If you do argue, your employer might be inclined to say negative things about you to other perspective employers.
Practice breathing exercises if you feel like you’re about to have an emotional outburst. Excuse yourself for a moment and then breathe in slowly while you count to 10. Hold your breath for a moment, and then slowly breathe out while counting to 10 again. Do this until you feel like you have a better grasp on your emotions.
What are the next steps? Is there paperwork to fill out? Does the company provide information for a staffing service? What are the exit procedures?
Take your time, and consider showing the agreement to a lawyer before you sign.
It is important to leave on good terms so that you can potentially use your ex-employer in the future, such as if a job you apply for requires that you speak to your old employer before hiring you.
If you are not sure whether your job was an employment-at-will, check your new hire paperwork (if you still have it), ask the Human Resources department, or contact your state’s Department of Labor.
Check your state’s Department of Labor website for information about any relevant local regulations. Check your new hire paperwork to see if the contract gives you any special rights. There are cases where a contract will actually make you liable to pay back compensation if you are fired. If you were paid for relocation expenses, you will typically be required to work for the company for a certain period of time or become liable to repay the benefits given you. Most contracts only stipulate this if you quit or were fired with good cause, but your employer can write the contract so as to make you liable in all situations. [10] X Research source
You are not able to terminate an employee as retaliation. If you have filed a claim for workers compensation or reported legal transgressions by your employer, you have a case for wrongful termination. It is wrongful termination if there is any evidence that you have been fired because of discrimination against you on the basis of your race, national origin, gender, age, religion, pregnancy, family status, veteran status, disability, and, in some states, sexual orientation. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Delaware, Idaho, Massachusetts, Nevada, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming have laws that allow you to sue if you believe your employer did not have just cause. Unjust terminations include, firing an employee to prevent them from collecting sales commissions, misleading employees about prospects for promotion, and terminating someone to replace them with a person who is willing work for less. [11] X Research source If your company has a policy on termination in its employment manuals, this is part of your “implied contract” and any violation of it is a type of wrongful termination. [12] X Research source
Get unemployment benefits. Continue your health coverage with COBRA. Receive any compensation you have earned, including hours you have already worked. Half of all states require that your employer also pay you for unused vacation time. Even if your state does not, your employer could often be liable to a lawsuit if the refuse to cover your vacation time. [13] X Research source
If you quit, you are not eligible for unemployment unless you have “good cause. ” Instances of “good causes” include: family emergencies, abusive or unsafe working conditions, leaving to care for a child, loss of transportation, or a drastic cut of pay – usually defined as 20% or more. [14] X Research source You are not eligible for unemployment if you have been fired with good cause. Self-employed individuals generally aren’t eligible for unemployment unless the business has been incorporated and pays into unemployment. [15] X Research source
Mailing address. Phone number. Social Security number. Driver’s license number. Mother’s maiden name. Name, address, and phone number of last employer. Full employment history for the preceding two years.
Make sure to act promptly. In many states, you must appeal within a certain time frame in order to secure a hearing. Check with your state’s Unemployment Office for details. You will need to attend all unemployment appeal board hearings or the case might be dismissed. [18] X Research source You should bring two copies of any written documents you might have, proving that you were fired without cause. Also, ask around to see if there are any witnesses that are willing to testify on your behalf. You can have a lawyer or other professional present your case for you, but the fees might be too large to merit such assistance. [19] X Research source
Also look for insurance on healthcare. gov. In some cases, this will be cheaper than COBRA.
If you are at all unsure about the quality of your resume, do some research online or consider having a trusted friend look it over. It needs to be professional. To maximize the impact of your resume, consider adding important job duties, projects, and accomplishments to the “experience” section. You are not required to state in your resume how your employment ended. Do not indicate that you were fired unless directly asked by a prospective employer. [20] X Research source
If you are at all unsure about the quality of your resume, do some research online or consider having a trusted friend look it over. It needs to be professional. To maximize the impact of your resume, consider adding important job duties, projects, and accomplishments to the “experience” section. You are not required to state in your resume how your employment ended. Do not indicate that you were fired unless directly asked by a prospective employer. [20] X Research source
Put a positive spin on your experience. Say that while you were disappointed to be let go, you feel you are lucky to have learned so much and developed new skills. Do not talk negatively about your old boss. You never know what connections your old boss might have. It is also a good idea to show that you are a respectful employee. Be honest and do not make up a story about your dismissal. Employers check references and will catch a lie. [21] X Research source
To be prepared, you should try to keep your resume as up to date as possible, and always have an eye on the job market in your field.
Respond to ‘friend’ requests in a timely fashion to show that you are interested in networking and are organized.
Compare your own job to other positions to determine if you are being treated fairly. You might be surprised to find that people employed in positions similar to yours have higher or lower wages and benefits.
Appear at parties and networking functions. Make connections online. Be respectful and charismatic with people you meet.
