SoloPoint Insights

Let Go From Your Engineer Job? 5 Things You Should Do Immediately

Whether or not you expected the news, hearing you’ve been fired is never a pleasant experience. Fortunately, you can begin taking steps immediately to position yourself for a new job opportunity.

Here are five things you should do as soon as you hear you’re being let go from an engineering job:

Tie up any loose ends.

If you’re working on any projects, leave a memo detailing where you left off and where the next person can find essential tools or information related to the project. Ask your supervisor if there are any other “loose end” tasks you can handle, such as termination paperwork or reading someone else into the essential tasks of your job.

Doing so demonstrates you’re dedicated to the work, even when the relationship with your employer takes a downturn, and it can help improve your reference from this employer.

Minimize awkward conversations.

Announcing to the team you’ve been fired can lead to awkwardness, and it may be read as a form of ill will toward the company, which can damage your reputation. Contact your closest work friends after hours to let them know, and avoid commenting on the company via social media.

Double up on your self-care habits.

Firing is a form of rejection, and rejection is often painful. As you transition away from this employer and into the job-hunting sphere, double up on your usual self-care routine, including exercise, eating well, getting regular rest and using tools like journaling or talking to friends or a trusted therapist. By doing so, you help yourself look forward instead of becoming mired in past guilt, resentment, or regret.

Frame your firing as a learning experience.

Prepare yourself to hear interviewers ask, “Why did you leave your last job?”  Regardless of the reason you were let go, you can frame the experience in terms of what you learned and how the work you did prepared you for success in a new position. The sooner you do this, the easier it is to update your resume, cover letter, and other materials with the value of your previous job in mind.

Seek support.

In addition to seeking support from your own family, friends and trusted colleagues, don’t hesitate to reach out to a staffing firm that specializes in placing engineering professionals in the region and positions that fit your career goals. Your recruiter can give you personalized feedback on the hiring and firing process, while helping you find a position that offers a better fit.

At SoloPoint Solutions, our recruiters focus on connecting engineering professionals with outstanding job opportunities within their industries. Contact us today to learn more about our engineering job opportunities in California.

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