Getting fired from your job can feel like the end of the world. Whether you expected to be let go so, or it happened out of the blue, getting fired can happen to many of us at one time or another, but we promise, it's not the end of your professional life. It is important to recover correctly. Here’s what you need to do after you’ve been fired from your job.

Reflect and learn.

Make sure you understand what led to your being fired and try to own your responsibility for the mistakes (seriously). Take out a notebook and write it down. Think about what you can learn from the experience but try not to blame or badmouth your employer (even though bad bosses do exist).

Keep the job you were fired from on your resume.

Your work experience matters, even if you were at the job for only a few weeks or months, keep the job listed on your resume and just include the start and end dates with no additional explanation. Make sure that your resume shows what skills and knowledge that job required and the responsibilities you had.

Use the right language in new job applications.

Many job applications will ask you the reason for leaving a previous job. Be succinct and honest. You can say that the job ended, that you were laid off, or that you were terminated. But be prepared to explain your answer in a subsequent interview. Lead with honesty!

Practice for an interview.

You will get asked about why you left a prior job so prepare your answer. Be honest and brief. Be clear and succinct about what you learned, without blaming or badmouthing that employer. Then, pivot back to discussing the role you have applied for and reiterate your interest. 

Talking about getting fired is not easy, but with a little interview practice beforehand, you can confidently speak about it.