No one wants to be jobless but there may come a time when this happens to you. Whether this occurs due to circumstances beyond your control, mistakes that have been made, or your services are no longer required, the good thing is that sometimes you can sense that you are about to be dismissed. Then you are able to act accordingly.
This is not the time to lament, argue, or complain to your bosses and co-workers. Instead, you should use the available time to leave the company in a way that will benefit you. Here are 4 steps to take if you think you are about to be dismissed from your job.
1. Request for a reference letter
When it is evident you are going to leave the company soon, you need to request a reference letter. This will demonstrate to future employers that although you were dismissed from your previous job, you left on good terms. It also outlines your strengths that make you employable.
The sooner you request a reference letter the better and it is easier to get one from your boss while you are still there rather than when you have already left the company. There is nothing wrong with asking for a reference letter because many employers will agree especially if you are not leaving on poor terms.
2. Seek assistance from an approachable manager
Sometimes it can be very difficult to get a reference letter from the company itself if the person you are not in good terms with the management. This does not mean you should leave the company without at least attempting to obtain a positive reference.
It is wise to seek help from an approachable manager and get a solid recommendation from them that you can then use in future job searches. Although the person may not be in a capacity to write you a formal letter, you can use him/her as a reference on job applications. You need to make sure that this person was in a position to still comment on your skills and abilities especially if he or she was not your direct supervisor.
3. Start looking for a new job
Once you have realized that your current company is about to dismiss you, you should take the initiative and start looking for a new job.
When searching for employment, use your current network of friends, co-workers, and family. At this point in your life, you need and should take advantage of all the help that you can get. It is easy to get another job when you have one already than after you are fired because it demonstrates that you are still gainfully employed. Do not be afraid at this point in time to approach companies viewed as competitors of the employer you work for now as well as any related ones. It is easier to explain to them that you are looking for a new job because you are looking for a change or increased responsibilities, not because you were fired.
4. Prepare to take a legal action
Sometimes legal action can be a good option if you are about to be dismissed from your job for no good reason, if it violates an existing contract, or if you are not responsible for mistakes made.
Once you sense that you are about to be dismissed, consult with an employment lawyer to determine if your dismissal would be illegal and whether you will be eligible for compensation. Once you take legal action, you may not be interested in returning to your old job because of the discomfort that may exist as a result, but at least you may get compensation to help pay for bills, mortgages, and other personal expenses while you are between jobs.
