SITUATION: I was recently fired and I’m not certain how to move past it. I’m devastated!

SITUATION REVIEW: There’s no question about it, being let go or fired can be one of life’s most stressful experiences. Regardless of the reason for your dismissal, you can easily find yourself struggling with all types of emotions ranging from embarrassment, anger, fear, and even depression. Certainly, the big question we often ask ourselves is, “How will I ever find a new job after I was let go?”

SOLUTION: To help with your transition I suggest you look to your future. It can be difficult getting past the “being fired” part, but you must move on! You have two choices: you can continue to live in a negative space and dwell on the past or you can decide to look to your future and learn from this experience. Yes, this is a learning experience and you must take ownership.

Spend some time taking professional inventory of the reasons why you were dismissed. I understand this can be painful, however, it’s the first step to moving forward. Whatever you do, don’t play the “blame game.” Take full responsibility and turn this negative into a positive. Reach out to mentors or outsiders to help you grow in an area where you found a weakness. Lastly, freshen up your resume, portfolio, and cover letter. It’s your time to shine so update these interview tools to highlight your successes and your strengths. There is no reason to mention your dismissal at this point.  

Be prepared to answer questions that you fear most in your future interviews. You know what I’m talking about, the dreaded, “Why did you leave your last job?” question. Honesty is the best policy so be honest with your potential new employer. Share what you have learned in the difficult process and what personal commitments you have made to improve and become a more well-rounded team member.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY: Life is full of ups and downs and every hiccup is a learning opportunity. Being dismissed from a previous job doesn’t have to be the end of your career. If you look at it as an opportunity to grow and develop as a professional, you will become a more valued team member than you could ever imagine. 

Photo: Shutterstock | Floral Deco

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