Boo! How To Tell Your Scary Story

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Interviewing, Job Seekers, Random, Resources, Search Strategy, Sector Switcher Stories

Published October 26, 2009 @ 06:59PM PT

October brings apple cider, chilly air, fall leaves and, for many, celebrations of ghosts and goblins with costumed children yelling "Trick or Treat" around the neighborhood.  Yet, if you are one of the many staring down a hole in your resume, you might worry that your own professional tale is the spookiest things going this Halloween.

Don't worry, you are not alone.  More than half of all employees will, at some point in their lives, get fired.  It's a haunting statistic, and one that doesn't even include the many that choose to exit on their own terms before they're officially handed their pink slips. And, while getting fired might very well be the most frightening thing that's ever happened to you, it could, in fact, turn out to be the best thing that's ever happened to you if you muster your authenticity, creativity, courage, and energy to land an even better position. 

Ask any person who's been fired for advice, and they usually talk about the danger of being too reactive or not proactive enough in their next job search.  The first step, then, is to take a breath and figure out what happened.  The sooner you're able to understand why you were fired, laid off, or reduced in staff and then plan for recovery, the faster you'll land your next job.  What are some other strategies to consider?  Here is a quick list (here's the full article):

1. Schedule a party. Yes, a party. It's really important to reach out to your family and friends during this difficult time. Ask for help and take as much time as needed to figure it out.
2. Tell your own story. Hopefully the party gave you the chance to heal your spirit enough to launch a new job search. Next, make sure you know how to answer with confidence and honesty the toughest question you'll be asked: "Why were fired?"  There are a whole host of reasonable answers that, at once, tell the truth without badmouthing the parties involved; the most important thing, however, is that you should never, ever lie.
3. Maximize your references.  Don't burn your bridges with a former boss or colleagues, as they can be strategic references moving forward.  If you haven't thought about this, it's essential that you think carefully about your references and who they are.
4. Press Rewind.  If you haven't been in your position for long, go back to those who knew you before you hit this bump and reaffirm your relationship.  Former colleagues are an amazing asset during a job search, even those from three or four jobs past. It's important to foster key relationships again as you launch your new job search.  
5. Be prepared for starts and stops.  The reality of the current job market is that it's difficult for all job seekers but, unfortunately, worse for those with a complicated past. If you've got a story to tell, you'll need to be doubly prepared for a bumpy search. 

You may feel like you'll never land a new job, but you will. It make take some time and no question, it's a scary time.  If you want more advice, read the Boo! in its entirety.  Happy Halloween and don't forget the candy corn! (don't you love the pumpkin carving?!)

(Photo Credit: http://www.donotcolorme.blogspot.com)