You're Fired! Now What?

Whether it comes from Donald Trump or your local nonprofit boss, the words "You're fired!" hurt like a big ol' sucker punch! When the pain of job termination eases, you'll probably need to hit the job search trail.

Before you can start looking for a job, you need to decide if you want to:

• Stay in the same occupation; or
• Try your hand at something different

In either case, here are some ideas to get your job search going:

• Spread the word in your personal and professional networks that you're looking for a new job in your most recent occupation or let them know about your desire to make a career change. Networking is one of your best tools for getting your foot in the door for a job interview.
• Update your resume. Use a chronological resume format if you're staying in your former line of work; or use a combination resume format if you're making a career change. By the way, there's no need to mention that you got fired when listing your last job on your resume.
• Get plugged into online blogs and social networks where you can get and stay current with your occupation's job market.
• Read newspapers and relevant trade journals regularly to keep up on industry trends and see what jobs are posted.
• Get out of the house. Instead of trying to conduct your job search entirely at the computer, network in person, research the job market at the library, go to career fairs, attend in-person job support groups, and hang out with colleagues.
• Prepare for job interviews, including how you'll answer the inevitable question, "Why did you leave your last job?"

There is life after job termination and you're going to prove it! Take one day at a time, one step at a time, and you're bound to land a new job.

For more help on moving on with your job search after getting fired, check out these posts:

The Pink Slip Blues
Surprise Job Termination
Wrongful Termination
Terminated and Moving On
Creating a Fresh Start for Your Work Life