You just got fired. Now what?
“I just got fired; not what do I do?”
There’s lots of issues to address about getting fired. First, you need to identify the reason. If you got fired for something that YOU purposefully DID WRONG or because of a BAD CHOICE you made – whatever it is – it’s important to “get things right” with that former employer before you move on; otherwise, it will be like an anvil tied around your neck. If you were employed with a company for many, many years and then you got fired because you made a choice that was against company policy or the world’s standards, then you need to make amends. If, however, you simply didn’t pass the employer’s “90-day trial period” and only worked for a few months at the place where you got fired, then it’s not such a big deal – just don’t include that place on your resume.
The best way to do this is in the form of a SNAIL-MAILED letter; unlike a conversation over the phone, a letter meant to be mailed via the USPS can be proofed and rewritten beforehand (by a professional writer who can help you) so that it states exactly what you want to say – nothing more and nothing less – and, in addition, it will undoubtedly be placed in your “permanent record” on file with that company. That’s good news! The last thing that company will have on you is a note of apology.
If what you did “wrong” broke the law, get legal advice before sending your letter.
If what you did “wrong” requires financial restitution for something you broke or pocketed, make arrangements to return it and/or pay for it.
Now that you have set things straight, (but are still out of a job), sit back, catch your breath, and r-e-l-a-x for a few days to think things through clearly. You are now free to explore the countless and ceaseless opportunities out there in our world that you have had on the backburner of your life all these years while working with your most recent employer.
Some things you must do immediately (within a week or two):
1) Invest in a Professional Resume.
Secure a brand new, beautiful, sharp resume created with a matching cover letter and an updated reference sheet filled with 3 to 5 names of personal and/or professional people who will speak highly of you. There is no sense in sending out your old resume the day you got fired if it looks and reads like the million other resumes floating around out there in Lost and Ignored Resume Land. You probably never took the time to make this one-time investment in yourself before, do it now. Having a jaw-dropping resume to send out will immediately boost your confidence and take a burden off your back. The one-of-a-kind resume will do that for you BEFORE the over-the-phone or in-person interview (see those postings). While the best time to get a professional resume created is while you are still employed, most clients seek the help of a professional career consulting service and professional resume writing services after they lose their job. Typically, men contact a consulting and resume service within 24 hours of getting fired, if not the same day. Women take a little longer to contemplate what just happened to them; they typically call a few weeks after they got let go to get a professional resume package created and begin their seemingly-scary venture into the world of interviews and job explorations.
2) Invest in a new, sharp outfit.
Buy a sharp suit that fits well. Get the shoes, the belt, the shirt, the tie, the purse, and everything else you need to bring that one outfit together. Purchase it, have it at home ready to wear, and wear it only for interviews. What’s more stressful than getting ready for an interview an hour before you are supposed to be there and realizing you don’t fit in your slacks anymore or that you forgot your shoes were missing a heel. Looking sharp and organized is half the challenge.
3) Get your hair and nails done.
Once you start sending your resumes out and getting the word out that you are looking for employment (whether through LinkedIn Tweaking, Twitter, Facebook, or by hiring a professional headhunting service) you need to make sure your hair and nails look as pristine and perfect as your new outfit. Guys need to get their nails done, too. No one wants to shake hands with someone who has long, scary, dirty nails! If your roots are showing, get them redone; get a trim. Look clean and neat.
4) Have a brag book.
Create a brag book or have one created for you. (This is a cool book filled with all the letters you got from happy clients over the years, all the promotions THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER you have received, all the great evaluations, etc. ) We can create a goosebump-inflicting brag book for you if you need help with that. You take this sales/brag book with you to SHOW the prospective employer, not to leave it there; you just need one book, not one for each interviewer.
5) Network.
Start networking and socializing professionally (this does not mean going to the local watering hole every night to crank your elbow and bore the bartendar to tears with your story.) Get on facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Call all those clients and vendors and colleagues who love you and let them know you are currently exploring other opportunities and are available.
6) Pray.
Perhaps most importantly (and this applies to EVERYONE out there in the universe) get on your knees – yes, literally get on your knees (perhaps the bathroom or a room with a lock where no one will disturb you), and bow your head and ask God (or whatever that existence is that you believe in that is much bigger and grander and smarter than you) for help. Simply pray, GOD HELP ME. He knows the details already. He knows what you need and what is best for you. If you can just get out of the way and let Him, the Grand Architect design your life, you will be led to something so wonderful and unimaginable that you will indeed agree, “Getting fired was a blessing!”
Need help with the wording on your resume, how to write that apology note, or where to begin your job search? Call us now! We’re America’s oldest and best professional writing and consulting service! (216) four seven five two nine 6 three
