Written by Melissa Hatch
Looking for work after having been fired can be intimidating. You are filling out an online application and things are going well, and then there it is. THE question: Have you ever been fired? Do you answer honestly? Will it ruin your chances of getting the job? Are you just wasting your time with this application?
First things first: answer honestly. But it is your attitude about your termination that will really shape your job search. Here is some advice for those who are looking for work after having been fired or forced to resign from a position.
- Take some time. Try to take some time to reassess and recover emotionally before looking for work. Being fired is a shock and you need time to process. Use this time to think about what you want from your next position. Try to uncover the root causes of your termination and figure out what you need to succeed. Many people look back on being fired and realize that it was one of the best things that ever happened, a blessing in disguise. You are probably not there yet. For now, just take some time and go easy on yourself.
- Learn. Whatever the reason you were fired, learn from it. You may just learn that life throws curve balls, or that no job is permanent. You may learn compassion, or that there are jobs you should not take and managers you should avoid. There is something to learn from your situation. Figure out what it is and take stock.
- Focus on the positive. As you reenter the job hunt keep what you have learned in the forefront of your mind. Hopefully you better understand what you need in a workplace and what you have to offer. Find a succinct and accurate way to describe your termination so that when asked in an interview or on a job application, you can represent yourself in a positive way. For example: If you were fired for problems with your manager, turn it around in an interview like this:
“I needed a job badly and I accepted the position without really understanding what was expected of me. I soon realized that the manager and I had very different styles and it was not a good fit for me. Now I am more careful as I read job announcements and I ask more questions in interviews so that I know better what to expect, and what is expected of me. When I researched your company, I learned…”
See how that’s done? Don’t go on and on about your bad experience. Focus on what you learned and accentuate the positive. For more tips on interviewing, see this article: Interview Question: Why Were You Fired? - Be honest. If you lie on your application or resume, even if you sugarcoat or omit important information, you can be fired later. It’s best to tell the truth. For more on this, check out this article: How to Explain Being Fired
Good employees are fired every day for a variety of reasons. Getting fired is not a mark of shame. Instead, look at it as a chance to start again. Maybe you will find another similar job soon, or maybe it is time to explore new opportunities that you have only dreamed of. This is your chance. Take it and be a better you in a job that fits your goals and lifestyle.
For further reading check out these online and print resources:
- How to Apply for a New Job After Being Fired
- What to Do After Being Fired, As Told by HR Experts
- Johnson, Tory. (2009) Fired to Hired: Bouncing Back from Job Loss to Get to Work Right Now. New York: Berkeley Books. This book is available in print format at Charleston County Public Library. Visit the library’s catalog to reserve your copy today.
With a little bit of practice and self-patience, you will be ready to take on the next steps in your future career. If you would like more information about how to apply for jobs online, assistance in finding resources, tips on how to get the job-hunting process started or more, please reach out to us at CCPL by email, chat, or text. Remember, you are not alone.