Getting fired is certainly not the ideal situation to be in. Nonetheless, it is a situation that can be managed strategically, so as to return to work immediately, with minimal discomfort.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Decide on the next step
Step 1. Accept what happened to you
It is very difficult to move forward if you have not overcome the events of the past. Even if you have responsibilities, you need to be ready to move forward and find a positive way to get over the situation. It is important to resolve issues involving unfair dismissal, as this can get in the way of you trying to get over it.
- Leave the shame behind. In most cases, you don't have to be ashamed of being fired. If an employer asks you why, and the reason is a reduction in staff, explain that these were cost cuts, usually counted among financial strategies, which have little to do with an employee's performance.
- Try to understand why you got fired. If other people have also been fired, you don't have to take it as a personal attack but as part of the cuts, which are happening more and more frequently in the corporate world.
- Don't take reasons too much to heart. Some companies may give specific reasons as to why they are firing, but it may just be their way of conducting the cuts.
- Use the moment of the cuts in your favor. If others were also fired, use this reason to say that the company also fired other people during that time and that you were fired along with the others.
Step 2. Think about which industry you would like to work in
This is a very important step as you don't necessarily have to work where you have always worked. Research other options and see if you have the prerequisites or if you have time to study, in order to integrate your previous knowledge in the new sector.
Step 3. Accept the effort required to find a new job
Looking for work is a full-fledged job. You will need to do research, prepare your resume (see next step), look for open positions, talk to people, make decisions about what may or may not lead you to more profitable results. Calculate that you have to spend a considerable number of hours each day looking for another job.
Step 4. Adjust the resume
It is likely that he is not in perfect shape. Given the subjective nature of the resume, it's a good time to think about investing a small amount to have it reviewed by a professional, to make sure you are put in the best possible light and questioning yourself. Otherwise, if you prefer to do it yourself, put your time and energy into it, and do your research to find free tools to make it as effective as possible.
Step 5. Network
Talk to people you know to find out what positions are open or if there is anything available. Don't forget your family and your network of friends. Look for references, some of these people may have something for you.
Method 2 of 5: Apply
Step 1. Don't mention your dismissal in your cover letter or resume
These documents must remain positive and optimistic in their presentation.
Step 2. Do not give too many explanations within the application
In your application write 'I would like to discuss this in person', or 'termination of employment', or 'terminated', in the field where they ask you why you left the company.
Step 3. Don't write something that might raise doubts for any reason
If you worked for a few days or weeks before being fired, there is no reason why you should include it in your application / resume. Think of it as a trial period rather than a real job.
Method 3 of 5: The interview
Step 1. Be prepared
They may ask you "Why were you fired?" as soon as they realize from the application that something is wrong. Read industry magazines for prepared answers. Don't try to give too many explanations; as the experts say "Practice what you have to say beforehand. Say it briefly, honestly and move on."
Step 2. Be honest
When you tell who you are interviewing for why you got fired, start by telling the truth. Tell people what happened to you and what you learned from this experience.
You can disguise the reasons for the dismissal but not to the point of lying about what happened. Lying to the employer about the reasons for leaving a job can result in immediate dismissal. Many do not specify whether it is layoffs or staff cuts, but the cuts usually indicate business decisions
Step 3. Take responsibility for what happened
It is incredibly important not to point fingers to blame others. This may suggest to your employer that you don't know how to take your responsibilities, but that you spit them out in revenge.
- Don't speak ill of your previous employer even if you've been fired. This is especially important when dealing with prospective employers and interviewers. Say how loyal and loyal you have been to the company, how you hoped to retire one day by staying with them, and how unpleasant it was to be fired due to the cuts.
- Say how good everyone was. Even if you have simply been fired, a positive opinion of your old company makes you less threatening.
Step 4. Give short answers on the issue of dismissal
Don't talk all the time or tell the whole story, as it could get you in trouble or make you look defensive.
Method 4 of 5: Make use of references
Step 1. Use your references to defend yourself
If you have former colleagues or managerial staff who can leave you a reference and positively explain why you left, you will be one step closer to getting a job.
Step 2. Remember that not all employers have the time or are willing to check references, so keep that in mind
If the job you're fired from isn't high on the list, there's a good chance the employer won't bother asking you anything, so it's not always in your best interest to admit that you've been fired.
Step 3. Know that most references from your previous employers will simply say that you worked there (start and end date of employment)
In a number of jurisdictions, employers can be sued if they disclose specific issues related to your job.
Method 5 of 5: Be Realistic in Your Search for a New Job
Step 1. Be prepared to miss several chances
The reality is that some potential employers will run away in the face of the fact that you have been fired and the reasons behind it. In some cases, however, you may not be able to avoid this, especially if the employer is not open-minded or if the reason for the dismissal is serious.
Advice
- Remember that the seriousness of the reason for your dismissal can make things very difficult. It is much easier to justify the delay or lost days of work than to rationally justify having stolen millions of euros of goods.
- Remember that cutbacks, layoffs, downsizing, and corporate reorganization are common at work nowadays. Depending on the industry you work in, these kinds of changes are quite common, but are completely bypassed in hiring decisions. Getting fired today doesn't carry the same negative brand it could have 20-30 years ago.
- If you can, avoid including that job on your resume. If you have worked there for less than 3 months, it is easier to say that you were unemployed during that time than to try to explain why you were fired from a job that was not for you. Clearly you shouldn't even mention anything positive from this previous work. Being fired has an extremely negative connotation, and avoiding it (if possible) is the best thing to do.
- There is a school of thought that suggests it is best not to admit being fired. In this case you can say that you quit to do consultancy, that the company made some staff cuts, etc., but avoid using the word "fired". According to this theory of thought, the word 'dismissal' gives a bad light especially in front of those who tend not to give a second chance to those who have been fired. The problem with this approach is proving that you've done something else in the meantime, so think about it. The best thing to do is to make the situation look as good as possible.
- Consider the issue of privacy. Seen from this perspective, one is led to think that no one should care why you left your previous job. A prospective employer needs to evaluate your skills based on the interview, your resume, and your references. As mentioned, the problem with this approach is that most employers think that knowing is about them, for business reasons, or because they want to be sure they are hiring someone who is worthy and trustworthy.
Warnings
- Probably the worst thing you can do is lie in an interview while explaining why you got fired. If you've been fired and found out telling a lie, you're a liar who's been fired, so you have two things against you. If you are fired again, it is difficult to explain that you were fired for lying about your previous firing. How can they trust you?
- Be very careful if you live in a small town that has a provincial mentality, where everyone knows about everyone. In the same industry, people tend to know what happened, so be honest!
