Layoffs are making my resume look like a red flag because of a long run of bad luck. I've had three layoffs in four years, and it feels like I'm making excuses when I try to explain it in interviews. What's a good way to bring up high turnover in interviews so you don't sound like a flight risk?

likefunny
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First if all, you cant control layoffs, therfore you dont need to bring it up in the interview. If they're naive to the current tech landscape and mention it during the interview, turn it around on them and say you're looking for a place to build your career. Ask if this is something they can offer you.

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Indicate the layoff on your resume with parentheses. Examples:
(laid off due to COVID)
(Laid off due to dissolved partnership)
(Laid off due to industrial downturn)

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This, I've seen resumes that note the role was eliminated due to XYZ which clarifies the reason for the change. I don't judge candidates who were impacted due to layoffs - it happens and more frequently since Covid.

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Being laid off is not your fault and does not in and of itself get you labeled as a flight risk. Everybody in this industry understands that layoffs happen, and sometimes people have bad luck and get bit multiple times.

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I think this is the reality of tech now, but you can be strategic in the orgs you choose next to lower your chances. Go to a technology team in another industry. Way more stable

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It's a red flag if you have a new job every 3-6 months consistently. 3 jobs in 4 years doesn't sound bad. Just provide what you contributed and how it aligned with company goals/metrics and prove you have the skills for the job.

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You dont hire many contractors then? as 3-6 month contracts are the norm

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IMO just fill in the gaps and don’t tell them

No! Being a contractor is a red flag! Even though the exact definition is that you are employed on a temp basis.

Just say your contract has finished. They don’t need to know the details, and when they usually call your previous employers, they only verify employment dates. Just ace your interviews. Good luck!

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Hi all -
Sorry for the long rant, but could use advice or just encouragement.

Got laid off for the first time in my career 3 weeks ago. I have 10 years of PM experience (mostly ecommerce & experimentation). I was fortunate in the past to have had recruiters scout me directly so this is the first time in over a decade that I am applying to everything that I’m qualified for, mostly qualified for, and way over qualified for with zero leads. Only 3 interviews thus far that didn’t go forward.

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Anyone worried about layoffs?

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likesmart

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Alvarez & Marsal

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likeuplifting

What programming language are you mostly using at work? For me it’s Java

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