by Ted Sherman

Created on: September 05, 2008

Long retired after a very successful 40-year career, now I can admit my dark secret. I was fired once from a job. I didn't steal money, punch out someone nor commit sexual harassment. I just ticked off my bosses because I refused to back down from a decision I thought was correct.

Being canned hurt my ego as well as my pocketbook, and it didn't make it any easier knowing I wasn't actually fired. The bosses just asked me to hang around for a month or two, train my replacement, and then go away. I was even promised favorable references, but never really believed it would happen. I could just imagine the words on the letters: not a team player, stubborn, unable to take directions, etc.

So, what was I to do? Anger told me to say to hell with it, just take off immediately and let the replacement learn all by him/herself. However, logic told me the one- or two-month stay of execution would give me time while still on salary to find another job. I stayed and began working up my resume and portfolio of work samples.

Of course, not everyone gets the extra time I had, but the moment for going after that next job in any situation is to do it immediately. Don't take time off to sit at home and feel sorry for yourself. Update your resume, and if appropriate in seeking a new job, put together the best possible examples of your most recent work.

Hey, wait a minute. Will you list FIRED on your resume as it applies to your most recent job. Not if you want a new job. Try to find some less obvious reason, such as company reduced its workforce, I'm seeking better opportunities or I need to relocate. You don't have to tell lies, but soften the reason to be less damaging. Of course, if you've been kicked out for stealing, drug abuse, goofing off or harassing the boss' girlfriend, I can't help you. You're on your own, pal.

In my soon-to-be canned situation, I had the time and facilities to send out letters and resumes all over the map. I didn't necessarily want to stay in the same city, so it gave me considerable leeway in my search. Over the following weeks, I did get some responses. However, the job offers were for much lower rank and less money than I had been earning. I wasn't quite desperate enough to take one. At least not yet.

In addition to corporate jobs, I had also applied for teaching positions. I did get a few nibbles, but because I didn't have a master's degree, those offers were even chintzier than the lousy corporate jobs. Then, out of the blue came an offer from an Ivy League university.

I was accepted as a grad student/teaching assistant, with a small salary and free tuition at that high-priced institution. The university position didn't require references from my soon-to-be-lost job, just my undergrad grades and references from that college.

Of course, when I was fired, I lucked out to something far better, and it led eventually to a long, successful career. My recommendation for anyone who's fired is to write a new resume that emphasizes your strong points ... education, experience, work ethic, and if possible, offer to provide competent samples. Make the accompanying letter short, positive and to the point, and never, never complain about being fired without cause or otherwise unfairly treated at your most recent job.

Additionally, if you still have people at work, church, school or elsewhere who believe in you and are willing to help, have them provide you with positive reference letters to go along with your new resume and covering letter. And, good luck in your search!

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