How to Apply for a New Job After You’ve Been Fired

By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter

EP 3025 ⁠Based on the article of the same name by Rebecca Knight in Harvard Business Review⁠, we’re going to look at how to do that and two case studies of people who were able to bounce back successfully.

Welcome back, everybody, to The Deep Dive. We are div

ing into something, well, I think a lot of people have experienced at least once in their careers: how to bounce back after being fired.

Oh, yeah.

And we’re going deep with a Harvard Business Review article. We’ve also got two real-world case studies of people who took, well, this really tough situation and actually turned it into something better.

That’s great.

Yeah. So if you’re in this boat right now or, you know, just want to be prepared, you know, just in case, we’ve got some really good tips and strategies coming up.

You know, what’s really fascinated me about this topic is it’s not just about, you know, finding a new job. It’s it’s really about understanding, I guess, all the kind of emotions and also the steps involved, you know, to make this whole transition work well.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

It’s a process.

Absolutely. Okay, so this HBR article, it kicks off by saying that, like, even before you start working on your resume, you need to understand what went wrong in that last role. They actually call it a post-firing autopsy, which sounds a little intense.

Yeah.

Yeah. But I I get what they’re saying.

Yeah, it is. It’s really about taking a step back. I think first from the immediate sting of being fired, and then looking at it objectively. And I think instead of, you know, getting all paranoid, you know, or defensive, it’s a time to ask yourself some hard questions. Like, were there were there patterns in feedback you got? Did your skills and, you know, what the role needed, did they really match up?

Yeah.

Yeah, makes a lot of sense. I’m curious, have you have you ever had to do this kind of like deep dive after a professional setback? What were some of those those questions that kind of helped you see things more clearly?

Oh, absolutely. I think one of the most uh I guess one of the best questions I asked myself was, what were like those early warning signs that maybe I missed?

Oh, interesting.

And this really helped me identify, like, patterns or behaviors that that I was doing that contributed to the whole thing. Another thing that helped me was reaching out to, you know, trusted mentors, old colleagues, and getting their perspective.

Sometimes, you know, someone outside the situation can see things that, you know, you just can’t see yourself.

It’s so interesting. You know, this article, it even suggests going to HR for feedback.

Oh. Well,

I never would have thought of that.

It might seem a little strange.

Yeah.

But, you know, HR, they they often have a wider view of how the company works.

Yeah.

And they they can provide some good insights. I think they can help you understand the reasons behind the decision.

Mm.

They might even shed some light on, you know, areas where you could grow.

Okay, so we’ve done that. Like, internal work, we’ve got some clarity.

Right.

Now the article really emphasizes pacing yourself.

Yeah, that’s huge. I think it’s so tempting to just jump right back into looking for jobs.

Sure.

You know, to feel in control again.

Right.

But rushing those applications before you’ve really processed everything, like that can actually hurt you.

I can see that. Like you’re probably not putting your best foot forward in those interviews, like if you’re still, you know, emotionally raw.

Exactly. I mean, think about it. You know, you’re talking to a friend

Yeah.

about a tough breakup. Do you Do you want them to go jump into a new relationship the next day? Probably not.

Yeah.

It takes time to heal, process those feelings. Same thing with losing a job.

Yeah, I I I get that. So how do we how do we balance processing and action? What are some signs we’re, you know, finally ready to engage our network or, you know, start applying?

Yeah.

I would say you’re ready when you can talk about what happened

Yeah.

without getting defensive or super emotional. So you’ve had time to reflect, you understand what you want to do differently going forward,

Yeah.

and you’re genuinely, you know, excited about those possibilities ahead.

That’s a really good point. It’s about using that time to build your confidence and clarity, and not just rushing to, like, fill the void.

Right.

The article also talks about using this time to figure out the right fit for you. You know, what what does that actually look like?

Think of it as, you know, fine-tuning your personal job description, like what kind of work environment helps you do your best. What are your non-negotiables in terms of company culture and, you know, their values? Do you do better in a super-structured environment or do you need more autonomy? By figuring out your ideal fit, you can target your job search much better.

