>> How to deal with getting fired?

What the workforce is more apprehensive than getting laid off, is probably getting fired. While it could be totally your fault, there are those times, when it is more a matter of circumstances or bad luck. The key is to make sure that you analyse the situation properly before you launch your job search.

Undoubtedly, getting dismissed in this way brings up doubts about your employment record and prospects. You lose valuable references for the future.

Career experts say the best thing you can do is get back into the job market rather than sit around and get depressed. Look at this as a chance to give your career a fillip with a better opportunity.

But there is a way you can get over it and minimize the effect of getting fired. Here are some tips on how to get a handle the situation:

1. Ask for the reason: Your boss probably did not enjoy firing you. But ask for his reasons anyway. It might also be a way of avoiding any mistakes in the future. Also, ask if he could provide a reference and together work out an account of why you left. It is however, best that you are sure that his story will match yours, as any glitches will spoil your chances in case references are required.
   
   
2. It's not the end of the world: Once the termination actually happens, you will probably be tempted to get depressed and blame the whole world about your problems and fall into a self-pitying mode. Try and avoid this by objectively studying the circumstances and looking at both sides of the story, however, hard it may be.
   
   
3. Network: It is important that you stay in the radar of people who can help you. So make sure you circulate your resume, tell people you know that you are looking for a job and spread the word around.
   
   
4. Rework your resume: Maybe this is the time to give your resume that much needed makeover. Chuck out the old stuff and update your resume so that it gets the attention of your prospective employer. Highlight key achievements, assignments that you are particularly proud of. Make sure someone you know well goes through your resume. It is always better that someone checks your work before since you are too close to it and might not catch small mistakes.
   
   
5. Time to relocate?: This is one move that might be good for your career, especially if you feel you are stagnating in one place. While the prospect is slightly daunting, going to a new city, making new friends might be just the experience you needed to revive your career.
   
   
6. Think positive: Of course, the first thing would be to cry hell and high water to anyone who is willing to listen. However, if you give it some thought, you might also see where you can make improvements so as to avoid a similar situation from arising in the future. For your interview, talk about the good things that came out of working for the company and don't stress too much on the circumstances of your termination.
   
   
7. Present your side: While telling your story, you might be inclined to put all the blame on the other party. However, admit your shortcomings and what you've learnt in the process and how it has helped you to mature as a person. Whatever you do, don't beat yourself up in front of a prospective employer.
   
   
8. Be prepared for hard times: You should be aware of the fact that there are chances that employers do not wanting to hire because of your recent record. However, don't get discouraged. And hope for the best.

And finally, it's not the end of the world, so while it will be harder to find a job, there are definitely people who will give you a chance once they are convinced of your talent.

In case you cannot get a reference, because of obvious reasons, line up other references that are either personal or from people at earlier workplaces that you might still be in contact with. Make sure you have a good strategy in place when you are approaching someone for a job. Be suitably repentant, but don't act like a victim.

And it should be too long before you get yourself a job.