Did you recently get fired? Are you worried about getting a job after being fired? It’s not as hard as you might think to find work after being terminated as long as you approach the job hunt in the right way.
Getting fired is never an ideal situation. Always do your best to quit instead of getting fired. That’s not always possible though. If you are terminated, don’t panic. Plenty of people have been in your exact situation and they have all gone on to be gainfully employed again. You will find work as long as you can prove that you’re still hire-worthy.
Being terminated can be a big blow to your self esteem and it can create a big black mark on your resume and on future job applications. People get fired for all sorts of reasons and the reason you got fired will play a direct role in how easy or difficult it’s going to be to find your next job.
A simple disagreement or lack of performance is an easy thing to overcome in your new job search. Getting fired for theft, sexual harassment, or some other unethical behavior will make it much more challenging to find your next job. Whatever the reason for your termination, you need to use the steps outlined below. It may take, but they will work.
Here are 7 steps for getting a job after being fired:
- Assess Your Situation – After you are fired, sit down and assess your situation. Explore the reason why you got fired. Don’t panic or let your emotions get you down. Take a deep breath and take a step back from the situation.
- Take Responsibility For Your Actions – We established that the reason why you got fired will play a factor down the line. Own up to the fact that you did something that was fire-worthy. Apologize and learn from your mistakes.
- Become An Active Job Seeker Immediately – While it may feel good to take a break, it’s easier to overcome a troubling situation by being active. Jump right back into the job search. Treat it like a full time job and be prepared for a rocky road.
- Contact Your References & Network – Reach out to your professional network. Let them know you’re searching for a job. Explain your situation if necessary. Ensure that you have positive references lined up when you need them.
- Get Ready For Tough Interview Questions – The chances are good that you will be asked why you left your previous employer. Select your words carefully, but do NOT lie. Be ready to explain the situation to a job interviewer in a way that builds trust and shows that you aren’t a bad person.
- Prepare Yourself For Rejection – Getting fired definitely makes the job search even more challenging. It means that you have to shine and be a much stronger job applicant than any of the competition. The small blemish on your professional status may cause you to be rejected from a few jobs before you land one. Are you ready to deal with job search rejection? Be prepared for this and hold your head high.
- Stay Positive – Positivity is an important factor in the job search. Don’t take anything personally. Hiring managers are making business decisions, not personal decisions. Focus on the job search and you will find a job.
Getting fired isn’t the end of the world, but it can be a tough situation to overcome. Do your best to learn from your mistakes. Sometimes getting fired can ultimately make you a better person. It can help you change perspectives, pursue a new career, or give you an opportunity to relocate.
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If you’ve recently been fired, be sure to take advantage of JobMonkey. We have endless amounts of job advice that can help point your job search in the right direction. We also have a massive cool and seasonal job board with thousands of job listings located all over the world. Now get back on your feet and go find a job!