The Career Doctor's Cures & Remedies:
"How do I go about looking for a new job after being fired/terminated/downsized?"
by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.
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 cliche, 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.
Who is the Career Doctor? Learn more, read his current career column, or browse the column
archives when you visit the Career Doctor's homepage.
Dr. Randall S. Hansen is a nationally recognized career and job-search expert.
He is founder of Quintessential Careers,
one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of
EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and
EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of
Quintessential Careers Press,
including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter,
QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a
published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He's often
quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Finally, Dr. Hansen is
also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years. Visit his
personal Website or
reach him by email at randall(at)quintcareers.com.
Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information
(definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search
terms by going to our Job-Seeker's
Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.
