I worked as a consultant at a consulting firm for 11 months before I was let go due to what was described as 'performance reasons.' I graduated with my bachelor's degree in May of last year, so I'm still quite new to the job market. As I prepare for upcoming interviews, I'm trying to figure out the best way to explain my departure without raising red flags. My former company has a strict policy that prevents current employees from providing references or confirming employment, which complicates things further. I've been considering saying that I was laid off, but I'm concerned about how that might be perceived. I want to focus on the skills I gained during my time there and how they relate to the new opportunities I'm pursuing. I'm looking for advice on how to frame my story positively and what to emphasize in interviews.