Fired vs. Laid Off: 3 Critical Questions to Ask When You're Let Go
Navigating the waters of job loss is never fun. Whether you've been fired or laid off, the impact can be devastating. However, knowing the right questions to ask when you lose your job can make a world of difference in your future job search.
The Crucial Distinction: Fired vs. Laid Off
Fired: This means you're being terminated due to performance issues. The company sees you as the problem.
Laid Off: This occurs when the company is facing challenges, often financial, and needs to reduce its workforce. In this case, the company is the problem, not you.
It's essential to clarify which situation you're in immediately. I've seen many cases where people assume they're fired when they're actually being laid off. This distinction can significantly impact your future job search and how you present yourself to potential employers.
Three Critical Questions to Ask When You're Fired
If you're told you're being fired for performance, here are the three questions you must ask:
"Can you tell me exactly what I've done wrong that is making my performance subpar?" Understanding the specific reasons for your termination can help you improve and avoid similar issues in future roles.
"Will I be getting severance?" While severance is less common in firing situations, it's always worth asking. Job searches can take months, especially for higher-paying positions, so any financial cushion can be crucial.
"What will be said about me in a reference, and can I get that in writing?" This information is vital for your future job search. Having it in writing protects you if the company later deviates from what they've promised to say.
Three Essential Questions to Ask When You're Laid Off
If you're being laid off, your approach should be slightly different:
"How much severance will I be receiving?" Note the phrasing hereāassume severance is on the table. In a competitive job market, you'll need financial support while job hunting. If they haven't considered severance, this question plants the seed.
"Am I eligible for rehire?" This is crucial. If you're truly being laid off due to company issues, you should be eligible for rehire. If not, it might indicate underlying performance concerns, which could complicate your explanation to future employers.
"Where will people call for my references, and what will be said? Can I get this in writing?" As with firing, having a clear understanding of what will be said about youāand having it documentedāprotects you in your future job search.
Making the Most of a Challenging Situation
Being let go, whether fired or laid off, can be a turning point in your career. With the right approach, it can become an opportunity for growth and positive change. Many of my clients have found that losing their jobs was the push they needed to find a role that truly aligns with their skills and passions.
However, navigating this transition requires knowledge and strategy. That's why I've developed a comprehensive course called "Fired to Hired" as part of our Work It DAILY platform. This course covers every aspect of being fired or laid off, from the initial conversation with your employer to positioning yourself for success in your job search.
Need More Guidance?
If you're facing job loss or want to be prepared for any eventuality in your career, I invite you to try Work It DAILY's platform. We offer a free 7-day trial, giving you access to expert career coaching, self-paced courses (including my āFired to Hiredā course), and a supportive community of professionals.
Remember, how you handle being let go can set the stage for your future success. With the right knowledge and support, you can turn this challenging moment into an opportunity for career growth and personal development. Let's work together to make your next career move your best one yet!
Go get āem!
J.T. OāDonnell
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