9 important questions to ask when you’re being laid off (or fired)

Getting fired from your job can be devastating — especially if you have no secondary means of income. As of April 2023, layoffs and discharges stood at 1.6 million in the U.S.

While hearing you’ve been fired can be a shock to the system, you need to remain calm and handle the situation as well as possible. By doing this, you’ll avoid burning bridges and have a new job far quicker.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to respond when you’ve been fired. We’ll also give you tips on what to do next and how you should approach your future job interviews so you can land a new job.

How to respond when you get fired from your job

Here’s what to do when you get fired from your job.

1. Stay calm

Regardless of the situation and whether you were expecting your termination, staying calm is vital. Having an outburst will, undoubtedly, do more harm than good. Instead, you must demonstrate professionalism and respect — even if you’re upset about the news.

This will leave your previous employer or supervisor with a positive impression of you and could make them highlight your good qualities when future prospective employers call them as a reference.

2. Learn the reasons behind your termination

You need to ask your former employer to provide a reason why you were terminated. However, since this is a difficult conversation, it’s best to approach it gracefully and calmly so your past employer doesn’t feel attacked.

Some of the main reasons for employment termination are:

• Stealing
• Budget cuts
• Misusing company time
• Misusing company resources
• Your position isn’t necessary anymore
• The company is downsizing
• Drug or alcohol possession at work
• Having a poor attitude
• Poor work performance

This means layoffs can either occur due to situations out of your control or due to misconduct or poor performance. Understanding the reason for your termination could help you identify areas where you need to improve.

3. Ask if there are other options

If you get fired for reasons out of your control, such as budget cuts, you can ask your employer if other positions are available. They may be able to offer you a different role or suggest external opportunities.

4. Determine your outstanding compensation and benefits

The reason for your termination will greatly impact whether you qualify for severance pay. Think of the different employee benefits you had and determine what’ll happen to these benefits.

Some companies offer laid-off employees extended health insurance. You can consider consulting a lawyer for any paperwork involved or if you suspect unlawful termination (e.g., discrimination based on protected categories).

5. Get clear on your rights

You must be clear on your employee rights. While most employees are employed at will, your contract may still include conditions around termination. Review it carefully with legal assistance if needed.

6. Ask for references

If you’re on good terms with your previous employer, request a letter of reference. Even from a company that let you go, this can show professionalism and maturity.

7. Learn more about unemployment benefits

Promptly apply for unemployment benefits. Eligibility varies by location and firing reason. You may still qualify if you were terminated for reasons like downsizing or lack of skills — but not typically for serious misconduct.

8. Leave on good terms

Stay respectful and professional. Avoid burning bridges, as past employers can reappear in your professional path — either as references or networking leads.

How to recover after losing your job

You can take several steps to bounce back:

1. Don’t take it personally, and take time to process

Let yourself feel and reflect. Consider what worked, what didn’t, and what direction you want to take next in your career.

2. Sharpen your skills

Use this time to build hard skills (e.g., tech, tools) and soft skills (e.g., communication, collaboration). Here’s how to sharpen your soft skills.

• Computer skills
• Communication skills
• Teamwork

3. Improve your resume

Update your resume with new skills and achievements. These resume tips can help.

4. Reach out to your network

Tap your professional and personal network. Let people know you’re available.

5. Begin to search for a new job

Use Jobcase to browse jobs. Filter by location or remote roles depending on your preference.

6. Practice your interview skills

Review common interview questions, dress appropriately, and rehearse your responses.

How to discuss your termination in a job interview

Focus on the positives

Don’t criticize your former employer. Instead, talk about what you gained or learned from the experience.

Discuss what you learned

Use the STAR method to reframe the situation:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Results

Be truthful

Never lie. Instead, plan how you’ll explain the termination clearly and professionally.

Recover from your job loss

You're now equipped with strategies to bounce back from getting fired. Start by accepting the situation, then invest in upskilling, updating your resume, and reaching out to your network.

Stay prepared for interviews — and keep a forward-looking, positive outlook.

Improve your resume, connect with your community, and browse Jobcase jobs to take your next step.