You’ve lost your job. Now what?
No matter the situation, when you are let go from a job the pit in your stomach takes time to go away. And after some 20 years as a professional, I have some simple guidance for the person who just lost their job and doesn’t quite know what to do next.
Step 1) Tell someone important to you.
Along with fears about your financial situation, one of the most common initial feelings people experience when they are released is a sense of shame. “Will my partner judge me for this? Will my kids be disappointed in me? What will my friends think when they hear I was let go?”
It’s all normal, and one thing you can do is face that shame head-on and make the call to someone who cares about you. In my world at SalesFirst Recruiting and HiringStint, that person is often a significant other. But it could also be a parent, a roommate, friend, or family member. With whomever it is that you share your news, just ask them to accept the situation and support you while you get back on your feet. “Today I was let go from my job. I’m going to come home and relax for a bit. This weekend I want to go for a nice long hike and try to get my mind straight. Do me a favor, when you see me, just give me a bit of space so I can try to reconcile everything. I’ll give you the details tomorrow morning.”
Step 2) Take a few days off for yourself. Caveat… Our blogs at SalesFirst Recruiting and HiringStint are often for building your long-term career. So if you absolutely must skip this step because hiking in the woods won’t pay the rent, I get it. But, if you have a rainy-day fund and can afford to take some days off for your mental health, your future self might thank you for it. Typically, people are released on Fridays, so consider taking the weekend and doing something you love. Get to the outdoors. Golf with your friend. Read a few books. Take your family to the movies. Whatever makes you feel whole is what you should be doing. When you start interviewing, it’s crucial that you are in the right state of mind, and this is something I’ve been recommending for quite some time.
Step 3) Accept the situation Forgive anyone who has “wronged” you by being realistic about your situation. It’s time to accept the rules of the game. It’s time to understand that businesses make tough decisions all the time, and this one affected you. Sure, you may have been the victim of a Macchavellian corporate ladder climber, but it’s more likely you just weren’t a perfect fit for the company. If the job didn’t pay you millions or bring you unbridled happiness, then be truthful with yourself about your mistakes, and see where you can correct any behaviors for the future.
Step 4) Take action & interview with maturity. You’re ready to start networking and applying for jobs, but there’s still that pesky little matter of being let go. It’s embarassing, right? I’ve been recruiting for 11 years now, and the piece of advice that gives my candidates the most peace is when I teach them how to interview with maturity. It’s a simple method for removing your emotion, displaying accountability & acceptance, and showing some confidence. And it all comes from telling the truth. When an employer asks you why you left the company, try something like this:
“Thanks for asking about how I left ABC company. Last week I was released from the role. It was performance related, and I don’t fault them for making the move. They were terrific to me for many years, and in hindsight I was in need of a new challenge; they just realized it before I did. I researched your company, btw, and I found the products to be really interesting.”
“I was laid off from ABC company along with 12 others. It was a disappointment, but I understood why they had to do it. I was thrilled to see that you responded quickly to my resume, and I know exactly how to grow from this experience.”
“I was recently released from my job at ABC company. They probably made the right call in letting me go. The company is moving toward a new model where my skills wouldn’t be as useful. They were very respectful and professional, and I appreciate how they handled everything. Can we talk about your culture here at XYZ company?”
You will be surprised at how well your fellow human beings can handle the truth.
Adam Morris is the owner of SalesFirst Recruiting and HiringStint.
