About To Be Fired? Here's What To Do

Oftentimes, when people get fired or laid off, they saw it coming. They may have heard rumors or rumblings, felt a change in the atmosphere, or simply read the writing on the wall. And, in hindsight, they always wish they’d better prepared themselves.

So, if you see or sense a layoff or termination coming, take action and prepare yourself. Here are five things to do the minute you feel it coming:

1. Get your resume together. You will need it right away to get back on the market.

2. Make a list of your key accomplishments at the organization. You never know--if you can wow them with everything you've accomplished and show them how important you have been to the bottom line, you may be able to sell yourself back to the company or convince them not to let you go. In any event, it’ll help get you focused on your work and what you can offer.

3. Make a list of everything in your pay and benefits package. Think through your insurance, vacation time, etc. so you are ready to ask about it. The person doing the firing or layoffs will probably be as nervous as you, so being prepared is key.

4. Be nice. I know it may be hard to even consider being pleasant to the people who may be firing you, but you want to preserve the relationship as much as possible. They may hire you back. They may recommend you for another job or steer you in the direction of another company. Don’t burn bridges.

5. Keep it to yourself. You could be dead wrong, and you don’t want to rile people up or anger management. Just keep calm, carry on, and prepare for the worst.

And if you did get fired? Read this:

http://careerstonegroup.blogspot.com/2014/09/got-fired-heres-what-to-do.html

Good luck!

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For more information on Careerstone Group, visit www.careerstonegroup.com

For more from Mary Abbajay, visit www.careerstonegroup/media

Got Fired? Here's What To Do

You may have seen it coming, but it still feels like a kick in the stomach: You’re fired or laid off. Now what? Here are eight tips to help you through it:

1. Keep it together. Stay calm. Do not panic. You won’t be able to listen, absorb important information, or move forward if you panic. And no one will help you if you act out.

2. Get your papers together and prepare yourself. You will need documents and info for your meeting with HR and for moving on, including:

• Your resume
• A list of your accomplishments
• A complete list of everything in your pay and benefits package
• A list of any awards or certificates you’ve earned
• Contact info for all of your clients and colleagues

3. Be polite and professional. You want to preserve the relationship you have with your organization, manager, and HR, and if you remain calm and professional you’ll get more help. Don’t rant and rave and leave on a bad note. Don’t burn bridges.

4. Make a list of questions to ask, including:

• Why was I terminated or laid off?
• If it was for performance, what specifically?
• Will you give me a letter of reference or recommendation?
• How will we phrase my termination? Will I be able to say it simply wasn’t a good fit, or that my department was downsized? What will you tell prospective employers?
• If it’s a lay off, is there a prospective rehire date?
• What are you offering in my severance package?
• What about unused holiday, vacation, sick, or comp time?
• What about my 401K or retirement package?
• Can I keep my health insurance?
• Can I take my contacts or client files?
• Do you offer job training or placement services?

5. If they offer a non-compete, wait to sign it until you’ve had a chance to look it over, possibly with an employment attorney. I also would not sign it unless it was tied to a severance package. Ask for a few days to review the document and any package with it.

6. Start networking immediately. This is where being polite and professional helps a lot. Remember, everyone at your workplace is a potential contact or referral for you. People will remember how you handle this situation, and you want them to remember that you handled it with grace and dignity. Leave them impressed.

7. Wallow. You’re going to be upset, very upset. So go ahead and take three days to wallow in your misery. Lay on the couch. Eat ice cream. Watch all four seasons of Game of Thrones. But three days, that’s it. After that, get up and get started.

8.Then get back to work. Your new job is to get a new job. Get up everyday as if you are going to work: shower and dress, and sit at your desk to plan and execute your strategy. Don’t turn on the TV on play on the computer. Start looking immediately for a new job:

• If your old firm offers career placement or counseling services, set up an appointment right away.
• Build your network. Make a list of contacts. Contact friends, former colleagues, and coworkers. Make sure you get your story straight, and that they hear it from you. This doesn’t mean you should lie, but get your spin together. Don’t gossip or badmouth your boss or company.
• Redo your resume.
• Build your career. Take classes, develop new skills, make the changes you’ve been meaning to make. Learn something new. 
• Consider professional temp work. It’s always been a great way to land a job, and, as everyone knows, it’s easier to find a job when you are employed than unemployed.
• Stay positive and focused. The worst thing you can do is spiral downward into catastrophic thinking and feeling sorry for yourself. You’ve got to think positive and act professionally. 

When you get fired or laid off, the most important things to remember are to leave with professionalism and grace, keep a good relationship with your former employer and coworkers, and keep a positive attitude. Wallowing in self-pity will not land you your next job. But keeping your spirits up, your network alive, and your mind open almost certainly helps. Good luck!

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For more information on Careerstone Group, please visit my website.