MoneyWatch/ December 20, 2012, 7:00 AM

How to bounce back after being fired

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One reader reached out to Suzanne for advice on what to do after being fired.

"I am 57 years old and I am afraid that I am now unemployable, and have a difficult time trying to "spin" my situation to a prospective employer, when I know I was hosed. I guess I just want your insight. I'm sure this stuff happens all the time," the reader wrote.

Many folks, especially those who have been employed with the same company for a long time, might feel overwhelmed by the prospect of starting the job hunt from scratch.

From freshening up or establishing your online profile to reaching out to former direct reports, our fourth pick offers step-by-step advice.