason' in certain circumstances.

How to avoid saying you were fired in an interview?

Avoid harsh words like "fired" or "terminated." Talk about things like "differing expectations," or "a mutual realization that it wasn't a good fit." Be factual and brief, then change the subject.

Who is not eligible for rehire?

Ineligibility for Rehire

Former employees who had a less-than-satisfactory work record will not be considered for rehire. This includes employees with a less-than-satisfactory rating on their most recent performance evaluation and/or employees who terminated employment with an unresolved performance improvement plan.

Can HR reverse a termination?

Reversing a termination can happen when an employer realizes the grounds for termination were unfounded, unjustified, or made in error. However, it is complicated and only appropriate under certain circumstances.

Can your career recover from being fired?

You may recover more easily from losing your job by taking the opportunity to improve your skills, update your resume and start applying for new jobs. If you've lost your job, there are steps you may want to take to recover from the job loss and get back onto the job market.

How long does a termination stay on your record?

How long do employers keep employee records in California? Payroll records and timecards should be retained for a minimum of three years after termination.

When you get terminated from a job, can you apply again?

If you were terminated, you can apply for another job immediately. If you want to return to the same company, check their rehiring policy to find out when you can reapply. What is this? Some companies allow terminated candidates to reapply after 3 months.

What should I put as a reason for leaving if I was fired?

You might want to go in softer by saying that you were “let go” or “laid off”. The words you use have real power. “Fired” is an inherently negative word and will stick out in an interviewer's mind.

Does getting fired go on your record?

Even if your previous employer doesn't disclose details of your termination, they may tell the potential employer that you were terminated, which doesn't reflect well on you if you stated that you were laid off.

Is job hopping on resume a red flag?

Job Hopping As A Red Flag

The study also found that there are aspects on resumes that are off-putting for hiring managers as well. More than a third (37%) say that noticing a candidate has frequently changed jobs might be a deal breaker for them.

How to say you were fired without saying it?

I've been laid off, if you can believe that someone would actually let me go. I know, I'm surprised too. But it hurts. I've been there.

Do you legally have to say if you were fired?

Are You Required to Disclose You Were Fired in an Interview? If a hiring manager doesn't ask, then there's no need to tell. It's best to avoid disclosing any potentially negative information about yourself during an interview if you don't have to.

Is it better to quit or he fired?

Typically, employees who resign and end on good terms with an employer have a greater chance of receiving a positive reference from that former employer. On the other hand, when an individual has been terminated, their former employer might provide less than satisfactory remarks due to the circumstances.

How do I say I was fired on an application?

How to explain termination on a job application
  1. Understand why you were terminated. Think about why you were terminated from the company. ...
  2. Keep your explanation concise. Your job application needs only a brief version of why you were terminated. ...
  3. Tell the truth. ...
  4. Describe your termination positively. ...
  5. Use soft language.