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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Here are some of our Top Resume Testimonials

Vanessa Dos Santos Oliveira
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. 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 …
Vanessa Dos Santos OliveiraAccountant
Kourosh Masoudnia
“I just wanted to let you know that I’m happy with my resume and cover letter. Thank you so much for your time and help. I think we can move forward and work on my LinkedIn”
Kourosh Masoudnia
Dumas Garrett
Arno was extremely helpful in working with me on a new resume and Linked In profile. He brings a very thoughtful approach to working with you and will ask the right questions to get you a great finished product. Thanks Arno!
Dumas GarrettChief Executive Officer
Natoya Hylton
Arno Markus is a consummate professional and an excellent wordsmith. He did an amazing job writing my resume and cover letter capturing the essence of who I am, highlighting my strengths and showcasing my accomplishments. Simply put, his work is top notch!
Natoya HyltonCommunity Care Coordinator
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Wow, this is excellent.  Please see my very minor updates.  Thank you!!!
Kirk Schamel
Nivi
“Arno did a really nice job with my resume & cover letter. He also helped me craft the content to refresh my linked in profile. Outside of a clear and honest articulation of my past experiences, he brings out the critical few value proposition statements that would stand out and differentiate my skills to a recruiter / hiring manager, in my case for corporate boards. Thank you for your help, …
Nivi NityanandCorporate Board Member
Ben Howard
“Arno and his team at iCareerSolutions are fast, reliable, and incredibly knowledgeable about resumes, LinkedIn SEO, and the recruitment process. From start to finish, communication was a constant and the entire process was professional. Every step of Arno’s process is on time and delivers on what was promised. I am pleased with the results, and I recommend Arno for assistance with your resume,…
Ben HowardDirector of IT Security & Compliance
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I love your approach.
Victoria Crain
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 I think the resume is perfect.  Please proceed to the next step.  Thank you!
Evan SandersIT Director
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I recently worked with Arno and his team to revise my resume. I was extremely pleased with the finished product. Arno’s team was very thorough in their work and produced a resume that I absolutely love. I recommend him without hesitation.
Suzette GordonChief Compliance Officer

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