Tell me about a time you had to let someone go.

What they are really asking

This question is for people who manage others, or want to. Letting someone go is one of the hardest parts of that job, and the interviewer wants to see how you handle it. Were you fair? Did the person get clear warnings and real support first? Did you treat them with respect on the day itself? And did you look after the rest of the team afterward?

The traps are sounding cold, sounding proud, or sharing details that aren't yours to share. Never use the person's name, never make fun of them, and never describe them as a bad person. You're describing a situation that didn't work, not a villain. If you sound like you enjoyed it, or like you avoided it for a year, both will worry the interviewer.

A shape that works

What came before, the conversation, what came after. Give the situation in a sentence, without names. Spend real time on what happened before the decision: clear expectations, feedback, support, and time to improve. Describe the conversation itself briefly: private, direct, and kind. Then say how you handled the person's exit and the team. If you've never fired anyone, say so honestly and describe how you'd handle it, or what you learned from watching someone else do it well.