The pink slip. The “your services are no longer required” email. The “we need to talk” message. No one enjoys being dismissed from their work, fired. Yet how you handle yourself in those first hours and days can say a lot about how likely you are to be reemployed swiftly.
Whether you expected the news was coming (for example, if your employer had been downsizing, industry trends showed less need for your skills or your performance had been subpar) or not (as in a sudden corporate refocusing or reduction in force), how you respond to the news speaks volumes.
You will likely feel stunned, confused, upset, concerned and angry and will begin to process how you’ll tell your family, what the dismissal means for personal and professional plans you’ve put in place (i.e. vacations, home remodeling, upskilling) and what to do next.
When you’re fired and in a heightened state of emotion, do not:
1. Immediately Send Your Resume to Any Open Position You See Online
This lack of focus, lack of customization of your resume/cover letter to the job and likelihood that you’ll be applying for positions that you either don’t really want (but it’s better than nothing, right?!) or aren’t qualified for can lead to mass rejection. It can also result in feelings of despair and can hurt your chances of being hired into more ideal roles in those companies by recruiters who remember your poorly prepared application.
2. Speak Negatively About Your Situation or Boss on Social Media
Sure, it feels great to get a group cyber hug from your thousands of online “friends,” but venting on the internet will not help you regain employment. And you could inadvertently share your negative thoughts with an employer or networking contact who might become hesitant to help you because of your lack of discretion.
3. Completely Withdraw
It’s fine to take some time to process what’s happened and how you feel. That can be a healthy move, but retreating from your community, friends, family and professional network for too long can mean they forget about what you offer and their inclination to want to help you.
When you’re fired, do:
1. Acknowledge that Getting Fired Sucks
Whether you were dismissed because of something you did, or it had nothing to do with you personally, we all want to feel valued and special, and this kind of rejection can hurt your feeling of self-worth. It feels bad. And it won’t last forever.
2. Talk to Someone to Keep Your Emotions and Perspective in Check
Encourage a friend, mentor, coach, therapist or family member to help you process through the experience (and not rush you) and empower them to hold you accountable to moving forward to finding a new job when you’re ready.
3. Dust off Your Resume and LinkedIn
Update skills, certifications and experiences as you’ve gained them over the years. Consider creating a different version of your professional resume for different career goals. For example, if you are interested in a career in sports journalism as well as working as a book editor, then tailoring resumes to those industries (and the jargon, keywords and important skills) is warranted.
4. Apply for Benefits You’ll Need for Yourself and Your Family
Think unemployment and health-care insurance. As part of your separation agreement, your previous employer might have insight here for you.
5. Create a Plan for What Comes Next
Did you love your last job? Were there aspects you loved and others you hated? Picture your next job as all the things you’re good at, trained in and you love doing. What does that job look like? Are companies hiring that kind of work? Then consider which companies you’d really enjoy working for. Are they located near where you live? Do they employ remote workers (if they’re not near you and you won’t relocate)? Who do you know at those companies with whom you can do informational interviews?
6. Focus on Your Network
Imagine your professional network as your personal sales force; these are the people who are out in the workforce hearing about opportunities you might be ideal for. Rekindle stale networking relationships, if need be, recognizing that some contacts might not appreciate only hearing from you when you need something. Commit to keeping your networking muscle flexed and developed now, and after you land your next job.
Getting fired can feel like a gut punch. And it can propel you toward something more rewarding and meaningful, provided you navigate through the process with integrity, open-mindedness and curiosity.
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