'The Apprentice' has made one of life's most stressful situations a source of excitement for us. Week after week, we tune in to see who doesn't return from the boardroom. We have office pools, make bets, write blogs and analyze upcoming episode sneak peeks in anticipation of finding out whose dreams of becoming mini-Trump are squashed upon hearing those two words: "You're fired!"
That is a reality show, however, and this is reality. Real-life layoffs are not thrilling at all.
Numbers show the job market is improving from past years' downward spiral, but there is always a chance for staff changes, corporate restructurings and downsizings. Thus, most people are vulnerable to losing a job in good economic times and bad. If you find yourself laid off, discharged, terminated or forced to resign, take heart, you're in excellent company. Rejection has become widely accepted -- it can even be good for you! Here are some tips for coming out a winner in the event the ax falls on you:
Have an Exit Strategy Companies have a plan to guide them through the termination process. You need a strategy, too. In general, your goals will be to:
Find out exactly why you're being terminated and what the company will be telling potential employers about you. Learn what separation package they are offering you. Negotiate to maximize your severance pay and benefits. Stay on as good terms as possible with your former boss and associates. David, an actuary whose job at an insurance company was eliminated, declined to sign the standard settlement agreement arguing that he should receive more because of his age (at 42 he qualified as an "older worker") and contributions to the company. His tactic worked and he received an extra three months' pay as well as an office from which to conduct his search.
"Be assertive and firm," he advises. "But don't burn bridges. Your former co-workers and bosses can be valuable references, leads or even clients down the road!"
Analyze and Learn From Your Situation Objectively evaluate what happened and what role you played in it. Think about what you could have done differently that might have led to a better result and what you'll do differently in the future.
For example, Marissa, a graphic designer, was a solid performer, but one day lost her cool with two of her superiors in a staff meeting. Within a few weeks, the company announced plans to downsize and Marissa was let go.
"Organizations don't fire you, people do," says Marissa. "The whole experience taught me how important it is to get along with your superiors. No matter how great your work is, it's just as important that your bosses like you."
Marissa went on to find a better job at a 25 percent pay increase -- and has survived two reductions in force at her new organization.
Rob, a Chicago lawyer recalls getting the boot from the first firm where he worked: "They said I wasn't a 'fit' and I didn't have the 'presence' to be a partner. I was devastated and angry, but knew my best revenge would be to succeed somewhere else."
Determined not to repeat past mistakes, Rob honed his image and presentation skills and landed a job with one of the city's most prestigious firms where he is now a partner.
One Boss's 'Fire' Is Another Boss's 'Hire' Among the worst reasons for being discharged is poor performance -- but even that is a subjective judgment.
When Glen, a sales executive at a major food company, was asked by his boss to leave, he compiled a list of his accomplishments and strengths and approached all of his associates and clients. Within two months, Glen found a job in another division of the company making more money and working for a boss who thinks he's great.
Learn from, but don't obsess over, what one employer thought of you. Performance can be situational. In fact, when a panel of business analysts and CEOs were asked which of 'The Apprentice' contenders they would hire, each chose a different candidate.
Look on the Bright Side Along with your experience and credentials, the most important asset you bring to your search is a positive attitude. Believe in yourself and your ability to create a successful future. When you interview, always stress the good things that came out of working for the company.
"Getting fired happens to the best of us," says a partner at Accenture consulting who preferred not to be named. "I've been 'let go' twice, and both times moved onto better positions that advanced my career."
Copyright 2004 CareerBuilder.com. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authority.
