Fired From a Job? Turn the Experience into a Positive On Your Resume

It is estimated that in 2016, 54,549 individuals in the U.S. were either laid off or fired each day. While the exact number of people who were fired isn’t known, this figure shows the high number of individuals who unexpectedly lose their jobs each year.

Whether you were recently let go from your job for a specific action that you took, or for no real reason at all, being fired can feel like the end of the world. Some wonder if their careers will ever recover, while others worry about how they’ll explain the firing to future employers. However, as shown by the data, if you’ve been fired, you are anything but alone.

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Four ways to turn being fired into a positive

Related: Choose the right professional resume writing service

First, get into a positive frame of mind

Practicing positive thinking isn’t just a fluffy concept used to cheer someone up. Science has proven that positive thinking and visualizations can actually lead to a longer life, higher rates of success, and a happier life. Prior to writing your resume, it is crucial to get out of your negative mindset. Whether you choose to meditate, practice yoga, or visualize getting a brand new job, creating a positive resume requires a healthy mindset.

If possible, don’t include the position on your resume

Although it is essential to be honest, you may not need to include the position on your resume. If you worked in your role for under three months, or if it was a part-time position that wasn’t related to your current career path, there really isn’t a strong reason to include the job on your resume. When this is the case, you can almost instantly break free of any damage caused by the firing.

Highlight your specific achievements

If there isn’t any way to avoid putting the position on your resume, there’s no need to fear. Even though your departure was negative, it doesn’t mean that you can’t highlight all of the positives from your role. In fact, it is crucial to accentuate what did go well. Did you change a process that resulted in a positive outcome? Did you produce work that delivered measurable results? Squeeze as many positive details out of your experience as possible.

Demonstrate learnings from your departure

Once you do land an interview, you will likely be asked about the reason for leaving your last role. While your answer needs to be honest, you should be able to explain what you learned from your departure. HR professionals and hiring managers interview people who have been fired every day. What they will want to see is that you’ve learned and that you’ve grown from the experience.

Getting fired can feel devastating. However, the event doesn’t have to damage your career. When looking for a new job, use the above strategies to turn the experience into a positive.

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Guest Blogger: Lucy Wyndham is a professional freelance writer, editor and mother of two, who decided to take a step back and work from home after spending a decade working in the finance and health industries. You can reach out to Lucy at lucywyndham.writer@gmail.com