It makes me think about when I first graduated, you know, I applied for everything and ended up in a role that, on paper, it looked great,

Yeah.

but personality-wise, it was a terrible fit. I was miserable. So I totally get what you’re saying about, you know, being really intentional about finding the right environment.

It’s so crucial, and I think if the firing was due to personality, you know, clashing, or the culture wasn’t a good fit,

Mhm.

this step’s even more important.

That’s a great point. Okay, so we’ve analyzed what happened, we’ve paced ourselves, and we’ve defined that ideal fit. What’s next on the HBR checklist?

Well, once you’re ready to start looking at opportunities, it’s time to leverage your network.

Okay, but hold on a sec. I want to hear from you, the listener. Have you ever done this like post-firing deep dive we’ve been talking about?

Yeah.

What did you learn, and how did it change your next career move?

We’d love to hear all about it.

Okay, back to the article. It says it’s super important to get those strong references before you start applying for jobs.

Okay.

Right, because it’s way easier to ask for references when the experience is fresh in everyone’s minds. Plus, getting them lined up early just makes applying so much smoother.

And the article gives a really good tip: tell your network exactly what kind of help you need.

Well, that’s smart.

So instead of just saying, “Hey, I need a job,”

Right.

be specific.

Yeah.

Tell them the roles you’re looking at, the companies, you know, even the kind of support you need.

Yeah, being specific, I think, helps people help you. You know, they they’re more likely to go the extra mile

For sure.

if they know exactly what you need.

Okay, let’s talk about crafting your narrative.

Mm.

Specifically, how do we address the elephant in the room, you know, the firing? How do we put that on our resume and cover letter?

Yeah, this is where we shift from understanding the past to shaping the future.

Yeah. Okay.

And the article suggests acknowledging that last job, but, you know, don’t dwell on it.

So, no gory details,

Right.

but we’re not hiding it either.

Exactly. You want to keep the focus on your accomplishments and, you know, skills that you can bring to a new role. Instead of listing reasons why you left, use that space to highlight your goals

Yeah. Okay.

and how this new role fits into where you want to go.

That makes sense. Okay, here’s the big question: how do we talk about being fired in interviews?

Honesty and preparation are key. You need to have a clear, concise explanation ready,

Okay.

tailored to why you left.

Okay, so what does that actually look like? This article gives scripts for different scenarios, which is super helpful. Like if you were fired for not meeting objectives, they say to be absolutely, searingly honest.

Right. In that situation, it’s about taking responsibility, explaining what you learned, and emphasizing what you’ve done to make sure it doesn’t happen again. You’re not making excuses.

Yeah.

It’s about showing accountability

Yeah.

and that you can grow.

We’ll get to those interview scripts in more detail later, but first, tell us: what’s your experience with networking after losing a job? Got any tips for making those conversations less awkward or, you know, just more productive? Let us know on social media using #TheDeepDive.

You know, it’s interesting, the article actually has different strategies for explaining that firing depending on why it happened.

Mm.

Like if it was because you weren’t meeting your objectives, owning up to it and showing what you’ve learned is key. But if it was something more serious,

Yes. Yeah. Okay.

the approach changes.

That’s really interesting. So there’s no one-size-fits-all script. What do they recommend for, like, uh, if someone was let go because of a big mistake?

In those cases, they say to focus on showing that you’re truly sorry and that you’ve taken concrete steps to learn and grow from it.

Mm. Mm.

You know, it’s about showing that you understand how serious it was and that you’ve worked hard to become a better professional.

So less explaining and more proving you’ve changed.

Exactly. It’s about showing how committed you are to personal and professional development.

Mm.

Now for situations like personality clashes or just different work styles, the article says to avoid being negative.

Right. No badmouthing old bosses or coworkers, but how do you explain that without sounding like you’re blaming them?

It’s about focusing on the mismatch itself.

Yeah.

You can explain that your styles or approaches were just fundamentally different

Right.

and that it wasn’t a good fit for either of you. You can even talk about what you learned about your own preferences from that and how that’ll help you find a more compatible environment next time.

Mm.

That’s a really smart way to frame it. It takes the focus off blame and puts it on, you know, self-awareness, growth.

Right. Exactly.

Okay, I know the article also dives into those real-world case studies

Yes.

so we mentioned before. I’m curious to see how these tips actually worked for people.

