Jenna Mantis 
Keep that chin up! Here's how to bounce back from being fired.
You've been fired. It sucks, we know, but don't panic! The next steps you take are crucial to moving on and proactively finding something that's a better fit, and not to mention, something you'll love.
Our network of resume writers features over 1,000 professional writers across a variety of industries who have worked with job seekers in every situation under the sun. From career changers to older workers re-entering the workforce to recent grads, career veterans, those who gave two weeks notice, and those who were given a pink slip, they've seen it all.
Our writers are trained to help every job seeker create a resume that can get them through even the toughest of job searches. If you've found yourself in an unemployment pickle, our resume writers have some words of wisdom to share to get you through this time.
Don't panic
"Don't panic and don't tell the whole world what happened. Take the time to create a new resume that best reflects your goals and is tailored to the type of job you're going to pursue next. You can also say something like “I had done what I set out to do and was ready to explore new challenges,” which sounds truthful and won't make you look defensive. Never complain about your former company or boss!" – TopResume resume writer, Joanna
Don't badmouth
"Never speak badly of a past employer. Provide minimal information and only if asked. Keep any explanation short and concise. 'The company was downsizing and I was considering making a job change, so I felt it was a good time to do so.' 'My employer and I had philosophical differences that couldn't be resolved.'” – TopResume resume writer, Cheryl
Don't get discouraged
"Don't get discouraged, it happens to the best of us. The important thing is to get your resume together and move forward. You don't even have to mention you were terminated." – TopResume resume writer, Keith
Don't make excuses
"If the hiring manager finds out, don't make excuses. Show the hiring manager what you learned from the situation and how you've improved yourself." – TopResume resume writer, Mark
Don't lie
"Depending on why, be honest about what you learned. 'We mutually agreed it was time to part ways' works as well – considering you are not currently chained to your desk refusing to leave, this is technically true." – TopResume resume writer, Carrie
Ultimately, it depends on circumstances
"This ultimately depends on the circumstances. If a company ceased operations or was purchased by another company that re-staffed entirely, candidates often ask to have this included on a resume as a final bullet in a job description/noted in the title of the company and I generally approve of this. It shows that the client being let go had nothing to do with performance.
As a more overarching rule regarding layoffs and firings, though, I don't generally recommend that clients detail out the situation in the resume itself. Instead, I feel that an honest explanation given in a cover letter or discussed in an interview is fair. I always advise against a client lying about a situation; I've had clients ask about using different job titles, etc. and always tell them to be as honest as possible in reflecting oneself." – TopResume resume writer, Lauren
Move forward
Now, take some deep breaths, put together a game plan, stay positive, and be honest! You've got this.
Want to make sure your resume is ready for a new job search? Let us help with a professional resume rewrite!
Recommended Reading:
- You've Been Fired. What Now?
- 5 Signs You're About to Be Fired
- How to Tell If a Layoff Is Coming and How to Prepare