You're Fired! How to Handle Getting Fired

There's no way around it, getting fired is painful. It hurts when it's a layoff - and there isn't a day lately where I don't hear about another company letting workers go - and it hurts even more when you're fired for cause. Getting fired, unfortunately, can happen to the best of us. It happens. So, what do you do next?

First of all, take a little time to get used to the idea. Then, review how to handle a firing, layoff or termination, and complete this job loss checklist to make sure that you have covered all the basics and are ready to start a job search.

It's also important to know what your rights as an employee are when you lose your job. Jay Warren, counsel in the New York office of Bryan Cave LLP, shares his expertise on employee rights and options for seeking assistance if you have questions about those rights. For a look at how you should be terminated, Susan Heathfield, About.com's Guide to Human Resources has an excellent article on how employers should fire with compassion and class.

Next, work on a job search plan, so you can find a job as expeditiously as possible. Finally, before you start interviewing, prepare some answers to questions you're probably going to be asked in an interview:

• Why are you leaving your job?
• Why were you fired?

_{Image Copyright Natalia Siverina}