Have you recently been fired from a job in Victoria or any other Australian state? You have a number of avenues you can take, including putting forward an application for unfair dismissal if you feel the dismissal was unreasonable or unjust. AWDR can work with you to not only understand the circumstances around your dismissal, but whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements to lodge an application for unfair dismissal to the Fair Work Commission.
Perhaps you are looking to simply move forward from the event and look for other work? It can be difficult to move forward after ending your last job, especially if it was on bad terms. However, you’re not alone. In fact, every day many employees across Australia have had to deal with getting fired and process what their next steps look like.
Ultimately, there’s a correct and incorrect way to move on. If you have decided not to put forward an application for unfair dismissal here’s how you should recover from being fired so you can start your next job on the right foot.
Accept What Happened and Act
When you get fired from a job, you should start by doing some self-reflection. What exactly happened? What were some things that you could have done better? Was there anything that the employer could have done better? Once you’ve reflected on these questions, accept what happened and move forward with your next career chapter.
Not always easy, right? Hear this! In the year 2018, the Centre for Social Research & Methods at The Australian National University conducted a survey ‘Job Security & The Future Of Work: Australian worker’s views (2018)’ with more than 2,500 participants involved. This survey found that 54.6% of respondents would not find it easy to find a job with another employer on the same income and with the same benefits, a further 35.2% noted it would be somewhat easy, and 10.2% very easy.
It’s important to recognise that people think of what their future would look like beyond their existing employer, and whilst it’s evident many struggle with the concept of finding other work with the same pay and conditions. It doesn’t mean it needs to be hard for you. It happens to plenty of people, and there’s no use dwelling on it. Be optimistic! As the saying goes, “when one door closes another opens up”.
When it’s time to take action, you should start by sprucing up your resume, and browsing for some jobs that would best suit you. Or even better; a job that will further extend your current skills to help you to continue growing your career. While it may be tempting to try and get back at your employer for firing you, it is important to stay on good terms, especially if the dismissal was reasonable. Simply focus on yourself, and keep things moving forward rather than looking backwards.
Start a New Beginning with Your Job Search
It’s crucial to bring a positive attitude into your job search after being laid off at a previous job. If you don’t have that voice in your head, take it from us, stay positive! While you can’t change what happened with your prior employer, new potential employers will appreciate that you’re in good spirits and have learned from what happened. Think of your next job as a new beginning.
Showing a desire to improve yourself is a very sought-after quality that employers look for in applicants. So, think of being fired from a job as your way to display that quality. While it still isn’t the perfect situation, you have to make the most of it and try your best to set yourself up to succeed.
Don’t Be Afraid to Boast About Your Previous Experience
If you have been fired from a job, utilise your resume, cover letter, and subsequent interviews as an opportunity to share any skills and experience from your previous employer.
During an interview you do not need to disclose you were fired unless absolutely critical (i.e., your potential employer is conducting a probity check). This doesn’t mean you need to lie or deceive, but rather emphasize what you learnt from your previous employer. If your termination or dismissal does come up in an interview, you can use the story to tell employers about your personal growth. Explain what lessons you learned after being fired, – and what you would do differently working for the potential new employer. This will help the employer have a better understanding of how they can create an ideal work environment for you.
Be confident in your skills and what you can bring to the job you have applied for!
Unfair Dismissal Support
Whether you are based in Victoria or any other Australian state, it’s important to know that there are non-lawyer services like our Workplace Advisors ready to assist you. Get in touch with our team today!
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