Are you struggling to find a new job after being fired? Or maybe you’ve been fired recently and your next move is still unclear.

Recovering and getting back into work after a firing isn’t easy, but it can be done.

Here are seven top tips to help you get your career back on track….

Be Honest with Yourself and Employers

No one likes an employee who plays the blame game. Be honest with yourself and potential new employers about what happened.

If you caused the firing, don’t shift the blame, and definitely don’t badmouth your former employer.

If you were fired through no fault of your own, such a restructuring, be honest about that too, but still avoid the blame game. Try to keep it as positive as is reasonable.

Take Stock of Your Career

Now is a good time to take stock of your career and decide where you really want to go next.

Ask yourself:

• Were you happy in your job prior to being let go?
• Why or why not?
• Is there a direction that would be a better fit for you?

If you want to retrain, now is a good time to look into doing that.

Stay in the Loop with Networking

The article “You Were Fired: Now What?” suggests keeping up with your network even after a firing. Former colleagues and clients can be a rich source of leads for new roles.

Networking can help you feel less out of the loop and keep you up to date on what is happening in your industry.

Keep things friendly and professional and there won’t be any awkwardness.

Keep on Good Terms If You Can

It’s easy to get angry at your boss after a firing, but trying to stay on good terms will serve you much better in the long run. If you can’t do that, at least be civil and avoid pointing fingers.

Depending on the circumstances of your firing, your boss may even be willing to act as a reference for you, or let you know about any opportunities that are a good fit.

Look to People Who Know You

Gaining a new employers’ trust after a firing can be challenging.

After all, they’re looking for people they can rely on, and if the choice is between someone who has been fired and someone who has a spotless record, it’s easy to see which direction they’re going to take.

That’s where people who know and already trust you can be helpful.

Look to friends, colleagues or others in your network for leads and recommendations.

You might also approach former employers who you parted from on good terms.

Stay Busy

It’s important to stay busy after a firing. If you don’t, you run the risk of getting yourself into a slump and subsequently finding it harder to get out and get back in the game.

Consider taking a training course, doing some further education, or even doing some volunteer work. You’ll be brushing up your skills and keeping your mind active at the same time.

Secure Good References

Good references can be a challenge after a firing.

You don’t have to approach your immediate boss, however – are there any colleagues who would be willing to vouch for you?

Staying involved with your local business network, or doing some volunteer work, can help you build up current references.

Getting back on your feet after a firing can be a challenge.

Use these tips to get proactive and with some honesty and determination, you’ll soon be back in the game.

About the Author: Tristan Anwyn writes on a variety of topics including social media, how to build customer relationships, content marketing and how to get back on your feet after being fired.