Let’s start with Kimberly. Remember, she was let go from her digital media lead position.

Yeah, after only 9 months.

Yeah. Tough situation.

Mm.

But she used a lot of the strategies we’ve talked about to turn things around.

What did she do?

Well, first, she took time to really think about what happened.

Mm.

She realized that while she was good at digital marketing, PR was where her passion was.

Mm.

And even though getting fired was hard, it helped her figure that out.

So she used that time to process everything, but also to figure out what she really wanted to do.

Yes, exactly. And then she was strategic about using her network.

Okay.

She reached out to an old professor who had connections in PR. But here’s the important part: she didn’t just ask for a job.

Oh, interesting.

She was very clear that she wanted advice and informational interviews to learn more about the field.

That’s so smart. It’s way easier to get people to help you if they know exactly what you need.

Exactly. And in her interviews, she talked about the firing confidently, framing it as a learning experience that helped her find her true career path. She didn’t focus on the negative; she highlighted the positive takeaways

Yeah.

and how they connected to her goals.

And it worked. She got a new job in corporate PR in just a few weeks. That’s a pretty fast turnaround.

It really is. It shows how being proactive, thinking strategically, and turning that setback into an opportunity can make a difference.

It’s impressive.

Yeah. And then let’s talk about Derek. He was let go from his VP position after his company got acquired.

Right. And it sounds like he took a slightly different approach.

He did. Instead of jumping into applications, he focused on informal networking. He reached out to friends, old colleagues, even people he hadn’t talked to in years. His goal wasn’t to get job leads. He wanted to process his emotions, gain some perspective, and refine his story.

So he used those conversations as a way to sort of, like, test out his thoughts and feelings?

Exactly. And it was during those talks that he realized that even though getting fired was upsetting, it didn’t mean he wasn’t good at his job.

Mm.

It happened because the company was changing direction with the new owners. That helped him explain his departure in a neutral, factual way in later interviews.

Mm.

Yeah, finding a way to tell your story honestly and positively without dwelling on the past is huge.

It shows resilience. It shows that you’re focused on the future. Derek also prepared really well for interviews. He practiced his answers to questions about the firing over and over until he felt confident and comfortable.

And did that strategy work for him?

Absolutely. He landed a new role that was a much better fit for his skills and experience

Yeah.

within 3 months. Now, we haven’t gone into detail about those interview scripts yet, but before we do, I’d love to hear from our listeners: what parts of Kimberly’s or Derek’s stories resonate with you? Have you taken similar steps to deal with professional setbacks in your career?

Let us know on social media with #TheDeepDive. We want to hear what you’ve experienced.

Now let’s get into those interview scripts the article provides. I think it will be really useful for anyone who’s feeling nervous about talking about their firing.

Okay, let’s break them down by different scenarios. First, let’s say you were fired for not hitting your goals. What does the article suggest?

They say to be what they call absolutely, searingly honest. It might sound a bit dramatic, but it’s about taking responsibility for what happened.

So, no sugarcoating, no excuses.

Right. You acknowledge that you didn’t meet expectations, you explain what led to that, and you highlight what you learned from it. It’s about showing accountability and that you’ve grown.

Can you give us an example of how that might actually sound in an interview?

Sure. You could say something like, “In my last role, I didn’t meet the goals that were set for me. I take full responsibility for that. Since then, I’ve thought about what I could have done differently, and I’ve come up with strategies to make sure it doesn’t happen again. This experience taught me a lot, and I’m confident that I could exceed expectations in this role.”

That’s a really good example. It’s honest, it’s direct, and it shows you’ve taken the time to learn from what happened.

Exactly. And it moves the conversation from the past to the future, highlighting your commitment to getting better.

Okay. Now what if the firing was due to something more serious?

That’s definitely trickier. The article says the most important thing is to show that you’re truly sorry and to outline the specific actions you’ve taken to address the issue and prevent it from happening again.

So again, it’s less about explaining and more about proving you’ve changed.

