Getting upset at your boss or your co workers will only damage your reputation and create a scene. Rather than get mad, focus on getting out of the meeting with some measure of dignity. Do not get physical with your boss. No matter how angered you may by your firing. Harming your boss will most likely result in you being arrested, which could negatively impact your chances in finding a new job, as employers often check criminal records.
Posts on various social media accounts can often result in firings. If the content on the post(s) could be considered offensive, the company may not want to be associated with you anymore and may let you go. Determining the reason behind your firing will help you understand why you are being fired. It will also allow you to improve in a certain area in your next job or role.
Take the time to look it over and run it by your lawyer. You may be able to negotiate a higher severance payment, especially if you have been with the company or organization for a long period of time.
If you have built a relationship with certain clients, you want to be sure the company explains your firing in a way that is honest, but does not burn your reputation. It is also important to clarify your departure so you know how your former employer will explain your firing to future employers who call them for a reference. If you don’t want your employer to be a reference for any future jobs you apply for, specify that you just want them to confirm your dates of employment at the company and nothing more.
Take the time to call up your closest co-workers that evening and say your goodbyes. Or make arrangements to meet up with them outside of the office. When gathering your items and leaving the office, do so calmly. Not in an angry or emotional way. In some cases, you may be asked or expected to leave the office immediately after you are informed of your termination, without an opportunity to gather your belongings. If this happens, your personal items will likely be collected by the human resources department and mailed to you or held for pickup at a later time. Make sure to regularly inventory and account for your personal items at the office, so you will always know exactly what belongings of yours are there.
Look up your state’s policy on unemployment benefits to determine if you qualify.
Be honest if a potential employer asks you how you left your old job. Explain the specific details around the reasons for your firing, but stress that you left the company on good terms. This will show the potential employer you are willing to be honest and upfront, but can still be professional. [7] X Expert Source Melody Godfred, JDCareer Coach Expert Interview. 29 April 2020.
Don’t be afraid to open up to your friends and family about the trauma of being fired. Though you may be tempted to isolate yourself and try to tackle your feelings on your own, you may need to turn to your loved ones for support, and that’s okay.
Though you may be tempted to focus on moving forward, it’s important to deal with any intense emotions you may have due to getting fired. That way, you can move forward in a healthy and stable way.
Rather than think of “what ifs”, think about “what now’s”. As in, “what can I now do with my open time?” “what can I now do to move forward and succeed?”
Read a book you’ve been meaning to get to to or participate in a recreational volleyball game you always had to miss due to work. Declutter your home and donate anything you don’t need. Go for walks in the morning and give yourself time to enjoy your sudden free time. Get a gym membership or take free classes at your local YMCA. Burn up any stress by pouring your energy into sports or social activities with friends.
You may want to get your financial planner involved in this process. Or seek out legal advice from your lawyer. If you are receiving severance pay from your former employer, factor this into your budget for the coming months. But try not to live primarily on your severance pay. You want to be careful not to depend too heavily on your savings or investments to keep you afloat as you search for a new job.
If you aren’t sure what your transferable skills are, you can do a self-assessment test. Look up career assessment tests online. You can also do a self-assessment on your own. Think about what would be the best next step in your career and what would make you happy. Consider why an employer would want to hire you and what skills you can offer an employer.
What are my weaknesses? This is the most common interview question and one of the most difficult to answer. Focus on professional development, rather than personal issues or faults. Include a solution to your weakness in your answer. For example: “I am working on getting better at public speaking, and just joined Toastmasters to work on this weakness. ” Why should someone hire me? Summarize your experiences into one sentence. For example: “With over five years’ experience working in the sales industry and my proven record of selling products, I could make a big difference in your company. ” What are my goals? Focus on short term goals and goals you can achieve in the next year. For example: “My immediate goal is to get a position at a growth-oriented sales company. My long term goal is to eventually grow into a position of responsibility and leadership. ”
Rather than go towards what you know and have done before, embrace a new opportunity if it comes up. You don’t know where the journey may lead unless you start down the path.
