Coping with Termination and Unemployment

Coping with Termination and Unemployment

As a National Executive Recruiter, I talk to at least 70+ people a week about different career opportunities for companies. One minute, I could be asking a Programming Analyst about his Java experience then the next moment an Administrative Assistant about her typing skills.

While speaking with various job candidates, I surprisingly turn into a life coach or counselor. Candidates ask many questions from: “Are there jobs in South Florida?” to “Do you think I should leave my current position for x, y, and z reason?”

However, the top two questions that I consistently receive are:  

1)   I was terminated or laid off! How do I explain this?”  

2)   I haven’t worked in more than 6 months, what should I do to be competitive in the job market? 

For this blog, I will discuss the first question: 1)  I was terminated/laid off/framed. How do I explain this?”

As most of us are aware, the unemployment rate has a five-finger, death grip on the African American community, which stands at 16.2% and probably 20% if we count employees who are stuck in part-time, low paying, or volunteer positions.

Then add the grief of being fired from a position or/and not finding work within six months… to be honest, I can not think of too many other things that can truly crush your soul when it comes to your career. 

If you are framed (aka set-up) and forced to quit or terminated just remember, it happens to the best of us!  I promise it certainly does. Remember you are not the first person to face this situation and this may not be your last.

So when interviewing with potential new employers, keep it positive and brief.

Personally, I strongly recommend not going into a dissertation about the circumstances and what ever you do, DO NOT talk bad about your former employer – EVER!

I recommend bringing up the termination before you are asked about it and turning the conversation into a positive.  This is not easy by any means.  You may need to write down your thoughts and practice.

Here are two examples to help you get started:

1.     “The company was great but the job description was not what I expected so, the manager and I decided that I should move on. However, while in the position I have received written references from….” 

Or 

2.     “Even though the company has relocated to X,Y,Z state or country, I was the most successful customer service representative.  I won Employee of the Month…..”

Keep it Short, Simple, and Sweet….Sweet meaning end the statement with something positive.  Something you learned, won, or even written references from your previous employer.  

Stay Positive!

Joveline 

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