So, You Got Fired: Now What?

You’ve been clocking in day after day, then BAM! – you’re fired.

Many employees, just like you, find themselves with a portfolio packed with credentials, only to have employers slam the door in their faces. Getting fired can be very discouraging and leave you feeling stressed and depressed. Here’s what you can do to turn that pink slip into a job offer.

Tell someone

Let professionals in your desired career field know you’re job hunting again. You don’t have to spill the beans on every detail of your termination, but you need your network to keep their eyes peeled for opportunities. One mistake for job seekers is keeping quiet out of embarrassment and fear of judgment. Utilize social media sites to connect with professionals or learn about job openings. Visit LinkedIn, Facebook groups, Twitter, and industry-specific organizations for job postings. Sitting at home and applying for jobs isn’t always enough. Some of the key components of finding a new job is about who you know. Focus on connecting with three new contacts a week. You’ll also need to lean on your family and friends for support to keep your sanity intact. Have them encourage and remind you what qualities you have to offer your next employer. Rallying the troops to help vouch for your performance will bring you a few steps closer to landing your dream job.

Refine your skills

If you’ve been out of the job market for a while, you’ll want to brush up on your skills. Since you have some time on your hands, further your education in your desired industry. Research a few webinars, workshops, or articles to learn up-to-date information. This will help you stand out and maintain a competitive edge. Technology, laws, and best practices change by the minute, and an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” attitude about your career lessens your chances of raking in the big bucks. Also, don’t pass on volunteer or internship opportunities simply because they don’t pay. Keeping busy gives you less time to sulk and gives you purpose. Think of your volunteer experience as a possibility to broaden your portfolio versus a way to pad your pockets. Key decision makers for major companies are members of volunteer boards, so never pass on the chance to rub elbows with your future supervisor!

Ask for references

Reach out to previous colleagues or supervisors who can vouch for your past performances at former jobs. You’ll need all the kudos you can get to help counteract the unfavorable situation at your most recent job. But never list someone as a reference without permission. The last thing you need is to have a potential employer contact a reference who doesn’t remember the position or work you’ve done for them. Give your references a call and remind them of that next to impossible deal you closed or the award-winning project you spearheaded last year. If a previous supervisor can provide information from your annual reviews or customer satisfaction surveys, it could help substantiate outcomes and achievements you’ve listed on your resume.

Be sure to ask for feedback – good and bad – so you know where you stand and where you need to improve.

Seek professional help

If you haven’t interviewed or updated your resume and cover letter in the last six months, you’re probably a little rusty. Hire a professional, such as a career coach, interview coach, or resume writer, to help develop a strategy to enhance your marketability.

Times have changed and so have job-search trends. A professional will help you stay on top of your game. Because this person isn’t connected to you emotionally, they can offer candid critiques of your shortcomings and tell you exactly how to adjust. A coach can assist in establishing goals and provide tips and a checklist to monitor your progress. You must enter this relationship with an open mind. Being terminated is a delicate situation, and although your wounds are fresh, you have to remain focused.

Leaving your job involuntary can throw you for a loop if you don’t have a backup plan. Go ahead and cry, but you will get over it. Creating a solid financial and career blueprint will be your best bet for a major comeback.

Ashley Watkins, Career Coach and Nationally Certified Résumé Writer with Write Step Resumes, LLC, provides high-quality résumé writing, interview preparation, and career coaching services to help job seekers get more interviews and salary offers. She can be found on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, Pinterest, or via www.WriteStepResumes.com.Ashley Watkins, of Write Step Resumes, LLC, helps job seekers and career changers find the career of their dreams by creating the perfect resume, providing interview preparation and career coaching. She can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or via www.WriteStepResumes.com. Click here to schedule a FREE consult today!