Clients ask me, “Maureen, what do I say to recruiters or hiring managers?” (see scripts at the end of this short article).

I didn’t see it coming.

An entire career of impeccable results and accomplishments are at risk. You are a go-to guy (or girl)—an industry sage. Understand that this is not your fault.

Revenues are down.

Expenses are up.

Markets tighten.

Industries disappear.

You’ve been distracted by a major project that has kept your head down and your team busy.

You may not know what the Board had in mind with this decision; you may never know, and it’s important to understand that this is less about you than it is about the company.

Be easy on yourself. Do not make major decisions within the first couple of weeks. Know that there are 4.9 million job terminations per month in the US alone. In Canada, the number is slightly under 1 million (however, note the difference in total population). It may feel as though you’re alone in this experience, but you really are not. It’s more common than you may realize. 

You can lean on an outplacement provider to help you with this transition. Hiring a career strategist can reduce time to market significantly, and you can be market-ready in 30 days.

In your dismissal meeting, you likely received information about benefits you will receive. For example, you may receive a severance package — although you aren’t guaranteed it, unless your employment contract specifies it. Fewer and fewer companies are offering so-called “golden parachutes” for departing employees; most are reserved for top-level executives, like you. You need to have your attorney review it carefully.

It can feel difficult to do, but ensure you leave on good terms.

Terminations happen. It is difficult to feel vulnerable. Richard St. John claims that success is a continuous journey with his 8 simple but powerful principles. See this 3 minute video on the Secrets of Success.

Also, do not wait to begin your job search. The longer you are unemployed, the harder it is to find a new job. Some executives feel they need a “break” before starting the job search. However, taking a vacation is the last thing you should be doing.

If you lose your job unexpectedly (with little or no warning), it can be particularly difficult to move forward quickly with a new job search. You may still be mourning the loss of your old job.

Take action immediately and start the process of looking for work as though it is a job itself. Understandably you may not want to talk to hiring decision-makers immediately. Prepare yourself for future conversations by getting your executive portfolio together.

These may include:

It has been my personal experience that executives land very nicely — most times in a better place from where they came. The upside of being terminated lies in the freedom and time you will have to explore your options. However, do not wait to begin your job search. The average time for executives to find a new opportunity is 240 days.

Here are scripts you can personalize for telling friends, family, and interviewers that there has been a change in your employment status. Keep it simple.

For your family:

“My company experienced a round of layoffs, and I was impacted. I am moving forward with a targeted job search strategy and am looking forward to my next opportunity.”

Do not over-explain.

For recruiters and hiring authorities

“Elon have you ever been blindsided by a business decision? [wait for response]. Well, last month I was terminated from my company—the only time in my career that I was not in control. The manufacturing industry is in decline. I did not expect that when we merged with California Metal Manufacturing that I would lose my job. They chose another CEO to lead the transition. But, you know, I am okay with that. This is a new chapter and I am excited to move forward.”

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