Can a Job Fire You Over the Phone?
The short answer is yes, a job can fire you over the phone. Unfortunately, it’s become increasingly common for employers to use phone calls to deliver the unfortunate news when it’s time to let an employee go.
Reasons Phone Calls are Common for Firing
There are several reasons why employers might use a phone call to fire an employee, including:
- Convenience: It’s easy for employers to quickly make a phone call to give an employee their termination notice without having to schedule a face to face meeting.
- Distance: If the employee is located far away, a phone call might be the most practical way for a supervisor or manager to deliver the news.
- Avoidance: Some employers may not want to take responsibility for the decision to fire an employee and thus they do it over the phone.
Tips for Handling a Phone Call Firing
If you are ever on the receiving end of a phone call firing, it’s important to remember to stay calm, respectful and professional. You may be surprised and upset, but it’s important to try your best to control your emotions. You never know when you might need a reference from this employer in the future, so it’s important to make the best impression possible on the call.
It’s also a good idea to write down notes about the details of your firing. Record the date and time of the call, who you spoke to and any other details that could be relevant. It’s important to have this information in case you ever need to refer to it in the future.
Conclusion
Although it’s increasingly common for employers to fire staff members over the phone, it doesn’t make it any less difficult. If you ever find yourself in that situation, it’s important to stay professional, respectful, and take notes of the conversation.