Getting fired from a job can be a challenging and emotional experience. Many people who are fired worry that it will be difficult or impossible to find a new job, especially if they were terminated for cause. However, with preparation and perseverance, it is possible to recover from being fired and get a new job. Here are some quick answers to common questions about finding employment after being let go:
Is it hard to get a job if you were fired? Yes, it can be more difficult to find a new job if you were fired, but not impossible. Being fired raises red flags for potential employers. However, you can overcome this by explaining the circumstances in a positive light and emphasizing your qualifications.
How do you explain being fired in an interview? Be honest, but focus on what you learned and how you would improve. Don’t blame others or complain about the past employer. Emphasize your strengths and abilities.
Do you have to disclose being fired? You don’t usually have to volunteer being fired, but don’t lie if directly asked. Explain briefly and move on to why you are an excellent fit for the new job.
Can you collect unemployment if fired? You can collect unemployment even if fired in most cases, as long as it wasn’t for serious misconduct like violence or stealing. Eligibility depends on your state.
Is it better to resign than be fired? Yes, it’s better to resign if you can, to avoid having being fired on your record. However, if termination is imminent, being fired may allow you to collect unemployment benefits.
Why It Can Be Hard to Get a Job After Being Fired
There are several reasons why finding new employment after being fired can present challenges:
Negative assumption about your abilities or behavior – Being fired leads employers to assume there must have been a problem with your performance or conduct. They may think you weren’t capable or were unreliable.
Employment gaps – A period of unemployment following a firing can look suspicious to potential employers. Some may avoid candidates with gaps between jobs.
Lost reference – Many employers won’t provide references for terminated employees. Lack of a reference from your previous job can seem odd.
Explanation required – You have to find a way to honestly explain why you were let go that doesn’t raise more red flags. This can be tricky.
Emotional impact – Being fired can damage self-confidence. Fear of rejection when job seeking after termination further erodes confidence.
Stigma associated with firing – There is a social stigma around being terminated. Some assume it means you have poor skills or character flaws.
Tips for Job Seeking After Being Fired
While looking for work after a firing is not easy, the following strategies can help overcome the challenges:
Take time to process – Don’t rush into a job search. Take a few weeks first to come to terms with the situation emotionally and gain perspective. Use this transition period wisely.
Get organized – Compile reference letters, update your resume, practice interview skills, and make a plan. Being fired is a wake-up call to put your best foot forward.
Learn from the experience – Reflect on what led to your firing and think about how you would improve or handle situations differently. Show maturity.
Craft your explanation – Figure out how you will briefly explain the termination in interviews. Focus on lessons learned over details. Have a version ready.
Widen your search – Look for positions in smaller companies, different industries, or even other cities. Expanding your possibilities improves your odds.
Leverage your network – Tap into personal and professional contacts who can vouch for your abilities. References help overcome reputational damage.
Consider alternatives – Be open to contract, consulting, freelance, and temporary roles. These can help you restart more easily.
Highlight your value – Emphasize to potential employers why you are the best candidate. Demonstrate you have exactly what they need.
Steps to Take Immediately After Being Fired
The time right after a job loss is challenging emotionally and financially. However, there are steps you can take right away to get back on track:
File for unemployment – Apply for unemployment benefits from the state to recoup some lost income while job seeking. Don’t delay.
Use severance wisely – If you got a severance package, use the payouts carefully to cover expenses until you find new employment.
Get health insurance – Look into COBRA or public health insurance options if you lost employer health benefits. Don’t go uninsured.
Revamp your resume – Update your resume to showcase your most recent experience, skills and accomplishments while looking for your next position.
Practice interviewing– Set up practice interviews with friends to refresh your interview skills. Use their feedback to improve.
Review finances– Cut unnecessary expenses, look for financial assistance if needed, and prioritize essential costs like housing while unemployed.
Access job search help– Connect with your local workforce development office for guidance on the job hunt, training options, and networking.
Apply for new jobs– Don’t delay starting your job search. The sooner you get applications out, the better your chances of a quick hire.
How to Explain Being Fired in a Job Interview
Mentioning you were terminated in an interview requires finesse. Here is how to skillfully disclose you were let go:
Stay positive – Keep your tone and body language upbeat. Don’t get defensive or seem bitter.
Be brief – Explain only the key facts needed to answer their question transparently and move on promptly.
Take responsibility – Use phrasing like “the termination was due to my own error…” rather than blaming external factors.
Highlight learning – Share how the experience taught you XYZ valuable things that will benefit you in this new role.
Emphasize strengths – Draw their attention to your qualifications, passion and commitment to excellent performance.
Focus on the future – Redirect the conversation to your potential contributions, not past mistakes. Keep it forward focused.
Prepare examples – Have a couple clear examples ready of how you would now handle difficult situations successfully.
Express appreciation – Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to address the termination issue openly and honestly.
Sample Answers to Getting Fired Interview Questions
“I was let go from my previous position because I missed a critical project deadline that negatively impacted a client. I have learned the importance of better time management. I now use calendar apps to manage competing priorities, and have become very deadline driven.”
“My termination at my last company was due to an internal policy infraction. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the policy nuances. However, I took that experience to heart and educate myself thoroughly on all policies at my jobs now to prevent any misunderstanding.”
