How To Get A Job After Being Fired

Getting fired can be a surprise or it can be a clear consequence of your actions. According to the Canadian National Adult Literacy Database, the top 12 reasons for being fired are all connected to bad attitude and include things like lack of responsibility or loyalty, lack of respect for authority or colleagues, lack of enthusiasm for the work and lack of speed or attention to detail. If you've been fired for one of these reasons, correct your attitude before you search for a new job.

Step 1

Take at least a few days to cool off. If you can afford to take longer, do it. Being upset about the whole situation is normal, but it might affect your mood and attitude when you walk into your next interview. Badmouthing your previous employer can play against you, according to career-counseling website Quintessential Careers.

Step 2

Think about your next career move. Now might be the time for a career change or to branch out within your own profession. It could also be an opportunity to consider job opportunities in other cities. If you're willing to relocate, you can send out resumes to different areas.

Step 3

Update your resume. This is especially important if you were at your last job for a long time and don't have the most recent work experience on your resume. At least spruce up your resume by updating format and wording.

Step 4

Create a new list of references. Because you were fired from your previous job, it's even more important that you have other ex-employers vouch for you. Don't limit yourself to one person for each company. Have your supervisor, a colleague and a manager from the same workplace listed on your reference list. They can vouch for different aspects of your work ethic and knowledge.

Step 5

Be prepared to explain why you were fired. According to Quintessential Careers, being upfront about the issue will put you in a better light with a prospective employer. You don't have to offer a lot of details. You should never blame or criticize your former employer.