Recovering From Being Fired From a Job

Attitude may be the rocket fuel, but it won't take you anywhere unless you have a ship where you can tank it up. What goes into the most sure-fire plans to nail a job?

Realize that getting a job is a job. Getting a job is tougher than keeping the job you just lost. Create a routine and stick to it. Get online and stay abreast of industry news. Find mentors - who have jobs! - and have them help focus your goals and tactics. Most importantly, network every way and every day!

Forget blame. The best recruiters will tell you it doesn't matter who was at fault. There's no bittersweet in bitterness. Your next employer wants to know what you learned from your experience. How did it make you smarter and more mature?  Unless you're a darn good swimmer, don't burn bridges. Your last company may not be a sweetheart, but they can be a key gatekeeper to contacts and how you are seen in the marketplace. An employer may have let you go, but most don't want enemies. Make the attitude mutual. After Dr. Bernadine Healy was cut loose as President of the American Red Cross, she stayed positive. She told me the people who ousted her were mostly well-meaning
folks who didn't have the full picture.

Road test your message. Don't wing interviews. Try your pitch out on trusted friends and advisors first. Remember, no one will hire you because you need a job. You'll get a job because they need you. 

Research the prospect. The Internet is the most powerful library in world history. Surf through everything you can about your prospective company. Discover their goals. And, map out what you can do to help them get there.

En route to winning two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, coach Bill Belichick was fired by the Cleveland Browns. His philosophy is straight and simple. "Harvey," he said, "I don't worry too much about the decisions I can't control."