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Temporary positions can open the door to many great opportunities, so go into your job search with an open mind and try not to write things off without considering them carefully.
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The idea of attending a job interview is scary at any time, let alone after being fired. Practicing by interviewing yourself, however, can help calm those nerves.
Although it may not be ideal, try not to write off a temporary position if one comes up. This is particularly important if money is tight.
Sit down and ask yourself questions such as "What are my weaknesses?" and "What are my goals?" That way you will be properly prepared when a potential employer asks.
Looking for a new job can seem daunting at first, but outlining the steps you need to take can break down the task and help focus your mind.
Once you have worked out the job, or the type of job you want, draw up a plan for how to get there. The plan might include steps such as updating your resume and attending networking events.
An important step to take after being fired is to look at your finances. To be safe, you should assume you won’t find a new job for several months.
Take the time to sit down and plan your monthly budget, taking into account any savings and/or investments. Work out how you are going to sustain yourself while not working.
It can be very easy after being fired to fall into a routine of inactivity or lethargy. However, it is far better to use the extra time to focus on your hobbies or learn a new skill.
Consider how happy you were overall in your previous job and work out whether you might be happier doing something else entirely. It could be time for a career change.
Rather than focusing on the ‘what ifs,’ try to focus on the ‘what nows?’ "What can I do now to move forward?" is much more positive and constructive.
Once you’re ready to start looking for a new job, take the time to consider what you enjoyed and what you didn’t enjoy about your previous job.
As tempting as it can be to isolate yourself and try to deal with this difficult situation on your own, you will most likely find it helpful to lean on others for support.
If you aren’t sure what transferable skills you learnt in your previous job(s), look for an assessment online. There are plenty of self-assessment tools that can help you identify your strengths.
It is important to avoid falling into the trap of asking yourself ‘what if’ questions. "What if I hadn’t been late for that meeting?" or "What if I’d done more overtime?" won’t help you.
Although you may be tempted to focus solely on moving forward, it is important to process any negative feelings thoroughly first, so you can move forward in a healthy and stable way.
Focus on your relationships with your loved ones. Remind yourself that they’re there to support you during the hard times as well as enjoying the good times.
As difficult as this can be to do, it is a good idea to end the meeting with a handshake if you can. This way you can try to stay on good terms with your now former employer and not burn any bridges.
This may be painful at first, but telling people out loud that you were fired can help you deal with the trauma. Try to unpack your negative feelings in an open way.
If you have strong feelings of anger after being fired, it's a good idea to talk to a therapist or counselor. They will be able to help you work through those feelings.
Soon after your boss tells you that you’re being fired, they will most likely hand you a stack of paperwork to sign. Do not sign anything straight away.
Once you have left the room, avoid circulating the office and telling people you’ve been fired. This looks unprofessional and can cause friction between you and your former employer.
If a potential new employer asks how you left your old job, be honest. Explain the situation around your firing and emphasize that you left the company on good terms. This shows you are honest, upfront, and professional.
Instead, take some time to look over it and run it by a lawyer if possible. You may find that you are able to negotiate a higher severance package than is being offered.
As shocking as it can be to get fired, try not to get angry or freak out. Try to remind yourself that flying into a rage or yelling at your boss will only make things worse.
Whatever the reason for your firing, it is good to find out, since it will allow you to improve in a certain area for your next job.
It's a good idea to ask your boss or HR manager why you are being fired. In some cases, it may be reassuring to learn you are being laid off rather than actually fired.
Instead, try to focus on getting out of the meeting with your dignity intact. The more measured your immediate response, the better.
Back in the day, getting fired was unthinkable. Many people stayed with one company for their whole career, because doing so offered stability and guaranteed progression. Nowadays, however, the situation is different. People change jobs more often, and getting fired is much less taboo. That's not to say that getting fired is enjoyable, but there are things you can do to help yourself recover quickly and move forward with your life.
Check out this gallery for some tips on how to bounce back after getting fired.
How to bounce back after getting fired
Top tips to get back on your feet
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Back in the day, getting fired was unthinkable. Many people stayed with one company for their whole career, because doing so offered stability and guaranteed progression. Nowadays, however, the situation is different. People change jobs more often, and getting fired is much less taboo. That's not to say that getting fired is enjoyable, but there are things you can do to help yourself recover quickly and move forward with your life.
Check out this gallery for some tips on how to bounce back after getting fired.