What You Should Do When Handed A Sack Letter – Losing a job can be a frustrating experience, but it happens regularly in a variety of industries and occupations. Whether you expect to graduate or not, it’s important to understand how you can advance your career. By taking positive and proactive steps, you can increase your chances of finding a new job and making layoffs a thing of the past.
In this article, we discuss what you should do when handed a sack letter as well as how to prepare for being fired at work.
What You Should Do When Handed A Sack Letter
1. Remain calm
In either case, it is important to stand out from your company in a professional manner. Showing respect can show a high level of integrity that can make a positive impression on your supervisors and colleagues. It often helps to remain calm and professional during the closing, as you may need to get a recommendation or letter of reference from one of these people in the future.
2. Determine the cause
The reason for the layoff can affect your next steps, so it is important to determine if the layoff was for cause, as part of the layoff, or for other reasons.
It can occur for reasons beyond the control of the employee, such as layoffs, reductions, or mergers. Finding out the reason for the termination can help you set expectations for your employer and what you can do next.
3. Look into unemployment benefits
Unemployment insurance provides the unemployed with a modest income to help cover job search costs. Each state has different requirements and conditions for applying for unemployment benefits, and workers who are fired for misconduct may not be eligible. Since processing time can take weeks or months, it is helpful to apply immediately after the end of the contract.
4. Review benefits and owed compensation
Your reason for being fired often affects whether you qualify for severance pay. Laid-off workers often receive severance pay, although this is not a requirement. Laid-off workers are less likely to receive a seniority offer.
You may also receive extended health insurance and other benefits after your employment ends for any reason. If your company provides termination or separation documentation, you can work with an employment lawyer to help you understand this more effectively.
Legal assistance can be particularly helpful if you believe your job has been unfairly terminated, for example, for violating company policies or taking illegal action against you.
5. Ask for references
If you still have a good relationship with the employer, you can ask your supervisor or manager for a letter of recommendation before you leave. Having a reference from the employer that fired you can show future employers that you are a valuable asset no matter what the circumstances. It may be easier to get a letter if you are still in contact with your manager, so try to ask for the letter at that time.
6. Don’t Take It Personally
Companies take care of their benefits and it will not do you any good to punish yourself for a financial decision. Instead, keep your head up and focus on seizing the next opportunity.
7. Making a career change
If you are looking to gain a new qualification or make a career change, such as starting your own business, you can seek advice from the National Careers Service.
8. Know your rights
Your employment contract or employee handbook outlines your rights, including when, how, and why the company can fire you. You can review your employee’s benefits by reviewing your contract or handbook and comparing it to your state’s employment requirements. If you believe your employer is violating any of your rights, consider hiring an employment attorney.
9. Network for Information
It’s not about finding a job. It is up to you to assess what role you want to play next. Find out what’s happening in your field, who’s hiring, and what’s changing in the market. You can meet these people later when it’s time to network for opportunities, but for now, you’re just gathering information.
How Can I Prepare For Being Fired At Work?
1. Take all your personal items home.
It may sound ridiculous, but people bring their valuable and irreplaceable items to the office and are devastated when they lose them after a fire. Take it home now.
2. Remove any personal documents from your work computer/phone.
Don’t steal private information. You don’t want to do this. But many people use their work phones and computers for personal purposes. Photos of your children? A final copy of your resume? Make sure they are on your personal device.
3. Get copies of your performance evaluation and other required documents
If you think your termination was unfair or illegal, your performance review may show that you are a good employee. Yes, your lawyer can take them to court, but it’s much easier (and cheaper) if you have them.
If you signed the document, get a copy. Things like non-compete, and non-disclosure agreements depend on the actual language. Make sure you have a copy.
4. Update your resume
There is nothing like the present tense! You can use your performance review and goals to figure out how to include this current job on your resume.
5. Start active looking for a new job
It’s always easier to find a job when you have a job. Even though you still have a steady paycheck, having a few things lined up makes things easier.
6. Try saving your current work
Most people put this at the top of the list, but it can save a lot of work. Turn to your boss and say, “It sounds like you were not happy with my performance. Can we come up with a plan together to make things better? You won’t give your boss that idea.” It can help strengthen your business while you look for a new job.
Conclusion
Receiving a sack letter will be a shocking experience for you. These guidelines will assist you to get prepared for it in case it happens anytime.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
How do you say thank you after termination?
I’m writing you about the end date of your contract with [Name of company]. As the termination date approaches, I want to say thanks for your hard work for two years and giving us the best services possible. You’ve been an asset to us, and we’re blessed to have you as a part of our team.
How do you acknowledge someone professionally?
Acknowledge work well done on a regular basis. Comments can range from the specific like, “The way you handled that client meeting was so smart,” to the general, “I appreciate the great work you do.” You’d be surprised how many teammates or bosses don’t give high-fives.
Should I send an email after being fired?
Remember, future employers may be able to see what you post. Negative posts about former employers or getting fired from a job are red flags for hiring managers. Pick up the phone and call someone instead. No email, text, direct message, or other electronic communication can replace verbal conversation.
What is proof of termination?
Employment Termination Letters
The employment termination letter accomplishes the following: Documents the termination: The service letter states that the employee has been, or will be, terminated from the company. It also provides the reasons for termination.
How can I say thank you professionally?
I appreciate the information and advice you have shared. I sincerely appreciate the assistance. Many thanks for your assistance. Many thanks for your time.
Reference(s)
- indeed.com – “I Got Fired, Now What?” How To Respond and What To Do Next
- fatherly.com – 22 Things To Do (And Not Do) When You Get Fired
- citizensadvice.co.uk – After you’ve been dismissed
- linkedin.com – I’m about to Get Fired. How Do I Prepare?