Exactly. You’re showcasing your commitment to growth, both personally and professionally. For instance, you might say, “I made some serious mistakes in my previous position, and I really regret the impact they had. I’ve taken full responsibility for my actions, and I’ve been working hard to learn and grow from this. I’ve” And then you insert specific steps you’ve taken like professional development, therapy, anything relevant. “And I’m confident I’m a stronger and more responsible professional now because of it.”

That’s a powerful statement. You’re acknowledging the seriousness of what happened without dwelling on it. You’re focusing on the positive changes you’ve made and the lessons you’ve learned.

Right. It shows you’ve taken real steps to fix the problem and become a better version of yourself. Now, for things like personality conflicts or just different work styles, the article suggests a different approach.

Okay, I’m interested in this one. How do you explain that kind of situation without badmouthing your old boss or coworkers?

You focus on the fact that it was a mismatch.

Okay.

You emphasize your ways of working or your approaches were just fundamentally different

Yeah. Yeah.

and, ultimately, it just wasn’t the right fit for anyone.

So keep it factual, no blame.

Exactly. A good way to put it could be, “My last role wasn’t the ideal environment for me. We had different ways of approaching work, and in the end, it was best for both of us to move on. Since then, I’ve learned how important it is to find a workplace that matches my values and style, and I’m confident I can really contribute in a setting where collaboration and open communication are prioritized.”

That’s a great example. You’re focusing on the incompatibility instead of pointing fingers or being negative.

Right. It frames the experience in a way that highlights your self-awareness and your desire to find the right environment.

Okay, what if your last job was short-term, like a project-based role?

Ah, yes. The article suggests talking about it as a project rather than a job.

Okay.

This frames it more positively and emphasizes the specific skills and things you achieved.

So instead of saying, “I was let go after 3 months,” you say, “I successfully completed a 3-month project focused on X, Y, and Z.”

Precisely. And then you can connect the skills and experience from that project to what this new role requires. For example, you might say, “During that project, I gained expertise in,” and then list relevant skills, “which I think would be valuable to your team.”

That’s a great way to turn a potential negative into a positive. It highlights your achievements and shows that you’re looking for a long-term commitment.

Right. It’s all about finding the best way to present your experience.

Okay. We’ve covered a lot: analyzing the firing, pacing ourselves, finding the right fit, using our network, crafting our narrative, and even mastering the interview. But there’s one crucial piece we haven’t really dug into: staying positive.

It’s a fantastic point. All the planning and strategizing won’t mean much if you’re not taking care of yourself mentally and emotionally.

Absolutely. It’s so easy to get discouraged during a job search, especially after being fired. But staying positive is essential, not just for you to feel okay, but also for your chances of getting that dream job.

I couldn’t agree more. It’s important to remember that this whole process, especially after a firing, can be a marathon. There will be ups and downs.

Okay, so how do we keep that positive attitude when we’re dealing with rejection, uncertainty, and all that pressure to find a new job? The article gives some practical tips, right?

It does. It stresses the importance of self-care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, having hobbies and doing things you enjoy, and leaning on your support system.

Okay, so let’s break those down. Self-care, what does that look like during a job search?

It’s about making your mental and emotional well-being a priority. It could be simple things like taking breaks from job applications

Yeah.

to do something you love, like reading, going for a walk, or spending time with people you care about. It’s about giving yourself permission to recharge and come back with a fresh perspective.

That makes a lot of sense. It’s easy to get so focused on the job search that you forget to take care of yourself, but you’re right: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. We need to pace ourselves and look after our well-being.

Precisely. Then there’s maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly can have a huge impact on how you feel and how much energy you have.

Oh, for sure. When I’m stressed or down, exercise is usually the first thing to go, but I always regret it. I feel so much better afterward. It’s like hitting a reset button.

It is, and it’s not just about physical health. It’s about feeling mentally clear and resilient.

Okay, what about pursuing those hobbies and activities we enjoy? How does that help with the job search?

It helps you stay balanced and connected to things you’re passionate about outside of work. It reminds you that you’re more than just your job title. It can spark creativity and give you fresh ideas.

Right. When I feel stuck or discouraged, doing something creative like painting or playing music really helps me shift my perspective and come back to the job search with fresh eyes.

Exactly. And last but not least, don’t underestimate the power of your support system. Talk to your friends, family, mentors, anyone who can offer encouragement, a different viewpoint, or just a listening ear.

