If you have recently been dismissed from a position, received a bad reference or think you may receive a bad reference it can be tough figuring out your next move. Here are a few tips to help you put a strategy in place in order to move forward:

Confront the problem

The first thing you need to do is take a step back and take the time you need to come to terms with what has happened, accept the reasons for your dismissal or bad reference and realize that only you can get yourself back on to the career path you want. Whether or not you were at fault, you need to be ready to move on and find a positive way to move forward.

Damage Control

Before you begin your job search you need to take some steps to minimize the effect your current situation will have on your job search. If you have not yet received a bad reference but think you will, one of the first places to start may be using the straight forward approach. If you are able to do so in a professional manner, contact your former supervisor, explain that there are no hard feeling and tell him/her you intend to search for another job. Ask what they would say if a prospective employer were to call for a reference. This may help as if you know what they will say in advance you will be able to prepare for any issues that will arise further down the line or be addressed in an interview. In order to move forward you will be able see the issue as a ‘teachable moment’ and explain what you have learned from the situation.

Plan of action

Simple – Get another job! What is not so simple is how you go about this; firstly you need to get busy with your job-hunting techniques. Here are some ways you can try:

• Networking
• Resume scattering
• Door to door
• Use any connections you have

Tip: You DO NOT need to volunteer on your resume if you were fired from a previous position, there will be an opportunity to discuss this at a later stage. However under no circumstances lie about it if you are asked.

Next, use this opportunity as a chance to spruce up you resume. It’s likely that it’s not in the best shape it could be, so take this time to sit down and really think about all of your experience and how that translates on paper.

Addressing the issue

So you’ve made it to interview – now what happens?

If you were terminated or even if it didn’t get that far but things ended badly, when asked about your previous position(s) explain why you were fired, and try to make it sound like it was the right decision. Being gracious and positive can have an incredible effect – it can actually work in your favor at times. Make sure you explain that being fired is an opportunity to explore jobs that better suit you, ALWAYS arrive prepared to explain exactly why the job you’re seeking is just such an opportunity. Practice in advance what you are going to say and keep it brief but keep it honest!

Under no circumstances should you say anything negative about your former employer, this is vital as you will only come across as bitter and unprofessional. It is incredibly important that you don’t point fingers and blame others. That will suggest to a prospective employer that you don’t stand up and take responsibility.

Make use of good references

If you have good references from an earlier position, use them to back up why a prospective employer should take a chance on you. Likewise, if you have any former colleagues or management level staff who can give a positive reference on your departure this may help.

Be realistic

In the end you will need to be realistic, this means being prepared that you may lose out on some job opportunities. The reality is that some employers will not want to take the risk on someone who has been fired or has bad references, especially if they feel they have a more suitable candidate for their position. The fact is this can be the case whether you have been fired or not, so pick yourself up and move on to the next opportunity!

Good Luck!