How to spin getting let go?

[Anonymous User]

I work at a small NYC firm, and was recently told that I was being let go for not meeting expectations. My underperformance was a result of a number of factors, but I've identified what I need to work on for my next job. They're keeping me on until the end of the year, and I hope I can find another job before then, but in the event that I don't--how do I tell interviewers that I was fired?

Obviously I won't say "fired." But I worry that saying "I was let go because I wasn't a good fit" or something similarly vague would just invite more questions. If I lie and say I got laid off because of COVID or that I left voluntarily, my understanding is that former employers do not disclose the reason you left, but I'd hate for someone to somehow find out I lied. Any advice?

[Sackboy]

If you're on otherwise good terms with your employer, I would ask if you could tell other employers you were laid off "due to COVID." They very well might say "OK."

[gekko]

You were laid of "during covid after being kept on x months during which time the firm let go of y people." If you say during rather than due to, I seriously doubt anyone is going to question that phrase.

[LBJ's Hair]

If you're on otherwise good terms with your employer, I would ask if you could tell other employers you were laid off "due to COVID." They very well might say "OK."

agree with this