“There was a mismatch between my previous manager’s work style and my own that led to some conflicts, and ultimately my firing. Since then, I have worked hard on being adaptable to different management approaches. I’m committed to positive collaboration with leadership.”
Alternatives for Restarting Your Career After Termination
If finding a new permanent job right away proves challenging, there are interim options to help you restart:
Temping – Register with staffing agencies to get placed in temporary office support or admin roles while job seeking.
Freelancing – Use freelance websites to find short term independent contracts in your field to add experience.
Internships – Apply for internships open to all ages to transition careers or gain skills in a new industry.
Volunteering – Volunteer for nonprofit groups to network, give back and prevent resume gaps after a firing.
Consulting – Offer your expertise as an independent consultant to former employers, clients or other organizations in your field.
Starting a business – Become an entrepreneur by launching your own small business offering in-demand services.
Going back to school – Enroll in a certification program or advanced degree using severance or unemployment.
Relocating – Look for job opportunities in a new city where your firing history is unknown. A fresh start elsewhere can work.
Creating a Table of Job Search Tips After Termination
| Career Planning | Job Hunting | Applying | Interviewing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take time to process the termination before jumping into your search | Tap into your professional and personal network to find job leads | Be ready to briefly address the firing positively & maturely | Practice responses to questions about your termination |
| Think about what work or management styles suit you best | Search job sites, but also directly visit company websites | Customize your cover letter & resume for each application | Highlight your unique value, passions and strengths |
| Make a plan to improve skills that need development | Look for openings at small companies as well as large ones | Apply for roles slightly below your experience level too | Redirect focus to your assets and the future |
| Consider transitional gig roles like temping or freelancing | Follow up weekly with recruiters and hiring managers | Have someone review your application materials | Send thank you notes restating your qualifications |
Dealing With the Emotional Impact of Being Fired
Beyond the practical steps, it’s important to take care of your emotional health after a termination:
Let yourself grieve – It’s normal to feel shaken, angry, defeated or depressed initially. Acknowledge these feelings.
Talk it out – Confide in trusted friends and family for moral support. Counselors can help process the emotions too.
Engage in self-care – Make sure to meet your basic needs like healthy food, sleep, exercise and social connection while job hunting.
Practice stress management – Do meditation, yoga or deep breathing when you start to feel overwhelmed by the situation.
List your strengths – Combat self-doubt by writing out all your accomplishments, capabilities and positive qualities.
Try therapies – If you struggle moving forward emotionally, counseling, life coaching or support groups can facilitate healing.
Avoid unhealthy coping – Don’t deal with the pain of termination by overeating, heavy drinking, drugs or other reckless behavior.
Regain perspective – When you start feeling like a failure, remind yourself that this is just one setback and doesn’t define your worth.
Rebuilding Your Reputation After Termination
To offset negative assumptions about your firing, take steps to repair your reputation:
Verify your references – Check that former supervisors will provide an objective reference and won’t undermine your character.
Get recommendations – Ask colleagues or managers from before your firing to write LinkedIn recommendations highlighting your skills.
Showcase achievements – Share articles, certifications, conference presentations or other evidence of your capabilities on your resume and social profiles.
Continue education – Enroll in an industry certification program and include it on your resume to showcase current, relevant skills.
Perform well in temp work – If temping or contracting, leave each assignment having exceeded expectations through strong performance.
Do pro bono or volunteer work – Seek opportunities to take on unpaid projects that allow you to demonstrate your abilities.
Network strategically – Attend professional association events to build connections and get references vouching for your talents.
Act with integrity – Maintaining professionalism and ethics in all your interactions helps overcome trust issues.
Should You Reapply at the Company That Fired You?
Is it advisable to seek reemployment with an employer that terminated you previously? Some key considerations:
Why you were fired – Minor mistakes like missing deadlines are more forgivable than offenses like harassment.
Time passed since firing – Enough time should have elapsed for emotions tied to the termination to cool.
Changes at the company – Leadership, culture and policies may be different now, removing previous hurdles.
Growth demonstrated – You’ll need to persuade them you have gained skills, matured and addressed past issues.
Interpersonal dynamics – Strained relationships with your prior boss or team members could hinder success.
Urgency of your situation – If you need a job fast, a company that already knows you may hire back more readily.
Align with open role – Ensure your background and interests fit with the specific position you are reapplying for.
Be gracious – Express humility, appreciation and positive spirit when inquiring about another chance.
Should You Disclose Past Termination from the Same Company?
If applying again somewhere you were previously fired from, proactively addressing your past termination is wise. However, keep disclosure brief and emphasize growth since then.
For example: *”You may recall I worked here back in 2018 and was subsequently terminated. That experience taught me important lessons that have allowed me to mature as a professional. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute again and am confident I have the diligence and communication abilities needed to excel in this new role.”*
Conclusion
Being fired brings significant career and emotional challenges. However, taking strategic steps can help you bounce back. Maintain a positive mindset and devotion to performance excellence. With time and perseverance, you can recover and get back on track toward future job success. The termination doesn’t have to permanently derail your goals as long as you leverage the experience for self-improvement.