What to do after getting fired or laid off? First, you are not alone. Second, whether you are injured, laid off, an executive, hourly worker, or terminated for employment misconduct, every worker and former employee should consider the same path when taking the next step.
Thus, consider this a game plan if you are asking what to do after getting fired or terminated from your job.
First Step: what to do after getting fired
The first thing to do after getting fired is request a copy of their personnel file.
Provided a person follows the guidelines under Minnesota statute 181.961, there shouldn’t be many complications.
What is your personnel file?
Your personnel file is any document connected to you and your job. This includes applications, resume submissions, wage versification, W-2 forms, benefit information, correction plans, retirement benefits, non-compete agreements, etc.
What should a request for your employment file look like?
A request for your employment file should be in writing. No, this does mean you can e-mail your request. According to the rule, the request must be in writing.
Next, a worker or employee recently fired or terminated should ask for:
(1) All wages, bonuses, prizes, awards, and commissions owed,
(2) A complete copy of your personnel file,
(3) The truthful reason your job ended,
(4) The return of all personal property,
(5) Copies of any specific document or book relevant to your discharge, and
(6) Ask your former employer to forward this information to an address you find appropriate.
Wait, I know why my job ended
Yes, a worker might know the reason why they were fired or terminated. None the less, it is important to ask again and in writing because your right to information about an involuntary termination may end within 15 working days from the date your job ended. 
Also, obtaining written documentation from your former employer may help you with an appeal for unemployment benefits.
For more information on the notice of termination requirements, consider reviewing Minnesota statute 181.933.
Second Step: what to do after getting fired
Before starting on the second step, make sure you review what to do after getting fired above.
None the less, the second thing to do after getting fired is to write down any details you recall specific to your job ending. For example, outlining conversations with co-workers, bosses, human resources or describing a sequence of events.
Third Step: what to do after getting fired
The third thing to do after getting fired is to consider whether you are going to apply for unemployment benefits. Prevent yourself from filing for unemployment on the day or week you were fired.
Yes, you need time to reduce emotion and negative sentiment. As you can guess, this is normal. Also, you want time to think through the sequence of events that led to your termination and make sure you are prepared to questions that will help you get unemployment versus prevent you from getting unemployment.
Fourth Step: what to do after getting fired
The fourth thing to do after getting fired is to consider whether you need to take necessary steps to file a claim or claims with the Department of Labor, EEOC, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Minnesota Department of Labor, Minnesota Department of Human Rights, or a related agency.
Need more help?
If you need more help, consider contacting this law office for advisement. I wish you the very best.
