Getting fired can happen TO ANY OF US. Regardless of the circumstances, it can be tough to know what to do next? It can be hard to pick yourself up and get back on the job search, especially with a firing on your resume. Here’s what to do to get back on your feet.
What Not To Do
It’s natural to feel angry, hurt, and frustrated when you’ve fired, but don’t make a bad situation worse for yourself. Be careful not to do or say the wrong thing to the wrong person. Keep any negative comments to yourself, or save them for friends and family, not co-workers. If you think you’ve been fired unfairly, don’t announce to your boss that you’ll be searching “wrongful termination lawyers near me” and wait until you get home to start looking for help. No matter how angry you are, don’t walk out the door until you have the information that you need
In The Immediate Aftermath
You should get information from your now ex-employer about severance pay, benefits, unemployment, and potential references. If you are feeling too emotional to have this conversation now, ask to make an appointment to discuss these details when you feel calmer.
If you wish to appeal your firing, it’s better to address your concerns the day you are fired. For example, if you’re being accused of a lack of productivity that you know is untrue, raise it before you leave. Once you’re home and can assess your next steps, you need to know when you will get your last paycheque, and if your employer will still give you a reference that doesn’t mention that you were fired.
Unemployment Benefits
Are you eligible for unemployment benefits? If you were fired for misconduct, you may not be, but don’t assume this will be the case. Check with your local unemployment office to find out what you are entitled to. In many cases, if the situation is unclear, the unemployment office will usually rule in favour of the unemployed person, so it’s always worth checking.
Resumes and Cover Letters
When you’re searching for a job, keep your communications positive. You don’t have to say that you were fired on your resume or in cover letters. Your cover letter should address the position you are applying for and why, and your qualifications. That’s it. Don’t mention why you left your last job.
When filling out job applications, you should be honest, but not negative. If you need to state why you are leaving your job, you can use terms like ‘terminated’ or ‘job ended’. If you are asked why you were fired, you should answer honestly.
Interviewing
You will be asked why you left your last job. Be brief, to the point, and honest, without bad-mouthing your former employer.
If it’s truthful to say so, say that the position wasn’t a good fit, or that you parted on good terms, rather than bluntly saying you were fired. Don’t lie, as it could come back to bite you if a new employer checks your references.
