How to Handle Being Fired on My Job Application

1). Write down your version of why you were fired on a piece of paper -- not the actual job application. Tell the whole story honestly from your perspective, including pertinent details. Then read through what you've written. If the story sounds whiny or defensive, rewrite it in a way that emphasizes the larger picture. How you handle being fired on a job application must be consistent with the story you'll later share in an interview, so it's important to have a grounded, impeccably presented narrative prepared before filling out the application.
2). Read the job application carefully, observing its format in the job history section. If the job application requests that you list jobs worked in the past three years, and the job from which you were fired ended four years ago, it's not necessary to list it. If you worked the job for just a brief period of time that won't create a troubling gap in your employment history, consider leaving the job unlisted. Applications requesting that potential employees check "yes" or "no" as to whether they were fired should be answered honestly. If the job application doesn't ask why you left the job, don't volunteer that you were fired.
3). Write something simple and upbeat to accompany statements on the job application indicating that you were fired. Some applications may have room for a one- or two-sentence explanation such as, "I was released from my position due to corporate restructuring," if this is true, or "Mutually-agreed employment termination." Another option for handling being fired is to write, "Prefer to explain during interview process." However, this hints at a long-winded excuse -- and you may not make it to the next step to share your side of the story.
4). Write a more formalized version of the updated story of being fired prepared earlier in this process. If desired, this can be attached to applications where you've indicated being fired as additional information for potential employers. Your explanation should focus on experiences learned, insight gained and positive plans for the future.