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.
