What’s the best way to explain being laid off during interviews without sounding negative? I know layoffs are common in tech right now but I still feel awkward talking about it when interviewers ask why I left my last role.

likeuplifting
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I was laid off, I just say the role was eliminated. That’s it, no more explanation needed.

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No. I was unemployed for 8 months and never heard that question asked. Just be able to speak to the impact you made in that role

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I normally just say I was laid off/role of eliminated due to the needs of x name business. Then say something positive (even I don’t mean it) about them/my time there/skills gained.

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The best approach is honesty. Most recruiters will likely discover you have been laid off. Building a relationship on honesty will be beneficial. And depends. Your body language and how you speak they’ll figure out that you’re hiding something.

Consider how the company might react if they found out you were laid off but had misled them. I was personally laid off and told the hiring manager my situation. He appreciated the honesty and he did give me a job based on my work experience.

Don’t be to hard on yourself and just be honest. Hope this helps. Feel free to let me know your thoughts.

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Being laid off and being fired are two completely different things.
There's no shame whatsoever in being laid off.
Say something like "I was part of a 2nd or 3rd round of a small layoff."
First round of layoff is generally dead weight unless it's extremely massive i.e. warranting a WARN notice.
Getting laid off after the first initial round means that it was most likely strictly a financial layoff andMeans that it was most likely strictly a financial layoff and nothing to do with nothing

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Short and sweet and positive. "My business unit was eliminated in a restructuring. Great team, great opportunities, I grew so much in that role." This eliminates the which round were you in conversation. If they ever ask, you were in the LAST round of layoffs.

likesmart

One of my top references is my ex-manager at IBM, whom I am more than willing to offer up should I sense any hesitation, which I haven't yet.

As others have said, I am factual and respectful of the time I spent at IBM. It serves zero purpose to share any negative emotions towards the situation, focus on the positives.

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Short and sweet and don’t make it about you, make it a restructuring or or company financial performance. Usually those two cover most layoffs. Don’t say anything negative

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Keep it simple. Laid off due to budget cuts. Or contract ended. You must Use your discernment.

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If it comes up, I just give the interviewer the exact same information my last company gave me. They told me I was being terminated without cause, they listed "shortage of work" as the reason on my Record of Employment. If they want more details, I was never given any in the first place.

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I do too. I don’t think there’s any good way of discussing that it’s real awkward. I try to avoid it.

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