That is crucial. Having people who believe in you and remind you of your worth can make all the difference.

It really can. And remember to celebrate the small wins along the way. Each interview, each networking connection, each positive interaction is a step forward.

I love that. It’s about recognizing your progress no matter how small, and acknowledging the effort you’re putting in.

Absolutely.

Okay, we’ve talked a lot about the emotional side of things, but there’s a practical aspect to staying positive during a job search, too.

You’re absolutely right. It’s about focusing on what you can control and taking steps to keep moving forward.

So what can we do to keep that momentum going?

The article suggests setting realistic goals, tracking your progress, and celebrating your achievements. Break down the job search into smaller, manageable tasks, and concentrate on what you can get done each day.

That’s a good strategy. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you look at the big picture, but breaking it down into smaller steps makes it feel more doable.

Exactly. And keeping track of your progress is important. Write down the jobs you’ve applied for, the people you’ve networked with, the interviews you’ve had. It helps you stay organized and gives you a visual reminder of all the hard work you’re doing.

I love using to-do lists and tracking my progress. It’s motivating and makes me feel like I’m actually accomplishing things.

It’s a really good way to stay on track and remind yourself of how far you’ve come. And don’t forget to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Every step forward is worth celebrating.

I love that. Celebrating those wins, even the little ones, keeps us positive and motivated.

It does. And remember, this is a journey.

Mm.

There will be ups and downs, but with the right attitude and effort, you’ll find the perfect opportunity for you.

Yeah, it’s a good reminder that this job search, it’s a process.

Right.

And there are going to be bumps along the way.

Yeah.

But, you know, Kimberly and Derek’s stories show us it’s really how we handle those setbacks

Yeah.

that makes all the difference.

Absolutely. Being resilient is so important. It’s about bouncing back from those rejections,

Yeah.

you know, learning from any mistakes, and just keep putting yourself out there.

You know, the article also suggests that, like, staying active in your field can really help, like doing freelance work, consulting, or even volunteering.

That’s a really good point. It not only keeps those skills sharp and your resume updated,

Yeah.

but it also shows that you’re committed to your field, and it helps you stay connected to your network.

It’s like you’re saying, “Hey, I’m not just waiting around for the phone to ring. I’m out here, you know, doing things, being engaged.”

Exactly. It shows initiative, a proactive attitude, and those are things employers really value.

And speaking of initiative, the article also talks about using this time to, like, invest in yourself, in your professional development, like taking classes, workshops, maybe getting a certification.

That’s a fantastic idea.

Yeah.

Not only will it boost your skills and knowledge, but it shows that you’re dedicated to growing and that you’re willing to invest in yourself. It signals to potential employers that you’re serious about your career and you want to keep getting better.

And it can be a great way to boost your confidence, too, you know, knowing that you’re actively learning new things

Right.

and staying ahead of the curve.

Absolutely. It’s about taking charge of your career and investing in your future.

Okay, we’ve talked about, you know, the emotional side of things, the practical strategies, and we’ve got those great examples from Kimberly and Derek. But before we wrap up, I want to touch on one more thing that’s so important: keeping things in perspective.

That’s a crucial point.

Mm.

It’s easy to get caught up in all the stress of the job search, but you got to remember, it’s just one part of your life.

Yeah, it doesn’t define you

Right.

or, you know, determine your worth.

Exactly. Keep things in perspective and focus on the bigger picture: your values, your passions, what you ultimately want to achieve.

And remember to celebrate those wins, even the small ones. Appreciate all the effort you’re putting in, and enjoy the journey.

And most importantly, believe in yourself. You have so much to offer, unique talents and skills, and that perfect opportunity is out there waiting for you.

That’s a great way to put it. Well, I hope this deep dive has given you some valuable insights and some strategies you can use to bounce back after a job loss. Remember, you’re not alone in this. With the right mindset and the right approach, you can turn this setback into something even better.

Keep learning, keep growing, and keep believing in yourself.

Love it. And if you’re feeling inspired, share your own stories and tips on social media using #TheDeepDive. We love hearing from you and learning from your experiences.

Until next time, keep diving deep.

Branding Yourself Is Important and Easy