14 things to do as soon as you realize you're about to be fired

• Jacquelyn Smith
 
•   

bark/flickrDon't panic.

Most people are shocked when they hear the words "you're fired" come out of their boss' mouth.

They're blindsided by the news because they didn't have their eyes open — or perhaps they just chose to ignore the signs.

But the savviest professionalsalways keep an eye out for the classic signs that their jobs are in danger. This way, if and when they notice red flags popping up, they can attempt to turn the tide before it's too late, says Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job."

Here's what to do as soon as you realize you're about to get the boot. These tips may not save you from getting fired, but they just might help:

View As: One Page Slides

David Hall/flickr

Don't panic

If you think you're about to be fired, it's natural to freak out. "But remember that firing signs can also be false reads," Taylor says. "Sometimes rumors spread like wildfire, disrupting departments until you bravely approach your boss."

Before you draw any wild conclusions and begin to drive yourself crazy, talk to your boss. "Don't consult other employees for any insight into your future; go straight to the source to get a read on your performance," she suggests.

Initiate a conversation in a neutral setting with your boss

This is the perfect opportunity to raise your concerns, ask questions, and to see if there is anything you can or should be doing to help improve the chances of you retaining your position, advises Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of "The Humor Advantage."

"Come with an open mind, and with constructive suggestions. Be open to exploring creative options such as lateral transfers. Offer to help out during this time of transition. Maintaining the perspective that you care about the company and want to do what's best for the company will help you score points in the eyes of senior leaders," he says.

Ask your boss for honest feedback

"Even if it's not what you want to hear, not knowing is worse than knowing," says Kerr.

Take notes of what needs to change, adds Taylor: "Submit an action plan and timeline to your boss and get their sign-off. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't be defensive. Stay in contact with your manager and set up regular status check-in meetings for the future."

racorn/shutterstock

Don't trust everything your boss says

It's definitely worth talking to your boss, but remember that they may not give you an honest answer about whether your job is on the line.

Take whatever they say with a grain of salt.

Do your best work possible

Try not to be distracted by negativity, as hard as that might be.

"Focus on performing to the best of your ability," says Taylor. "That is the strongest form of job security you have."

Step up your game

In addition to doing your best work, you'll also want to step up your game in other ways.

"Now is definitely the time to take extra initiative," Kerr says. "Offer more input than normal. Volunteer for extra duties and roles. Demonstrate that you truly are a team player. Even if a layoff is imminent, maintain a respectful and professional demeanor so that you can leave with your head held high and knowing that you'll get a positive referral from your boss."

Taylor also suggests putting in a few extra hours each week to show that you're dedicated. "It's harder for managers to let go of people who show commitment."

Strelka Institute for Media, Architecture and Design

Keep your boss and others in the loop

Let those you report to know the status of your projects on a regular basis, says Taylor: "Also offer next steps and ask for feedback regularly."

Brush up on necessary skills

If you feel that you could advance your cause by taking a course, now may be a good time.

"Perhaps not having a competitive skill set has held you back," says Taylor. "If nothing else, this will be an asset for your future marketability."

Get stronger — mentally and physically

View this challenge as a time to gain a stronger physical and mental mindset, says Taylor.

"Sometimes facing obstacles can be the moment of a complete turnaround and catapult you to a new level of success. It may or may not be at this company, but you can give it your best shot by being on the top of your game.

"Make sure you're working out, eating right, and getting enough sleep. You want to produce solid results and make wise decisions, so give yourself the best odds."

Shutterstock

Document everything

Keeping an electronic file of your work and correspondence is a good policy regardless of your status at your job, says Taylor.

"It can come in handy if you have a boss with no legitimate reason to fire you," she says. "Also keep kudos that have accumulated from managers, clients, colleagues, business associates, and vendors. You will be well-prepared should you need to refute a poor evaluation."

Robert Dilenschneider, author of "50 Plus!: Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life," agrees: "I would advise you to document everything. Often a company wants to push someone out rather than fire them and have to pay severance or unemployment benefits. If you have a contract that stipulates what you will receive if you are fired, tough it out and don't quit."

Stay visible

"Contrary to what some may think, if you feel your job is at risk, you won't want to fade from view," says Taylor.

Rather than trying to fly under the radar, do whatever you can to stay visible and active at your company.

"Volunteer for projects, help others, make visits, and stay aware," she says. "Externally, become active on LinkedIn and in the business community — and consider blogging for online industry publications."

Never assume you are safe

Even if you take all these steps, don't assume you're safe.

"Make sure your résumé is up to date," suggests Kerr. "Take advantage of training opportunities that might still be available that would help bolster your chances of getting a new job if the worst comes to pass.

"Plan your finances; consider the range of options available to you and talk to your spouse so it doesn't come as a complete shock if and when a layoff happens," he says.

And, he says, embrace the notion that many of the most successful people on the planet were once fired from their jobs. Maintain the perspective that this can mean a whole new and exciting chapter for you, and use it as motivation to move on to something bigger and better and even to pursue a dream you've previously sidelined.

Flickr / VFS Digital Design

Start working on your résumé and looking for references

If there's a chance you'll soon lose your job, you'd be wise to begin working on your résumé and visiting job boards — just in case.

Also, begin to feel out if anyone you work with would be able to give you a good reference.

"It doesn't have to be your immediate supervisor," says Dilenschneider. "It could be someoneyou have worked with for many years who is willing to support you when you start looking for a new job."

But tread carefully. If your employer finds out that you're on the search for a new job, they may see you as a flight risk, which could be bad if they weren't planning on firing you in the first place.

Decide if the job is worth fighting for

If you know you're doing a good job but are unhappy, don't waste all your energy on convincing your employer not to fire you.

"It may be hard to imagine now, but if this is the case, you may well come to thank the employer for your parting of the ways," says Taylor. "Take this opportunity to re-evaluate if you're on the right career path. Take note of your true passion and skill sets, and visit your favorite job boards."