Getting fired is an unpleasant experience. You may experience a wide range of emotions - feelings of fear, sadness, anger, shame. You may have a lot of questions about why you were released and what you should do afterwards. If your employer can't state a reason for firing you, your insecurities will deepen. There are steps you can take to come to terms with this situation.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Receiving News of the Dismissal
Step 1. Listen to the employer carefully
Sit quietly and listen to what the employer has to say. Remember the information provided to you. Listen carefully to what the boss has to say, so you can better understand the reasons for the dismissal.
Step 2. Avoid arguments
The decision to fire you has been made. Whatever you say at this point will not change the employer's decision. Don't argue or try to persuade the boss to reconsider his decision.
If you have an argument, your employer may tell bad things about you to your next potential boss
Step 3. Stay calm
When you get fired, you may feel emotional. This feeling is natural. However, control yourself and don't let your emotions take over you. Whether you're feeling sad or angry, take a deep breath, stay calm, and try not to exaggerate the problem.
Practice breathing exercises if you feel like you're about to explode emotionally. Ask for permission to calm down, then inhale slowly while counting to 10. Hold your breath for a moment, then exhale while counting to 10 again. Do this until you have more control over your emotions
Step 4. Ask questions
If the employer has not explained the reason for the dismissal, you can ask him. However, be prepared to get unsatisfactory answers, such as, “Only for business reasons” or even no answer at all. Additionally, consider asking:
- What are the next steps?
- Are there any files I need to fill in?
- Can companies provide letters of recommendation?
- What is the procedure for quitting work that I have to follow?
Step 5. Consider negotiating the reasons for dismissal
You can agree in a neutral way to your boss's explanation, so that when you apply for another job in the future, you can easily skip the background/reference check.
Step 6. Postpone signing the severance agreement
If you're offered a severance package in exchange for “dismissal for public reasons”, think again before signing. Your signature on this agreement will kill the chances of a lawsuit against the employer, because the letter will contain a section stating that the company is free from all legal obligations when firing you.
Take some time and consider showing your consent to a lawyer before signing it
Step 7. Leave the company in good order
Even though you may be angry, make sure you thank the employer for the opportunity they provide. Then, move on with life. Letting feelings of anger and frustration take over will only hurt you in the long run. If you behave unprofessionally – if you yell, throw things, or threaten someone – your actions will be recorded and reported to the next potential employer.
You must leave your job on good terms so that you can ask your employer for help in the future, for example if your new job requires you to talk to your former boss before starting work
Step 8. Start making a plan
Cut expenses and budgets so you can have the funds to support yourself for a few months without any income. If you plan to see a doctor, do so before your insurance policy expires.
Part 2 of 5: Knowing Your Rights
Step 1. Understand the concept of “dependence”
In the US, most employees work under this concept, which means the employer has the right to terminate your contract without any reason at any time, except illegally, for example for reasons of discrimination or for revenge. Unfortunately, this dependency concept means your employer doesn't have to give a clear reason for letting you go.
If you're not sure if your job is dependent, check with HR or check your designation file (if any), or contact the Department of Labor in your country
Step 2. Realize immediately if the nature of your work does not depend
If you sign a special contract with your employer, live in a country with additional laws, or are on a union contract, your work may not adhere to this principle of dependence. If so, the employer may be forced to provide evidence that you deserve to be fired. In addition, you may also be able to get compensation.
- Check your Department of Labor website for information on the latest regulations by region.
- Look at your hiring file to see if the contract gives you any special rights.
- There are cases where you have to pay compensation under a contract if you are fired. If you are paid for relocation expenses, you may still have to work for the company for some time, or be required to pay a fine. Most contracts only activate this clause if you quit or are fired for a really bad reason, but it's still possible for employers to write it down for any reason for dismissal.
Step 3. Understand other types of dismissals that are not true
Even if you work on a dependency basis, there are cases where your employer has no right to fire you. You can demand dismissal in cases like this.
- Dismissal should not be done for revenge. If you've ever made a claim for compensation or reported a legal problem your employer caused them to fire you, you have the right to file a lawsuit.
- Dismissal is considered wrong if there is evidence that you were dismissed because of discrimination against your race, nationality, gender, age, religion, pregnancy, family status, physical status and, in some places, sexual orientation.
- In the US, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Delaware, Idaho, Massachusetts, Nevada, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming have laws that allow you to file a lawsuit if you think the employer has no justifiable grounds. Unfair dismissals include firing an employee to prevent him or her from earning a sales commission, misinforming the employee about promotion prospects, and firing someone just to replace him with someone else willing to work for a lower pay.
- If the company has a layoff policy in its employee manual, this policy becomes part of your “implicit contract.” All violations against him are considered wrongful types of dismissal.
Step 4. Find out your rights when fired
Specific rights may vary by region, so seek information from the Department of Labor in your area of residence and ask your HR representative or company admin. If you are fired, you may be entitled to:
- Get unemployment benefits.
- Continuing health insurance services.
- Receive all compensation for the things you have done, including the hours you worked. Most states (if you live in the US) require your employer to pay you for unpaid leave. Even if your state doesn't have laws, employers can usually still be sued if they refuse to pay your remaining leave.
Part 3 of 5: Gaining Profit When Unemployed
Step 1. Check if you are entitled to benefits when unemployed
To do this, contact the Department of Labor and talk to their staff. Some of the specific rules may vary (depending on where you live) but in general, to get unemployment benefits, you have to be out of work and it's no fault of yours – meaning you weren't fired for performance or behavior issues. In addition, you must be able to work and indeed be actively looking for work.
