Whats more common is gaining a reputation for being bad at what you do.

And if your professional reputation damaged, you may also find it hard to get employment elsewhere.

People talk, after all, and you never know if a future boss is listening.

Heres how to fix your reputation after a screw-up at work.

Maybe your customer service skillsor lack thereofresulted in some brutal Yelp reviews.

Whatever you did, you have to own up to it.

Schedule some time with your boss to really hash out what happened.

Dont be defensive; see to it you acknowledge your screw up.

Apologize directly and vow to do better.

Same person, similar job, so what gives?

Ponder, too, whether youre in the right job or organization.

It might seem too simple, but abigmistake could mean youre not in the right place.

Remember how we said that when you address the gaffe, you should also vow to do better?

The solution doesnt lie in the promise itself; the solution lies in making good on it.

Recommit yourself to your work.

Take advice or criticism from your bosses seriously and ensure your performance improves in a demonstrable way.

Recruiting allies is vital.

Unfortunately, repairing your reputation is hard to do on your own, said Sackett.

You need a champion or two to help you.

Fixing your reputation is a long-haul endeavor that Sackett cautioned takes time and patience.

In our society we want instant gratification, but reputation management takes a lot of time and effort.

For one big screw-up, it can take years of rebuilding, he said.

Plus, most job applications expect you to give your interviewers permission to contact your previous employers.

When you dont grant that permission, theyll almost certainly ask you why in an interview.

Youre still employable, you just need to strategize how youll handle your past mistakes during your transition.

Have those who support you and your professional career be ready to give you your reference.

Those still matter in these cases, especially direct contact, bigger titles, said Sackett.

Next, lean into the error and embrace your reputation.

Signal that youre mature, self-aware, and honest.

Sackett advised, Be authentic and open in the interview process.

We love a redemption story and someone who we think has high self-insight.