You have been fired! The HR manager informed you of this personally. A reason for your dismissal has also been given, but is it the right one? There are many reasons for a dismissal. Sometimes it is clear why you have been fired. For example, you have committed a criminal offense, the company is bankrupt, there is no more work, etc. It can also be unclear; in that case, a reason is given that you may doubt. Where does the problem lie then? With the company, with the colleagues, with the supervisor, or with yourself?
Here I would like to briefly consider the last possibility.
Contemplation
You didn’t see it coming. Suddenly, you were fired. That hit you hard, and you blame everyone for it. That is a normal reaction when you are suddenly confronted with something like that. If you sleep on it, perhaps you will gain a bit more perspective the next day and be able to put everything in perspective. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Why was I fired?
- Did I make mistakes?
- Did I not put in enough effort?
- Have I communicated sufficiently?
- Have I shown everything I can do?
- Did I familiarize myself sufficiently with the company beforehand?
Take your time with this and write down your thoughts. That provides an overview and insight. Sleep on it for another night, and then be honest with yourself and accept how the dismissal went and what you have written about yourself.
Your Vision
Now that you have gained an overview and insight yourself, it is time to develop a vision. A vision is a “realistic daydream.” You have a future goal in mind, but do not yet know exactly how to achieve it. This will be the challenge that inspires you. Where do you want to be in 3, 5, or 10 years? What effort do you need to put in during that period? Which skills do you need to develop further? Write this down as well. Use short and clear descriptions. Include as many measurable and non-measurable elements as possible.
Your Mission
After the vision, the mission comes into play. In this, you describe the goals you want to achieve over time. The goal itself can be clearly stated. The path to achieving it must be filled in with a certain margin. Things will not always go exactly as planned. Keep this concise as well to maintain an overview.
Your Positioning
Reflect on how you want to be perceived by others. What position are you working towards? And how can you position yourself within it and add value? It is not just expertise that plays an important role in this. Your mindset, your manners, and your communication style are also crucial to the success of your objectives. View this as a form of self-study.
Your CV
A CV is requested for almost all job applications. It lists all personal details, education, work experience, and competencies. Be sure to list the most recent first and then move to your history. These are the so-called formal elements. Always accompany the CV with a cover letter. Keep it short and punchy. Ensure that the recruiter is intrigued by your cover letter within the first 15 seconds. Mind you, there shouldn’t be even a single comma error.
Your promotion
You have now completed your self-assessment and have a clear picture of yourself. Now it is time to show the business world that you are present and that you have knowledge and skills. Pull out all the stops, such as personal networking, making phone calls, LinkedIn, and social media. Ensure you come across as proactive. Make appointments and keep every appointment. Keep your finger on the pulse.
If you have an appointment, research whether the company or its culture aligns with your expectations.
