Answer Job Interview Questions - Explaining a Layoff

Do you know how to answer job interview questions about your reasons for leaving previous jobs?

If you are leaving for a better opportunity you can go to these dismissal.

What if you were laid off? How do you answer job interview questions about a previous layoff?

The best strategy is to be honest about the lay-off but to focus your
job interview discussion on what you can offer to the job and the
organization.

How to Explain a Layoff In Your Interview

Often people have been laid off for reasons that are beyond their control, there is usually an acceptable explanation. Company layoff policies are often perceived as unfair but the job interview is not the place to discuss that.

Many people have been personally affected by a layoff, or know of someone who has. Employers understand that job cuts are a fact of life and do not automatically indicate a problem with the candidate.

The key is your attitude to the layoff rather than the layoff itself.
Your attitude will be evident in how you communicate it to the
interviewer. Follow these steps to provide a well-considered explanation.

• Prepare a statement that explains the layoff in a concise and
  factual way that you feel comfortable with.
• Give the reason such
  as downsizing, restructuring, a merger.
• Ensure that you highlight what
  you managed to accomplish during your time at the company.

For example:

"The
broad-based restructuring at the company resulted in my position being
eliminated. However during my time there I was successful in ......."

• Steer
  clear of criticizing your ex-employer, this can be perceived as having a
  negative attitude.
• You can move on to how the layoff has opened up new
  possibilities for you.

For example:

"I am able to bring the following
skills to this position ....... I'm excited about having the opportunity
to meet new challenges."

Be aware of the tone you use when you answer job interview questions about being laid off.

Avoid an apologetic type of response or a defensive tone. Be sure your
body language communicates confidence and transparency- arms uncrossed,
sitting upright but not rigid, looking directly at the interviewer and
making relaxed eye contact.

How to Answer Tough Interview Questions

DIFFICULT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

How to answer difficult  interview questions

DIFFICULT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Answer interview questions about dismissals

DIFFICULT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Interview answers about employment gaps

Be prepared to explain both why you were laid off and what you did after that. Account for the time you may have spent being unemployed since the lay off.

Focus on what constructive steps you took during this period. Any
classes you have taken, the work-related information you have accessed
and read.

What not to say in your interview

Make sure you are not inappropriately focusing on your layoff. If the interviewer asks "Why do you want this position?",
your answer should focus on the job tasks, job responsibilities and the
company, not that you need a job because you have been laid off.

How to Answer Job Interview Questions

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Why should we hire you?

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Can you tell me about yourself?

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Why do you want to work here?

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Your strengths and weaknesses?

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

What are your future goals ?

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Your greatest achievement?

The interview is also likely to include some tricky behavioral interview questions. Use these sample behavioral interview answers to prepare.

Preparing
and practicing how to answer job interview questions about being laid
off will increase your confidence and ability to professionally handle
this difficult topic.

Our comprehensive layoff guide provides practical steps to Job Interview Answers > Explain a Layoff in the Interview

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