My entire department got eliminated last month, and now I'm interviewing again. When HMs ask why I'm leaving my current role, should I explain the whole downsizing situation or keep it brief? I don't want to sound like I'm making excuses, but I also don't want them to think I was let go for performance reasons. How much detail is too much?

likesmart
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You should tell them the awful truth, that the entire department was eliminated. It's not like people have never heard of such a thing. Depending on where you worked, word of it may have gotten around anyway, so it's not like you'll be breaking some shocking news. It's important to let it be known the problem wasn't you, it was some decision that someone in upper management made that affected a lot of people.

likesmart

I am so sorry to hear that. I have been looking for about six months myself and I have just been telling them the truth. I think it is good to be honest.

likeuplifting

You should be honest. Most hiring managers know that when an entire department is let go, it’s about money and/or strategic positioning, and not individual performance. You could have been the biggest rock star and it wouldn’t have made a difference and they know that. If you try to deflect and hide it, they will get think it was performance based.

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I'm sorry your entire department is being let go. It doesn't matter how business oriented the decision is...it always feels personal.

I was laid off in November of last year and I told every person who asked about it that it was a layoff, as it was. I told them if it had been up to me I'd still be there. Everyone responded to that well. It was the truth and I was bummed that it happened.

like

Don't explain the downsizing. Just say "my department is being eliminated." That's it.

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The interviewer wants to know your qualifications for the opening they need to fill.
Keep the past brief & engage w interviewer by asking them questions-make them visible & important so you will be remembered.

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