- If you quit, you won't be able to get this benefit (unless you have a “good reason”). Examples of these reasons include: emergency situations in the family, unsafe or abusive working conditions, child care obligations, loss of mode of transport, or drastic cuts in pay - usually 20% or more.
- You can't get benefits if you're fired for the right reasons.
- Individuals who are self-employed are usually not eligible for benefits, unless their business has been authorized and paid into these benefits funds.
Step 2. Be prepared to submit the requirements
You should research the requirements for applying for benefits based on where you last worked, even if you have moved elsewhere. You should be prepared to say whether you still have paid leave. In addition, you should also know whether you want tax payments to be deferred from the benefits you will receive.
Step 3. File a claim
The procedure for filing a claim may vary by region, but usually all unemployment benefit programs have a website. If you live in the US, see the Unemployment Office website for your state for the correct information and procedures. Generally, when you make a claim, you should be prepared to provide the following information:
- Mailing address.
- Phone number.
- Social security number.
- SIM number.
- Mother's maiden name.
- The last name, address and telephone number of the employer.
- Full employment history for the last two years.
Step 4. Consider reconsideration if your claim is denied
Employers may defend themselves against your benefit claims. If this is the case, you will need to attend an informal hearing prior to the review session. Learn the procedures in your area online.
- Make sure you act fast. Usually, you will have to file for a reconsideration within a certain amount of time in order for your hearing to be scheduled. Contact your law office for details.
- You must attend all review sessions or your case may be dropped.
- You must bring two copies of your written documents and prove that you were fired without cause. In addition, look for witnesses who are willing to testify for you.
- You can hire a lawyer or other professional to represent your case, but the fees may be too high for the benefits you will receive.
Step 5. Take temporary insurance
If you are eligible for benefits, you may also be eligible for temporary insurance. This insurance is not permanent and the cost will be halved to be paid by you and your former employer.
Also look for other insurances on the internet. In some cases, you may be able to find a cheaper one
Part 4 of 5: Preparing to Find a New Job
Step 1. Update your resume
Prepare a complete resume that includes recent employment information before you apply for a new job. Add all the skills you got from your last job, as well as any previous work experience.
- If you're unsure about the quality of your resume, do some research online or consider asking a trusted friend for advice. The resume should look professional.
- To maximize the impact of your resume, consider including important assignments, projects, and work accomplishments in the experience section.
- You are not required to explain why your previous job ended. Don't show that you were fired, unless asked directly by the new prospective employer.
Step 2. Immediately start looking for a new job
Once you've overcome the shock of losing your job, get on with life. If you need a few weeks to style yourself, don't worry; however, be aware that you may not be able to get the first, second, third job, etc. what do you want. The longer you're out of work, the harder it will be to land a new position – HR managers usually take the time between each job into account.
Step 3. Prepare for the interview
If you are called for an interview, review your resume and assignments for the position you are applying for. This trick will help you answer tricky questions about work experience, as well as position yourself as someone that potential employers are looking for.
Step 4. Answer questions about your previous work in a professional manner
During an interview, you may be asked why you left your last position. Be prepared to answer them honestly and professionally in the most positive tone possible. You don't have to give long explanations; just say you got fired. Then, if you're being honest, continue by saying, "I quit on good terms, and I'm now looking for the right opportunity to maximize my strengths."
- Add a positive feel to your experience. Say that while you're disappointed that you got fired, you also feel lucky that you've learned a lot and developed new skills.
- Don't talk negatively about your ex-boss. You never know if he turns out to know people at the company you are applying for. In addition, this trick will make you seen as a respectable prospective employee.
- Be honest and don't make up stories about your dismissal. The employer checks the references you provide and can detect lies in them.
Part 5 of 5: Preparing for the Future
Step 1. Prepare for the worst
You must remember that no matter how secure your position may seem, there will always be opportunities that will require you to leave the position. Therefore, you should always be prepared and on guard.
You should always update your resume to be prepared, as well as keep an eye on the job market in your field
Step 2. Keep your resume up to date
As you begin to hone your skills and gain new work experience, you should always update your CV (or resume) to reflect your ever-growing and evolving skills. Keeping track of all the work you've done and the projects you've completed can be difficult, so try to write down the details on your CV as soon as you're done. As an example:
Step 3. Update your online profile
In addition to your CV and resume, you should also keep your online profile up to date. This means you have to add new work experience and skills. Many companies look at online profiles, (for example via LinkedIn) when they are looking for new employees.
Respond to 'friendship' requests in a timely manner to show that you are interested in networking and enjoy setting yourself up
Step 4. View job vacancies in newspapers and online regularly
Stay abreast of the latest developments in the job market and all advancements in your work industry. Even if you feel that your current job is safe, you should still keep an eye on other positions that match your abilities.
Compare your job with other positions to determine if you have been treated fairly. You may be surprised that people who work in positions similar to yours get lower or higher compensation/benefits
Step 5. Network whenever possible
Networking is an important practice to prepare for the worst-case scenario. The more connections you have, the quicker you will find a new job if you are fired. To do this:
- Join parties and networking events.
- Build online relationships.
- Be respectful and charismatic towards the people you meet.
Tips
- Try to let go of the negative emotions associated with your dismissal. Many competent and expert people have had to go through this experience. Take time to process your emotions, then forget about them. A positive outlook is the key to successfully getting a new job.
- If you think the dismissal was based on illegal/discriminatory reasons – for example because of race, gender, ethnicity, religion or disability – contact a lawyer immediately. Most regions have strict time limits for submitting these claims.
