There are few things more devastating than being fired. Your head is filled with questions about why this happened, how unemployment may affect your financial obligations and what the next steps are. Consider these six tips to make the best of a bad situation and land a new job after being let go.
1. Ask for Reasons
As you're sitting in the hot seat, take the opportunity to learn more about why you're being fired. Rather than becoming defensive, listen carefully to the feedback so you can target areas that need improvement. If your being fired is the result of a specific incident, ask the boss for an honest critique of your overall job performance.
2. Right the Wrongs
Don't let the feedback you receive after being fired damage your confidence. Instead, consider it a learning experience and identify areas where you can improve your skills. If your boss noted that you lacked job knowledge, take some time to read industry journals and attend conferences to broaden your understanding. If tardiness was an issue, be honest with yourself about this weakness and vow to do better in your next position.
3. Update Your Resume
Since you're likely to send out a few resumes during your impending job search, it's time to beef up the document to help you land a new job. Focus on the significant achievements you made in previous positions, even at the job from which you were fired.
4. Gather References
If you still have contacts at your previous employer who are willing to vouch for your job skills and work ethic, ask them for letters of recommendation to aid you in your job search. Talk to clients or business partners with which you still have a good relationship, and add their testimonials to your resume.
5. Search for Jobs
Don't just settle for any new position after being fired; look for a job that's right for you. If you lacked interest in your previous job, look for an organization that's a better fit. You want to feel good about the work you're doing and leave every day knowing you made a positive contribution.
6. Be Honest
When an interviewer asks why you left your previous position, don't ruin your credibility by lying about the situation. Avoid appearing angry, and never badmouth a former employer or pass the blame. Simply stay positive and state that you have learned from your past experience, or mention a few ways that you've improved based on the constructive criticism you gleaned from the former employer.
While feelings of panic and desperation are inevitable after being fired, you can rebound quickly by following these tips. Rather than sinking into a depression or dwelling on the past, open your eyes to the opportunities that await your future career.
Photo courtesy of winnond at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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