What should I say if I’ve been laid off? Do I volunteer this or wait till they ask?
If the interviewer asks, answer truthfully. It’s a small world and they could hear from elsewhere, particularly if you come from a large company in a particular industry. Be prepared to discuss it without tripping over yourself. Keep your answer factual and unemotional. If you are not asked directly, you have the discretion to tell the story the way you want. Again, be factual but you don’t have to mention the lay off if you think it will bring the conversation—or you—down. And relax, we’ve all been there!
Caroline Ceniza-Levine is co-founder of SixFigureStart, a success coaching firm that equips students and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to launch six-figure careers. Caroline, an expert in career changing, is also a partner at Redseeds Consulting, a recruitment firm specializing in management consulting, and teaches professional development at Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs.
N/A
Complete the next few questions to get up-to-date salary data matching your profile
Expected Job Title*
City*
State* - Select a State - Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming