Introduction: After 3 years in my first job as software engineer I was called into office by HR. I have been told to either sign a contract which stated that I left the company freely or that I will be fired (it would have been an 4 year long apprenticeship).
The reason given was the performance (My instructor still defended me and my working colleges where surprised. This are some of the things which made me think performance isn't the reason) As I was very young and inexperienced I did not hesitate long and signed the agreement. Then a week later (the notice period was 3 months) a meeting for the whole company was arranged where the suicide of my boss (company owner) was announced. As far as I know he was the only person responsible for my firing and committed suicide one day after I've been fired.
Working with the owner: I did not have a lot to do with the owner besides that I and an other apprentice had to help him move. I saw him very rarely. Sometimes he made some strange and aggressive remarks and I always tried to respond calmly and not "fighting". It was more a one sided "not getting along" relationship.
Aftermath: I went on completed my apprenticeship somewhere else and worked on several other places since then. In interviews I get almost every time asked why I left this company as it is normal in Switzerland to complete an apprenticeship at the same company. I have two answers which I gave and I got the job with both answers.
- Not getting along with the owner
- Not getting along with the owner + suicide
Question: What should I say at a job interview?
- Should I tell at the interview about the suicide?
- Should I tell something completely different then not getting along?
Clearification
- I do not want to tell that I wanted new challenges as this is not true and would be something strange to seak without a finished apprenticeship.
- If I say the reason is "performance" shouldn't I add something like: I do not think that was the reason. Or anything to make it clear that "performance" could not have been the only reason?