How to Explain Why You Were Laid Off

By SavvySugar editors

You're probably sick of talking about why you were laid-off and how your job search is going, and unfortunately those questions will keep coming until you've found a new job.

Potential employers will certainly want to know the reasons behind your unemployment, meaning you'll have to discuss what happened during a situation in which you're already vulnerable. Learn how to handle the sensitive interview question so that you're not left stuttering through an answer.

Bring It Up Early

It's a safe bet that a potential employer will probably ask why you left your last job at some point in the interview. Divulge the facts when you're prompted, but don't be afraid to mention it earlier. "Tell me about yourself" is one of the most common conversation topics in an interview, so while giving your answer also mention your reason for not having a job — even if it's because you were laid-off.

Take the Pressure Off

Receiving a pink slip is never good news, but if you were let go because your company was dealing with tough financial times that caused a group layoff, explaining yourself to a potential employer is pretty simple. Quell your interviewer's doubts by stating your company let go "x" percent of the workforce. If the percentage isn't substantial but money led to your departure, just say your department was restructuring and your job was eliminated.

Chat About Something Positive

So you were laid-off, but your story doesn't have to stop there. Fill your interviewer in on the ways you made the most out of your unemployment. Talk about any volunteer participation and even bring up particular books you enjoyed reading.

Keep the Details to Yourself

Be honest about why you were laid-off, but don't feel like you need to divulge the details about your previous employer's financial state. Be succinct in explaining the circumstances surrounding your layoff — the focus should stay on you without much emphasis on the company where you used to work.

Don't Feel Pushed

Some people just love dirt. If you're met with one of these individuals who happen to be interviewing you, don't feel like you need to feed their desire for gossip. When an interviewer with this quality asks you for more information about your old company and it seems inappropriate, take a simple plan of action: summarize what you've already said and mention you've moved on and think it's for the best. Your interviewer will be forced to move on to the next question, which better be about you!

Source: SavvySugar