How to Bounce Back From a Bad Career Exit

Nancy Anderson
Posted by in Career Advice


After a bad career exit, many job seekers and new employees fear that disaster can happen all over again. Learning from your mistakes and doing better is the best strategy to bounce back and make your career even better than before.

Form Better Habits

After enduring a bad career exit, it is important to be honest and pinpoint some of the bad habits that may have lead to your demise in the old position. By forming productive habits that help you to overcome challenges, you can become a better employee in the future. If you had a history of being late to work, make a persistent effort to be punctual everywhere, including a new job. If you had problems with performance, learn company rules, procedures and techniques to the letter to achieve proficiency at your new job. Commit to creating a balanced work schedule that helps you work without stressing yourself out. No matter what your old issue was, committing to doing better at work can produce a healthier career outcome.

Improve Your Skills

Obtaining higher education in an industry of your choice can help you regain employment in any industry. If you don't have the time to dedicate to a college degree, start taking training classes to improve your skills and increase your specialized knowledge. Ask a mentor for career guidance and feedback on how you can improve your skills to become an outstanding employee.

Learn to Communicate Well

If you experienced a bad career exit because you often argued with your boss or fellow co-workers, you should work on your communication skills. Learning how to communicate in a positive way at work is necessary, so you can establish a career and blend more harmoniously in the work environment. Pay attention to the verbal and nonverbal cues that people send to best communicate better with anyone. Commit to maintaining a peaceful tone and conversation at all times. If you had issues with outbursts, get counseling to help you learn how to control your anger and reduce your irritability at work.

Compile Excellent References

If a recent supervisor or employer has something negative to say about you, it is even more important you build better references. Even if an employer contacts a former boss and hears a horror story, remember everyone can have second chance at a good career. Make sure you have reputable, positive references to talk positively about you and your performance to make a bad career exit appear more like water under the bridge.

Let Go of Negativity

It is important you let go of any of the negative feelings you have over a bad career exit, or a poor attitude can mar your chances of finding and keeping new employment. Remember one bad career exit doesn't define you as an employee or individual. You have the power to change circumstances and attain a satisfying career if you work hard enough. During your interview, show how excited you are about the job opportunity.

Don't expect to bounce back from a bad career exit overnight. Give yourself time to recover and rebuild. Once you land a new position, keep up the good work at your new job to totally bounce back from your exodus and into satisfying career.

 

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  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Pearl, you don't have to go into detail about the termination. You could just mention that your department was downsized and that you were one of the casualties. No bad-mouthing of the former company or any of the employees - including your boss. Keep everything on the up and up and try to be as positive as possible. That interviewer knows how things are today and will accept that and move on. So don't fear that question. Good luck.

  • Pearl H.
    Pearl H.

    Perhaps address how one would engage a prospective employer when employment has been terminated

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