Getting fired for poor performance can impact your career goals. Finding a new opportunity after the job loss in such cases is difficult. There is a lot of pressure on a candidate with low performance issues on their report card.
Even the hiring managers at several companies are particular about why a person was fired by last employer. And with any candidate with a case relating to performance issues, hiring for any job role is a complete no-no for these hiring managers.
In this article, we will explain how to get a job after being fired for poor performance and how you can work on yourself for future employers.
How to Get a Job After Being Fired for Poor Performance
It may take some time to accept that your performance has led to you getting fired. But it is not something you cannot work on. Such situations allow us to learn from our mistakes, hold ourselves accountable for our actions and help us become better professionals for the future job hunt.
To explain further, here are some pointers to consider when job hunting now:
1. Reflect on What Happened
You may find it hurtful or embarrassing to think of a situation that caused you to lose your job, but it is only for the best. Give yourself the time to recover from this, heal, and understand what went wrong. It would help you learn and grow into a better person.
2. Create a Plan
Once you know the problem and what is causing it, the next thing to do is work on a plan. You must create a path to get back into the corporate arena and find a good job.
Work on the things where you lag or improve your skill set to match the employer’s requirements. It might also help if you can fix the problem with your existing skillset and see what you can do to improve it.
Looking for short-term courses or certifications to upgrade relevant skills is also a good idea. You could then use the certifications to apply for new jobs.
3. Request Recommendations
You could ask for positive reference from the former coworkers you have worked closely with in the past. Their reference for a new job position may prove beneficial as they are ones you were engaged with for regular activities.
Reaching out to a superior or a former boss with a good relationship may help you get the necessary support on any job recommendations.
It is also a good idea to check with your superiors or previous employer to write a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile. Moreover, see if you can find people to endorse your skills on different professional sites.
These recommendations would get you the attention you deserve from a potential employer.
4. Revise Your Resume
Do not forget to update your resume after you were fired from your last job. All the professional activities you were involved in or courses you have completed should be mentioned in the resume. It would be beneficial if you rearrange these details to show your progress since the job loss.
Write the resume in a reverse chronological order and add any improved skillset, overall experience, and other qualifications. Under this, you could also write the job description to help a potential employer consider you for the role based on the resume.
You could also add any volunteer work under the work related activities to make a good impression during the interview.
5. Update Your Cover Letter
Since your last employment, things must have changed for you professionally. Mention those changes and how you have improved since then in your cover letter and attach it to the resume.
Although you want to focus on what you learned during the gap time you got due to job loss, you might want to stay away from a question relating to why there was a gap in the first place. It is best to highlight how your skillset and certifications can help you with a new position in the cover letter.
6. Practice Answering Questions
Be ready to answer questions about the gap since you were last employed and why you got fired from the previous job role. You must remember that honesty is always a good thing, and you must share all relevant details, keeping the conversation minimal to what is necessary.
You should give details of the situation that led to your last employer’s decision and inform them that you understand and respect their decision.
You could also take responsibility for what happened during the job interviews. It would have a good impression on the interviewer. Remember to be positive when speaking of your previous employer, as a negative remark may get you tagged as the disgruntled employee fired for bad performance.
7. Discuss Your Plans for Improvement
If the question relates to why you are fired up, be upfront and explain to them about your dissatisfactory performance. You could also add what you learned from your mistakes and how you are working towards improving those areas in your skillset.
It is also suggested to share how you would have dealt with the problem and what you would do differently to avoid a potential job loss situation.
8. Address Other Concerns
During the job interview, you may get asked questions about why you worked with the company. If you have changed jobs frequently, it may be an area of concern as many employers do not prefer people who switch jobs at short intervals.
In answer to such a skeptical statement, you could explain everything you learned in your short tenures at all jobs you have ever had. A takeaway from each new company would add as a plus, compelling the employers to consider you.
What Should I Do After I Get Fired for Poor Performance Without Warning?
After you are let go due to poor performance issues, you should follow the below steps to ensure you stay on track:
- Don’t Lose Hope; Stay Motivated – You must remember that losing a job is not the end of the world or your professional career. You can get back up and find a better opportunity that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
- Talk to Your Former Employer – Before leaving, make sure you speak to your previous employer and take their feedback on what went wrong. Having a last good conversation with a former employer is a good idea. It helps them understand better and support you while ensuring you leave on positive terms.
- Pay Attention to the Positive Lessons – You must focus on the positives in such situations. Getting fired may finally help you pursue your career goals. Many people keep working in the same company for years, fearing that they will never be able to find a better opportunity. This is your chance to look for better opportunities with higher salaries and designations.
- Work on Your Skills– If you don’t wish to look for a new job right after being fired, this might be a good time to polish your skill set. You could also try new courses that can add value to your resume.
Tips for Getting a Job After Being Fired for Poor Performance
Here are a few tips to help you find an opportunity after you’ve been fired for poor performance:
- Be Honest
During an interview, being candid about the gaps in employment history or why you were asked to leave can be challenging but it always helps. Based on what the interviewer asks, it is essential that you give genuine answers instead of automated responses.
- Limit What You Share
While being honest is one of the most important things in an interview, remember not to overshare. You want to keep the interview short and precise. Sharing details that may seem unimportant to you may cause an opportunity loss. So, be careful, and think before you give an honest response on the work history.
- Monitor Your Emotions
It would help if you did not get emotional about being fired from your last job or your manager, and respond with negativity. It can cause some damage if you talk about your last manager with such emotions. Interviewers prefer a calm candidate who does not talk bad about their previous manager just because they were fired.
- Show What You’ve Learned
Your skillset is all you need to prove your efficiency. If you have worked on your skills or gathered learning from past experiences, showcase it during the job interview. You could also use such information on your resume to explain how you can be a value addition to the hiring manager.