Dealing with a shock dismissal - 12/2001

What steps should you take following dismissal and what should you do to make the most of the situation.

Stage One - Financial considerations

Check your contract, if necessary seek legal advice
Ensure that you are paid in full including expenses and leave in lieu
Check your pension, if necessary seek advice from an Independent Financial Adviser.

Stage Two ñ Contemplation

Do not panic and do not dwell on the negative
Reflect ñ use the dismissal as an opportunity to think about:
Whether you want to keep working in the same town/city, industry or country
Whether you want a complete change of direction
Draw up a wishlist of all of the things you would like in your next job ñ salary, culture, quality of life etc.

Stage Three ñ Action

Having decided to get another job it is important to promote yourself in the market
Update your CV
Appraise yourself of the different recruitment specialists currently available
Develop key recruitment partners ñ particularly if you are looking for a senior role
Approach local offices if you want to work in a specific region.

Stage Four - Interview

Do not conceal the fact that you have been dismissed but ensure that you position it correctly and raise it at a point that you have ample opportunity to explain your side of the story.
Do not rush into the first job that you get offered.

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