Being fired is a traumatic experience. It often leaves people anxious and frustrated, with questions about how they’re going to get their next job. Fortunately, help is at hand. Experts like career advisors or hiring someone to write a resume can help you get back on your feet. There are also many steps you can take alone to return to work without much delay.
If you’re wondering where and how to start, this guide is here to help. Below, we’ll look at some important tips and techniques to keep in mind after being fired.
The First Steps After Being Fired
Let’s begin with a look at the initial steps to follow after being fired. A lot of people fret and rush right back into the market, rapidly sending out lots of resumes. But that’s usually not the best approach. Instead, here are some of the main things to focus on.
Take It Easy
First of all, while it’s perfectly natural to panic and stress after being fired, try not to worry too much.
Here’s a list of famous names who got fired at some point in their lives: Walt Disney, Madonna, Isaac Newton, Thomas Edison, J.K. Rowling, and even Abraham Lincoln.
Even great workers and amazing people can get fired, and, in many cases, they bounced right back into another job – or something even better. So don’t dwell too much on the negative side of the situation or worry that you’re never going to find work again.
Understand What Happened
This is also a good time to reflect on what actually happened to get you fired in the first place. There are a lot of reasons why workers can get fired, ranging from insubordination to violating company policies. Some of those reasons are easier to understand than others.
If it’s not fully clear why you were fired, reach out to trusted former colleagues or the HR department for an explanation. Then, start to think about how you can avoid a repeat of the issue at your next job, as well as how you can explain the firing to a prospective employer.
Consider Your Future
Many people dwell on the past after being fired. They replay the event over and over in their minds or spend hours wondering about how they could have handled the situation differently. But dwelling in the past won’t get you anywhere.
It’s much better to look forward, adopting a future-focused mindset. Start thinking about your next job and ask yourself the big questions like “Do I want to continue in this work or switch to something different?” to figure out what you want.
Keep Yourself Busy
Some people only spend a few weeks out of work before finding their next job. Others may have a longer period of time in unemployment. Either way, it’s a smart idea to use that time and keep active and productive.
To keep yourself in a working schedule, you might like to take on a voluntary role in your local area, for example. Alternatively, you could consider boosting your skills or knowledge with a study program or online course.
Getting Back into Work After Being Fired
Once you’ve taken some time to figure things out, you can then move on to apply for jobs and put yourself back out there. Here are the best steps to follow to improve your chances of success.
Update Your Resume
The first thing to do is get your resume in order. It might have been a while since you updated it, and this is the perfect time to make some improvements. You’ll also need to amend the “Experience” or “Career” section to add in the end date of your former work.
These days, lots of resumes are ready by Applicant Tracking Software (ATS). So, you’ll also want to add relevant keywords into your resume content to beat the scans. Additionally, you may want to update sections like “Skills” and “Accomplishments” to sell yourself more effectively to a future employer.
Reach Out to Your Network
Many people feel a little lost after being fired, but you may have contacts who can help you. People in your network might know about job openings that could be a good fit for you. You may also have former colleagues who are willing to provide positive references to accompany your resume.
Reach out to the people you trust. Explain briefly what happened and what you’re looking for. Of course, you might find that your contacts aren’t able to provide much help at that precise moment, but there’s still no harm in asking.
Figure Out Your Story
At some point in your job search, you’ll have one or more interviews. During those interviews, it’s highly likely that recruiters will ask a question like “Why are you looking for a new job?” or “What made you leave your last job?”
You’ll need to provide an answer, and it’s a good idea to think of one before you even get your first interview. In general, it’s best to be honest, but also to frame your firing in a positive way. Take responsibility for what happened, then explain how you’ve used the opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward to better things.
Getting Fired Is Not the End of the Road
While it can be dramatic to get fired, especially due to performance or behavior-related issues, it’s usually not as scary as it first seems. There are plenty of ways for you to explain a firing to future employers, and many of them will be willing to give you a chance. It’s all about having the right attitude and taking the best possible steps to get yourself back in the job market.
Remember to take some time for self-reflection and figure out what you want to do next. Then, when you’re ready, get to work on your resume – possibly with the aid of a local resume building service in Denver – and start applying. You may find yourself back in work faster than expected, and with an even better job than before.
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