The coronavirus outbreak has led many companies across the globe to downsize their operations and is also making employees work from home. Amidst the pandemic, several people lost their jobs as the companies were struggling to spruce up revenues and some were even completely shut for several days. The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy conducted a study where they found out that 122 million people were fired and lost their jobs in April 2020. Of this number, 75% of people were daily-wage earners and small traders.
Being fired can be a huge kick in the gut, even though your performance was good or not. Even if you are a person who doesn’t get financially affected by losing the job; it can affect your self-esteem and mental well-being. Here in this article, you will find the path that you should follow when you get fired or laid off from work.
Ask For a Reason
Seek Other Available Opportunities
Leave on Good Terms
Self-Care and Self-Reflection
Update Your Resume
Upgrade Your Hard and Soft Skills
Practice Interviews
Start Applying For New Jobs
Talk About Your Termination
Be Positive, Stay Calm, and Keep Trying
Ask For a Reason
As soon as you receive your termination letter or notice, the first good step would be to ask the question: “Why was I fired?” The only reason why this would be helpful is that learning about your flaws will help you grow.
By knowing about your shortcomings and flaws you will be less likely to repeat the same mistakes in the future and take the risk of getting fired again in a successive job. Also, if the company fired you because of structural changes that have nothing to do with your performance, then it would be a relief for you.
Seek Other Available Opportunities
Often the company has budget cuts due to various reasons. One of the common reasons is the downfall of the economy due to Covid-19 Pandemic. But if the company has decided to downsize the resources for such reasons and it was not because of your performance then you can perhaps inquire with your employer about other available opportunities within the company.
In such cases, your employer might show your keen interest in not leaving the company and might help you get placed at some other department/work. Even then if your employer doesn’t give you a positive answer, you should happily accept their decision.
Leave on Good Terms
It is always said that whenever we leave things, we should do it on a happy note. However, being positive at work is a skill set that we must acquire in the early days of our work. It is quite evident that after getting fired, you might not feel good about the company or your superiors.
But, it is important for you to leave the organization on good terms because you can get a positive reference for your future employer from the person who fired you. Before you leave the company, make sure that you thank them for the time you spent at their organization. Make sure to leave with a good impression and a warm heart.
Look if You Meet for Unemployment Assistance
If you are fired from work, then it will likely mean that you are eligible for the benefits. But if you are expelled for your misdemeanors, such as drug testing or any kind of abusive behavior; then, definitely you will be disbarred from Unemployment benefits for a time.
Self-Care and Self-Reflection
Getting fired can be an overwhelming and stressful part of your life and you might start facing a terrific change. But all you should think about at this time is to take care of yourself. Maybe this could be the best time for you to focus on your relationships, focus on your health, and take time for yourself in reflecting on your needs and wants. Before you start on your next path, take some time to deal with the present before jumping back into the workforce. You could also explore new fields of work that you always wished to try but never got the opportunity and time for. Take this opportunity for self-care and self-reflection.
Update Your Resume
It is important that your resume is up to date before applying for further opportunities. If you are a person who has been working for a few years, it is time for you to update your resume or make a new one.
List down all the experiences, skills, and pieces of training that you gained in all the years while working and include them in your profile. Also, you can refer to various job descriptions from your previous positions and current job postings that are relevant. If at any point you find it difficult to make a resume, start looking out for samples on the internet that are relevant to your position or industry. You can also read about how to make a good resume on the internet.
Upgrade Your Hard and Soft Skills
It is vital that you utilize this time to get ahead of your peers and take advantage of improving and developing the skills that are relevant to your industry or job. Learn new software, learn new languages, or develop your communication skills.
Whatever you think will help you in your future job, start mastering those skills at this time. For example, advancing your knowledge about software that you are already working on can help you make a difference when finding opportunities for a job. The competition in the future is going to be cut-throat and to survive in this battle start upgrading yourself at this time.
Parnas Ghosh
Practice Interviews
It is very important for you to have professional body language, the right amount of confidence, and the ability to answer the questions of the interviewers thoughtfully. Interviews in the future are not going to be lenient in any way as the employer wants to hire the best talent possible. You can utilize this time of yours in practicing the interviewers with your family members or friends. Take some time to research the company where you apply so that you can answer the questions with specifics.
Start Applying For New Jobs
After giving yourself time and space, it is important you start finding a new job for yourself. In such unprecedented times, it is difficult to find a job that pays you according to your demands, but if you have the talent and you can contribute more than what the company demands, you will get a job. Reach out to your personal network, start sending check-in messages to former colleagues, and start applying online and certainly you will get calls for interviews.
Best Platforms to Visit for the Job
| Portals | Reason |
|---|---|
| For job search, and updates from the corporate World. You can also connect with people. | |
| Angel.co | For Startup jobs near you or remote. |
| Indeed | For posting and hiring for any job. |
| Naukri.com Naukrigulf.com | For job search in India and Gulf. |
| Glassdoor | For reviews about Companies and Startups. |
| Monster | For global job opportunities. |
| SimplyHired | For global employers and job opportunities. |
Talk About Your Termination
When you apply for new jobs, certainly, the organizations will ask you about your termination and how you handle it in interviews. Start preparing for similar questions even before attempting the interviews. Prepare the answers to such questions in the most positive light. Be confident, honest, and prepared to talk about your termination.
Be Positive, Stay Calm, and Keep Trying
Generally, people ask how to cope emotionally when getting fired. Such difficult times do not mean that this is the end of your career. Rather, take it as an opportunity to define your career goals, your ambitions, and your desires. Work hard, and be calm, patient, and positive. Following these techniques will certainly help you in dealing with stress when you are fired.
Conclusion
Getting over a job is never easy, however, life won’t stop even if you get so. The most important thing to do after losing your job is to not stop believing. After the Covid 19 outbreak, many individuals lost their job. Follow the steps mentioned above to tackle your situation. Remember, getting fired is not the end of your story, instead, it’s the end of a chapter and marks the beginning of a new one.
FAQs
When you get terminated from a job does it go on your record?
Yes, But it does not mean the employer will show it to any other organization. Generally, Employers are required to keep your record for 1 year from the date of termination.
If you get terminated from a job, can you apply again?
Yes or no, it depends on what reason you have been terminated. Generally, you can re-apply based on the conditions.
What happens when you get fired from a job?
Companies do full and final settlements within a stipulated time.
How to get a job after being fired for poor performance?
Reflect on why you got fired and work hard on that skill and then re-apply somewhere else.
If I get fired, what am I entitled to?
Based on the contract, you will get everything along with your salary.
