Let me beg for forgiveness up front. I am going to write about what you should not do if you have been fired for cause. In other words, you did it, you know you did it and they fired you because you did it. What you did doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. The bottom line is you are guilty as charged and now you are unemployed. Feeling bad and you are trying to figure out what to do. There are a lot excellent post written about what you need to do. Check this one out: So, you’ve been fired. Lots of great comments from some of my readers. But this post is for those of you willing to admit you really did it. Here are a few things you should not do when sitting in your next interview.

When they ask you, so why were you fired at your last job -

1. Don’t make up a story and hope they won’t find out.
2. Don’t give the impression that you are hiding something.
3. Don’t lie.
4. Don’t say naughty things about your previous employer or boss.
5. Don’t play the blame/shame game.
6. Don’t tell the interview there were personality conflicts.
7. Don’t tell share all the gory details.
8. Don’t give negative commentary about yourself. “I was so stupid” Don’t say it.
9. Don’t give create additional questions by using “hot words”.
10. Don’t make up excuses for poor performance, dishonesty or any other reason you were let go.
11. Don’t threaten to take your previous employer to court.

Over the last year or so, I have spoken to many people who have found themselves unemployed due to poor decisions on their part. I am not talking about poor performance. I am talking about dishonesty. Things like: lying on time sheets, taking extended lunches, stealing, etc. These kinds of things are completely inappropriate and in my humble opinion, should be the last thing people are losing their jobs for. But it is rampant. Dishonesty is probably the number one thing I hear from those honest enough to tell me why they were let go. My bottom line tonight - If you did it, and you got fired for doing it, than you need to do some serious soul searching before you attempt to find another job. If you don’t identify the root issue of why you did what you did, you will do it again.

Ever had a bad interview experience? Here are 9 Don’ts that will get in your way of getting the job. I have included some coaching tips plus a bonus of 9 Answers to Avoid in the midst of your interview.

1. Don’t Be Desperate

Coaching Tip: Preparation is better than desperation.

2. Don’t Lie

Coaching Tip: Tell the Truth. Be Honest.

3. Don’t Give Vague Answers

Coaching Tip: Prepare Answers to Behavior-Based questions.

4. Don’t Be Late for the Interview

Coaching Tip: Don’t Be Late

5. Don’t Quit

6. Don’t Be Out of Alignment or Inconsistent

Coaching Tip: Your answers should be in alignment with what you have already communicated in your resume and cover letter.

7. Don’t Be Negative

Coaching Tip: It is your responsibility to remain motivated throughout your job search.

8. Don’t Exaggerate

9. Don’t Apologize

Here are some additional things to avoid from Job Interviews for Dummies: Don’t say: Uhm, Uh, Yeah, Yup, Okay, Like, I Guess, Pretty Good. Don’t: Jingle, Pocket Change, Tap You Feet or Fingers, Fold Your Arms, Fidget, Mumble, Interrupt. Slump, or Twirl Your Hair.

Bonus: 9 Answers to Avoid:

1. Avoid answers that communicate you can’t function under stress or in stressful situations
2. Avoid answers that communicate interpersonal conflicts
3. Avoid answers that communicate you are violent
4. Avoid answers that communicate absenteeism
5. Avoid answers that communicate poor integrity
6. Avoid answers that communicate lack of accountability
7. Avoid answers that communicate inconsistencies in your past, or work experience
8. Avoid answers that communicate disrespect or contempt for current employer
9. Avoid answers that communicate a lack of knowledge about the company, the position, your skills.