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Caroline

11/09/20 at 6:23PM UTC

Career

Recently Terminated

I was just terminated from my job about an hour ago. I’ve updated my resume but am dreading starting the job searching process again. I see this as an opportunity to get an even better job after growing my skill base at my previous job, but I would really appreciate any advice on how to turn this experience into a positive opportunity.

17 Comments

Amanda

11/09/20 at 6:43PM UTC

I'm sorry this happened to you. The good news is that the job market is on the up-swing. Update your LinkedIn profile ASAP, not just your resume. Google how to optimize your profile and take the time to do it all. Make a list of 10 jobs you want and the skills you have to get those jobs- if you're missing skills use resources to train up or get certified. Run your resume through JobScan or a similar tool to see where you have deficits and make a plan to fill those holes or optimize your resume. Reach out to your network thru LinkedIn and email. In today's environment losing your job is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed by. Be direct with them, citing your skillset and the type of role you're seeking.

Jacquelin Lalor

11/09/20 at 7:52PM UTC

Great comments above, but I would add that you also need to give yourself time to grieve the loss. This is an "and" situation, acknowledge the hurt and hold space for a brighter future.

1 Reply

Jennifer Nuest

11/10/20 at 12:25AM UTC

Ditto this advice! I lost my job during the last recession and did not take appropriate time to allow myself to grieve the loss. Make sure you give time for this and not be hard on yourself. It is a roller coaster of emotions especially during the job search. Be open and embrace the possibilities! A couple podcasts I turn to when I need comfort and to be reminded we all need to take time for emotions are Everything Happens and Terrible, Thanks for Asking.

KimmieFH

314

Reach your goals through positive connections

11/09/20 at 8:12PM UTC

Girl, I've been there! It's a kick in the gut but you have exactly the right attitude. Take this time to explore inward and outward. This is a great opportunity to clarify who you are and your direction apart from your previous job title or employer. I know it may seem cliche but networking and personal branding will help you immensely. It takes you from seeking to being sought after. Another thing I'd like to address is to expect a roller coaster. Some days you will feel the weight of the world and others you will feel giddy with hope. Check in with yourself consistently and find your balance. Keep a running list of situations you remember you performed well in/exemplified your skills. This will come in handy when you are interviewing but even more, when you are feeling the lowest because you haven't gotten a call and you start to question your abilities, you can refer to this list and remind yourself that you have proven your skills before. I am actually just about to start a free career coaching group tomorrow. If you would be interested in joining and available Tuesday mornings 7am-8am EST (starting tomorrow) for 8 weeks I have room to include you! I normally do 1-on-1 coaching so I'm testing this format out and only asking for your honest feedback at the end. Personal Branding will be a piece we focus on so this could be perfect timing. If you are interested email me at [email protected] and I'll send you the zoom invite tonight.

Jennifer Thompson

11/09/20 at 8:40PM UTC

Hi Caroline, Definitely been there. But both times I looked back and realized I ended up in a much better place. I didn't know how unhappy I was until I left those places. Definitely use linkedin and Kimmie's offering great advice. I was lucky in that my last termination included career counseling!

Alee Reed

Performing Arts Professional

11/09/20 at 8:57PM UTC

Caroline, I would like to commend you for taking swift action -- within an hour's time you have updated your resume and reached out for help! I second the actionable advice from Amanda and Kimmie above. And I also agree with Jacqueline about giving yourself time to grieve. Wishing you all the best in your transition.

Erica Oliveira

Strategic Communications Leader

11/09/20 at 9:42PM UTC

Echoing the other comments of taking time to process. Be kind to yourself. I've found there will be some days where I feel I can take on the world, and others, not so much. And that's all ok. I also recommend retaining some semblance of structure to your day to move your body, search, network, but then also make time for those things that you weren't quite able to get to while fully employed.

Kimberly Olmo

118

11/09/20 at 9:45PM UTC

Take time to process everything. But you do have a great attitude and that’s the best way to start! Things are on the upswing, but, depending on your situation (how quickly you need to find a job), you may take a job and it won’t be the perfect fit. That’s okay too! These are uncertain times and you will get where you want to be! Just take it one day at a time.

Maryana Ivlev

Supply Chain Professional

11/09/20 at 11:10PM UTC

You already have a positive start by naming it "an opportunity." Kudos to you! If you still can, please check with your peers and/or manager if they would give you a good reference. Many companies insist to stay neutral, so even neutral would be helpful. If you have peers who also got recently terminated, team up with them to find positive things about each other. Pay it forward on LinkedIn. Write good reviews to people you enjoyed working with. They are more likely to write you one in return, but don't insist. Best of luck!

Leigh Nightingale

Virtual Executive Assistant.

11/10/20 at 9:16PM UTC

Hey Caroline - so sorry to hear this. It's tough and can feel like a real kick in the guts. I got laid off/terminated 2x times since turning 50 so I feel your pain! Lots of good advice in this thread - I would add that this is a great time to take stock of where you're at in your career and life. I took a minute to re-asses what I was good at and what I love to do. Taking the time to do that inventory allowed me to pivot and start a new career that's on my terms and allows me to work remotely. Best thing I ever did! I also took the time to upskill in a few tech areas which never hurts. Just remember - you got this!

Alysson

Communications Specialist

11/10/20 at 11:21PM UTC

I'm very sorry to hear this Caroline. I was in your shoes about 4 years ago and it was a gutting experience, no question. I would reiterate that if possible, take the time to decompress, grieve and recover. Or perhaps this is not as negative as I am assuming and you are more dreading the job hunt again. The job hunt can be a challenge but there are so many great ways to set yourself up for success, including the great articles on this website. You might find with some "time off", that once you are ready, the job search might be an exciting and interesting one where you can follow your passion or explore new and exciting opportunities. This is what happened to me and I could not be happier. Wishing you best of luck!

Karisa Karmali

772

Founder of Self-Love and Fitness

11/11/20 at 12:21AM UTC

Youtube: Abraham Hicks - Job Loss - the most accurate way of processing, onto better. This is making space for what is truly worthy of your time and talents, keep going!

1 Reply

Caroline

11/11/20 at 11:27PM UTC

I love Abraham Hicks!

1 Reply

Karisa Karmali

772

Founder of Self-Love and Fitness

11/12/20 at 2:19AM UTC

Your drive and resilience make my heart sing.

Serena

150

Account Manager

11/11/20 at 2PM UTC

Post on linkedin! I am seeing so many people share posts of members who lost their jobs and helping them network. You can also turn on the OpenToWork hashtag. Try opportunities.linkedin.com. Best of luck to you!

Beth

Talent Cultivator. Doer.

11/12/20 at 2:12PM UTC

As part of the healing process, I would also be sure the people who support and appreciate you know about your change in status. Then, stir your network.

Anonymous

11/12/20 at 2:38PM UTC

I am impressed at your ability to pick yourself off the floor and focus on anything, let alone your resume (!) within an hour of termination. Having been through this a couple times, as others have said, take the time to clear your head. Even for a week! You have skipped the grieving of the loss step and it will come back to haunt you if you don't process it.