So you’ve been fired – life is looking uncertain and you have no idea how you’re going to get another job. We are here to tell you it is not the end of the world. There is life after being fired!
Firstly, make sure you know your rights. If you’ve been fired check your employer followed the correct process and you have received any pay/ holidays you were entitled to.
Next, look at why you got fired. Be honest with yourself. Mentally own up to the fact you may have made mistakes. Even if the mistake was simply being in the wrong job with a company that didn’t suit you! Whatever the reasons were, be honest with yourself you don’t want to make the same mistake again.
Then it’s time for your job hunt. It is now your full time job to get a job! Update your CV, search for jobs online, network network and network some more! Tell people about your situation that they know you’re available for work. You don’t need to go into the details and certainly don’t slate your previous employer just state the facts that things didn’t work out and you are looking for an opportunity better matched.
As tempting as it is, don’t panic and jump for the first job that is offered to you if you have any doubts. Remember you don’t want to be in the same position a few months down the line. Take your time and find a position that you will be happy in. In interviews, the most important thing to remember is to stay calm. You will be asked about your previous role and why you left so be ready for it. Many employers will appreciate honesty, as long as you can speak about your strengths and what you gained from the job. You have to accept that it might put off some employers but it won’t put them all off!
In the meantime, get unpaid work experience maybe in another field. Volunteer with a local charity or shadow in an industry you have always been interested in. Think if you have any skills that you could get paid for also. Could you tutor the subject your degree is in? Could you use your skills to set up your own business? Use the time wisely to develop your skills and work out the next best step for you! You may just find in years to come that getting fired was one of the best things that ever happened to you!