How job seekers can discuss layoffs in interviews?

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(Board, C-Level, VP, Director & Mid-Career Professionals)

Be Honest and Straightforward: Honesty is the best policy. If you were laid off, simply state it. You don’t
need to go into great detail. A simple explanation like, “My previous employer underwent a
restructuring that resulted in several positions, including mine, being eliminated.”


Stay Positive: It’s important not to speak negatively about your previous employer, even if the layoff was
handled poorly. Maintain a positive and professional tone. Focus on the skills and experiences you
gained during your tenure there.


Focus on the Future: After briefly explaining the layoff, shift the conversation to the future. Discuss what
you learned from the experience and how you are eager to apply your skills and experience to a new
opportunity.


Discuss Your Activities Post-Layoff: If you’ve been using your time post-layoff productively, mention it.
Whether you’ve taken up training courses, volunteered, or freelanced, sharing these details can show
initiative and a commitment to your professional development.


Prepare and Practice: Anticipate that you’ll be asked about the layoff and prepare a response. Practice
your answer until you feel confident about delivering it calmly and concisely.


Show Resilience: A layoff can be a testing time, but how you handle it can demonstrate resilience. Talk
about how you’ve adapted, how you’ve used the time to reassess your career goals, improve your skills,
or broaden your network.

See Also: How To Write A Persuasive Resume That Connects & Gets You Interviews In 5 Easy Steps!

Let us help you land your next position by crafting the best ATS optimized resume or by managing your entire job search. Here’s more information about our Resume Writing Services and Reverse Recruitment Service. Book a call today to speak directly with our CEO and Founder, Arno Markus!

About iCareerSolutions

iCareerSolutions, America’s #1 Executive and Professional Resume Writing Services, Reverse Recruitment, and LinkedIn Profile Development Company. 28X award-winning resume writers deliver professional resumes that get interviews. We have successfully landed our executive clients senior-level leadership positions at companies like Apple, Amazon, EA, Oracle, GM, Google, Facebook, DoJ, Gap, and 2U just to name a few. iCareerSolutions has 200+ 5-star reviews and offers a 60-day interview guarantee. Every resume template created is Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) compatible and highly customized to meet your unique needs.

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One of the Top Multi-Award-Winning Resume Writing Services in the country.

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Here are some of our Top Resume Testimonials

Vanessa Dos Santos Oliveira
Arno Markus Certified Professional Résumé Writer Arno and his team helped me write a concise, engaging, and on-target resume. I also had the opportunity to gain long-lasting experience by employing proven strategies to secure a job through his 1:1 Coaching session.
Accountant
Miran Pleterski
I highly recommend Arno of iCareers for his outstanding highly professional time-efficient performance and assistance in professional powerful CV and LinkedIn-profile writing! His insightful advices and approaches based on his rich industry experience are invaluable. Do you need an efficient effective true professional helping you with your high-level CV and LinkedIn profile and more, do not …
Miran PleterskiVP of Strategy
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I met Arno through my husband when I was trying to update my resume. He was extremely helpful and gave a real insight in today’s industry standards. He was direct and to the point and guided me in what needs to happen and what I need to do. I am pleased with my interaction with him.
Dawn Baker
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“Hi Arno, My sincere thanks to you as I start my new job at Anthem. The resume that iCareerSolutions redid for me landed me this job with 25% increase in base pay. It really helped get my resume to the top of the stack of 200 applicants, out of which 40 video interviews were picked, and 5 were picked for second interviews. I just got the offer and I start July 6th. Thank you for your intervie…
Libby MathaiPrincipal Data Consultant
Jennifer Wein
Having worked with two high-end professional resume and bio writers, I can officially say that the intake template that iCareerSolutions provided was simpler to complete and honed in on key points. They also did a great job taking my complicated history and summarizing it into a structured bio and pitch that I can continue to update. Thank you, iCareerSolutions!…
Jennifer WeinSenior Creative Director
Shon Alexander
Having used a resume writer in the past and I having a horrible experience, I popped my head out to give it another shot. After vetting 15+ resume writers, Arno stuck out the most. Resumes are very personable and Arno has a great extraction process to get to know who you truly are. He is passionate about his work and takes time to explain his thought process to you. On top of his technique, his in…
Shon AlexanderGlobal Technology Program Manager
Justin Metcalf
Arno was very helpful with writing my resume and cover letter. I started receiving responses to applications with the new resume almost immediately and the cover letter is fantastic. He was patient, helpful, punctual and I would strongly recommend his service to anyone looking for career advice.
Justin MetcalfLogistics Consultant
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Arno really knows his stuff! Highly recommend his services for anyone looking to elevate their brand and reach that next level or for regular tune-ups to capture career accomplishments and be ready for your future opportunities.
B D
Wes Wingo
Arno is an amazing guy! He single handedly transformed my resume into a powerful tool that has helped me to land several dream jobs. I highly recommend Arno and his services, especially during these trying times.
Wes WingoDirector Of Business Development
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Arno, The way you transformed resume is simply incredible! Im working on my edits (not very many) today and tomorrow and will send them your way ASAP in preparation for our next meeting. Thank you so much! Ill be back in touch soon.
Jennifer L. William

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