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How To Address A Layoff Throughout Your Job Search

How To Address A Layoff Throughout Your Job Search

Unfortunately, layoffs have been an all-too-common occurrence recently. As companies try to adjust to a volatile market and ever-changing circumstances, millions of people are suddenly without a job. As you jump back into the job seeker pool, it can be uncomfortable to discuss your layoff. Keep reading for some tips on navigating a layoff, and even making it work in your favor when taking the next step in your career.

Leave On A Positive Note

Your job search starts the moment you receive notice of being laid off. As unfortunate of a situation as it is, handling it gracefully at the moment can pay off in spades. Leaving on a positive note opens the door for a favorable recommendation and the ability for a future employer to confirm that you were indeed laid off rather than fired. So, keep an upbeat attitude and vow to continue a business relationship with your peers and leaders. 

Note It In Your Job Application Materials

Every piece of material you submit should note your layoff. You can include it in your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and actual application. Keep the mention of it brief and as simple as possible. Seeing it in your materials explains a short stint of employment and gives the hiring manager context surrounding your past employment. Additionally, it will likely spark further conversation during an interview.

Briefly Discuss It During Your Interview

“Why did you leave your last position?” is an extremely common interview question. Knowing that it will probably be addressed allows you to prepare ahead of time. Write a quick pitch explaining the layoff. Most importantly, keep it simple. Your interviewer doesn’t need to know the details, only that you were laid off, when, and why. Leave any personal feelings out of it! Then, you can pivot into your future career.

Use It As An Opportunity

While it’s easy to get bogged down in the negative details of being laid off, there can actually be plus sides! Craft your narrative to explain what you’ve been doing since your last position to further your career. Maybe you’ve taken an online course, attended a training, freelanced, volunteered, or even took the time to refresh and redefine your career goals. Employers love to see a candidate that makes lemonade out of lemons!

Need more job search tips?

Addressing a layoff is only one piece of the job search puzzle. If you are looking for more helpful job search resources, we have you covered. Johnson Service Group has hundreds of useful tips and tricks to help you take the next step in your career. Check out our candidate resources today and rise above the competition!

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