Interviewing for a job? 6 ways to address why you were laid off at previous stint

No matter how long and how hard you prepare for that upcoming interview, it's always going to be difficult to address that question.

Being quizzed about career gaps, frequent job hoppings, or change can be awfully intimidating. However, nothing compares to the “why were you laid off?” queries.


Layoffs do raise a question mark on your credibility as an employee. It makes the recruiter wonder what led to you being handed the pink slip. No employer wants to hire an individual who can turn out to be a liability for the company. Before signing on the dotted line, companies want to ensure they are not recruiting someone who has had previous run-ins with the law, has engaged in unethical behaviour, or has proved to be unproductive.

To make things worse, layoffs are uncomfortably common today. 2022 has mostly been a year of mass, unceremonious layoffs. Popular microblogging platform Twitter recently downsized 50 per cent of its workforce. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, also announced that it will be showing the door to 11,000 employees.

The Indian corporate sector is also rife with mass firings. According to a 2022 report by startup and tech news portal Inc42, about 15,708 employees have been given the boot by 44 unicorn start-ups such as BYJU’s, Meesho, Vedantu, etc. With so many sackings being featured prominently in the news, many interviewers may ask you directly if you have been downsized. So it’s best to prepare for that eventuality.

Being asked whether you have been laid off will never not be scary. But you must face these questions with just the right amount of confidence and humility. Here’s how:

Make The Numbers Speak For You

First things first. If your organisation has recently been in the news for downsizing a chunk of its workforce, the F word will feature prominently in the interview, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. You have been warned.

However quantifying the layoff can neutralise the issue to a great extent. It can also highlight how significantly impactful the layoff was. If the employer realises that a large chunk of your team was sent packing, or your entire department was made redundant, you will not be singled out. So go to the interview with numbers in hand.

Learn The Distinction Between Being Fired & Getting Laid Off

Although they are often used interchangeably, a layoff is different from being fired. Knowing about this important distinction can make a world of difference when you are on the hunt for a new job.

An employee gets fired if they are found to be underperforming, or are caught engaging in unethical behaviour or violating the company policies.

A layoff occurs when an organisation faces financial troubles or undergoes restructuring.

Be Honest

Although it can be tempting to try and cover up the fact that you were laid off, we suggest you refrain from doing so, especially if it is recent and/or is the cause behind your employment gap. Employers will always be able to initiate a background check and any lies you come up with won’t last for long. So come clean with the fact that you have been laid off.

Mind Your Tone

Speaking about your layoff is … unpleasant (to say the least). But be careful how you sound when you address it. Even if you think the layoff has been unfair, avoid coming across as bitter or blaming your former organisation. Don’t bad-mouth your former boss while addressing a layoff. It will only show you in a poor light.

Highlight What You Bring To The Table

Remember, the main purpose of an interview is to find out if you will match the job description and if you have the potential to be an asset to the company. Do your best to prove why you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Focus on your accomplishments in your last role. Back it up with numbers. Did you save your last firm a lot of funds? Helped drive a lot of traffic to the website? Increased positive client feedback? Back it up with numbers. Prepare a portfolio of all of your work.

Show That You Prioritise Learning

Many employees are sacked because they fail to upskill or upgrade their skill set. If you have completed any training courses with flying colours, have that ready.

All References Matter

If you have been recently laid off and left your previous job on bad terms, then getting a great reference from your former manager may be next to impossible. In that case, have all your references by your side - former bosses, people you worked with on a freelance basis, etc. Have someone who can confirm your talent or work ethic.

What tips do you have when asked about layoffs? Do share below.

Gigi Hadid, Toni Braxton & Jack White: Celebs Who’ve Quit Twitter Because Of Elon Musk

1/11

Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter, there has been total chaos at the social media company. From mass layoffs to reinstating the banned Twitter accounts, the billionaire’s drastic changes have caused several celebs to bid farewell to the platform. Here’s a look at the celebrities who have quit Twitter.

Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter, there has been total chaos at the social media company. From mass layoffs to reinstating the banned Twitter accounts, the billionaire’s drastic changes have caused s..

Read More

Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter, there has been total chaos at the social media company. From mass layoffs to reinstating the banned Twitter accounts, the billionaire’s drastic changes have caused several celebs to bid farewell to the platform. Here’s a look at the celebrities who have quit Twitter.

Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter, there has been total chaos at the social media company. From mass layoffs to reinstating the banned Twitter accounts, the billionaire’s drastic changes have caused s..

Read More

The supermodel left the microblogging platform in November. While quitting, she said, “I’m done with the cesspool of hate on the bird app”.

The supermodel left the microblogging platform in November. While quitting, she said, “I’m done with the cesspool of hate on the bird app”.

American actor and comedian Whoopi Goldberg left Twitter in November. She described Elon Musk’s Twitter as a “mess”.

American actor and comedian Whoopi Goldberg left Twitter in November. She described Elon Musk’s Twitter as a “mess”.

As soon as the Tesla CEO’s acquisition of Twitter was finalised, Shonda Rhimes quit Twitter. The American author said that she’s not hanging around for whatever Musk has planned.

As soon as the Tesla CEO’s acquisition of Twitter was finalised, Shonda Rhimes quit Twitter. The American author said that she’s not hanging around for whatever Musk has planned.

Though Toni Braxton did not deactivate her Twitter account, she has been absent from the platform since October 28. The American singer said hate speech under the veil of free speech was unacceptable.

Though Toni Braxton did not deactivate her Twitter account, she has been absent from the platform since October 28. The American singer said hate speech under the veil of free speech was unacceptable..

Read More

Sara Bareilles also announced her departure from the social media platform. Though the singer’s account continues to exist on Twitter, she has not liked or posted anything since October 29.

Sara Bareilles also announced her departure from the social media platform. Though the singer’s account continues to exist on Twitter, she has not liked or posted anything since October 29.

It seems that Donald Trump’s return to Twitter forced Jack White to bid goodbye to Twitter. While quitting the platform on November 20, the musician shared a lengthy note to Elon Musk.

It seems that Donald Trump’s return to Twitter forced Jack White to bid goodbye to Twitter. While quitting the platform on November 20, the musician shared a lengthy note to Elon Musk.

Michael Trent Reznor decided to exit from Twitter after Musk called him a “crybaby”. While stating that he is leaving the platform for his mental well-being, he said, “it is such a toxic environment”.

Michael Trent Reznor decided to exit from Twitter after Musk called him a “crybaby”. While stating that he is leaving the platform for his mental well-being, he said, “it is such a toxic environment”..

Read More

Keeping his promise to leave Twitter if Musk takes it over, Erik Larsen quit the social networking platform. The comic book artist said that this acquisition has only “emboldened most toxic users”.

Keeping his promise to leave Twitter if Musk takes it over, Erik Larsen quit the social networking platform. The comic book artist said that this acquisition has only “emboldened most toxic users”.

See More Slideshows