Getting Fired; Ripping off the Scarlet Letter

Image courtesy of sscreations at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The first few days I started looking for a new job I was quickly reminded of my High School English class and the classic book the Scarlet Letter.   In the book, there is a lady who lived in the Puritan era whose husband sent her to America promising to follow soon afterward.  She ended up having an affair and a child presuming her husband died when he did not come when promised.  Forever after the people demanded that she wear a scarlet letter A representing adulteress so all would know her evil deed. She and her child were basically ostracized by the community until some twist in the plot turned things around.  I don't support adultery, but when you think about it getting fired can feel as if you have a label placed on you for all to read and judge you by.  Most applications have the question that those who have been fired dread.  Have you ever been terminated from any position?  I remember thinking this is going to follow me forever. There is usually a space to put an explanation, but you can't help but wonder if it is the death nail for your application.    It is tricky to navigate this question because you understand that proper protocol demands that you must not appear angry or bitter against your former employer yet you must explain what happened.

What twist can turn things around for the word fired?

1.  Decide what you are going to say
 Take some time to decide what you are going to say or write with the help of someone at the Career Center, a friend who has gone through it or even get some ideas from a web search.  Taking the stress out of your response is very helpful.   Remember what you say on an application may differ depending on the way the question is worded and if they require a small explanation or more detailed one.  Sometimes you can write something as simple as "will discuss" allowing for a simple explanation at the interview .  Having taken the time to think this over and write out a small explanation will help you in stressful situations to be prepared to give a good impression.

2.  Don't be negative
I know it may not seem fair, but you must guard against having a negative attitude toward a former supervisor or management personnel if you are called upon to explain in an application or job interview the reason you were let go.  Remember a prospective supervisor will take negativity to mean you are unable to be directed by someone in authority.  Rather simply state the problem and your willingness to seek new opportunities wishing the old company goodwill.      

3.  Work on changing your own mindset
I realize that there are those that will always have the mindset that the employee must be totally at fault otherwise why would they be in this predicament.  You cannot change everyone's mindset, but you can change yours.  You can give a short explanation and move on centering on your skills and your willingness to fit into the new work culture.  A lack of confidence will show like like a neon light the big letter F just as the woman in the story of the Scarlet Letter wore the letter of shame.  If you need to brush up on some skills take the time to do it now.  If you need help building a resume do it, a career center is a wonderful resource.  There is a job for you that will want you despite the fact you were fired and in order to find it your mindset has to become confident.  You must refuse to carry the shame of the letter and go past whatever happened and see Gods plan for your future.