DEVJOBS FEATURE ARTICLES on JOB-HUNTING: Article No. 79

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Feature Article No. 79

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How do I go about looking for a new job after being fired/ terminated/ downsized?

Written by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

Taken from "The Career Doctor’s Cures & Remedies:" This article is part of a series from The Career Doctor's Cures & Remedies to Quintessentially Perplexing Career and Job-Hunting Ailments. Read more.

Let me first state that the chances are quite good that at least once in your life you are going to be dismissed from your employer -- no matter how well you perform or how nice a person you are... companies go through cycles, and every few years (especially in a weak economy) they reduce their workforce. I know that my comments don’t help take much of the sting from their actions, but my point is that you can't sit around being discouraged -- you need to use the time to evaluate your career and get back into the job market.

I suggest you take the time you've been given for a career tune-up:

Decide on a career path or change. Take the time to decide whether it’s time for a career change or simply a job change.
Tune up that resume. If you haven’t kept your resume current, now is the time to spend some critical time getting it in shape. Consider these resume resources.
Resolve whether you are staying or relocating. It’s the perfect opportunity to evaluate where you want to work and live.
Network, network, network. It can’t be said enough…networking is the best way to find a new job, and even though it may be difficult facing your network after being fired, you have to do it. Learn more about networking.
Revisit your references. Besides keeping your references informed that you are back in the job market, it's also a good time to evaluate your reference list.
Be prepared to work. Okay, I acknowledge it’s a cliché, but looking for a new job is hard work - and you better be prepared to put in the hours necessary to line up a few new job offers.
Face the tough question. Why were you dismissed? Word gets around. At least be prepared to answer why you left your previous job… and never, ever blame a former supervisor or employer -- and don’t make excuses.
Be prepared for rejection. It’s natural to be a little sensitive during these times, but you need to develop a thick skin and deal with the degree of rejection that occurs in any job search. Keep looking forward.

You can find much more specific information and resources by reading my article, Getting Fired: An Opportunity for Change and Growth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Hansen is a certified electronic career coach. He is also a tenured, associate professor of marketing in the School of Business Administration at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. He is an author and presenter of hundreds of publications and papers. He is co-author, with Katharine Hansen, of the top-selling Dynamic Cover Letters. And he has been an employer and consultant dealing with hiring and firing decisions for the past fifteen years. His opinions and comments are often quoted in the media. Read more about Dr. Hansen. He can be reached at randall@quintcareers.com.

How to avoid misunderstandings when you're terminated
Norman Grosman

Question: I have been terminated and my former employer has made a number of verbal commitments to me, although they are reluctant to put them in writing beyond the basic terms of the termination package. For example, they have promised to continue my benefits for a period of time, to pay all outstanding vacation pay and to provide me with a positive reference. I feel these terms should be part of the written deal. In addition, they are asking me to sign a release. What should I do?

Answer: The one thing most employers and dismissed employees should be able to agree upon following the cessation of the relationship is that misunderstandings ought to be avoided. It stands to reason that in order to decrease the likelihood of any misunderstanding terms surrounding your disengagement from the organization should be in writing.

While it is not unusual for an employer offering a severance package to ask for a release in exchange, you must be certain of the precise bargain that you have made with your former employer in exchange for which you are providing a release.

For example, how can you be sure they will follow through on the offer to provide continued benefits, what benefits will be continued and for how long? What if the positive reference that has been verbally offered turns out not to materialize, or more likely materializes in a form or with content that dissatisfies you?

What recourse will you have then if you have already signed a release in favour of your employer? With respect to vacation pay, you should take steps to ensure that they commit, in writing, to pay you your outstanding vacation pay, and the precise number of days which you agree between you are outstanding.

The bottom line is to avoid misunderstanding at a time when the employment relationship has ruptured. The very fact that your former employer is reluctant to put what it says it is committing to do for you in writing ought to be sufficient reason for you to be apprehensive about their intentions.

Try sitting down with your former employer and explaining to them your need for certainty at a time fraught with uncertainty.

If they are still refusing to put what they say are commitments in writing, and those commitments are of sufficient importance to you, consider obtaining legal advice.

Tips on what to do when being Lay-Off

Fired from job? These guidelines also include how a lay-off should and should not be handled.

Fired from job coping strategy:
Get in contact with your nearest unemployment insurance office. You can call, email or visit them. Enquire whether you eligible for Unemployment Benefits and how to file a claim for compensation. Start this process right away because the benefits are only paid two to three weeks after your claim is processed. You are not entitled to any benefits before the date of your claim registration. They will also assist you with job lists and training where applicable.

Contact your union for advice on your rights and assistance with regard to training and possible programs for retrenched workers.

Enquire about sick leave pay, accrued vacation payouts; pension payouts, and separation pay as well as health and life insurance benefit continuance.

Speak to your personnel department about outplacement reserves.

Obtain a letter of recommendation to use when you apply for another job.
If you don't have a computer, printer and Internet access at home, make use of a community center or the library's resources to draw up a resume.
Contact a career center or recruitment agency to find out what other jobs are available.
Use the Internet for self-assessment tests on your personality, skills and job possibilities.
Create a job search plan. Consider job hunting as a full time work and give it your best.
Don't let pride stand in your way from asking for assistance and applying for benefits. You have contributed through your taxes and are entitled to the compensation.