Que hacer cuando te despiden?

Getting fired is painful. It hurts when it's a layoff - and there isn't a day lately where I don't hear about another company letting workers go. It hurts even more when you're fired for cause. Being fired, unfortunately, can happen to any of us - sometimes it's your fault, sometimes it's not. Regardless of the circumstances, it's important to know what to do next.

First of all, take a little time to get used to the idea. Then, review how to handle a firing, layoff or termination, and complete this job loss checklist to make sure that you have covered all the basics and are ready to start a job search.

You should also know what your rights as an employee are when you lose your job. Jay Warren, counsel in the New York office of Bryan Cave LLP, shares his expertise on employee rights and options for seeking assistance if you have questions about those rights.

Next, work on a job search plan, so you can find a job as expeditiously as possible. Finally, before you start interviewing, prepare some answers to questions you're probably going to be asked in an interview: