How do I explain I was laid off... if I am so good then why did they let me go?

George was laid off from his employer after 12 years with the company.  He has been on 4 interviews and everyone asks “Why did you leave your job?”  or “why are you looking?”  I can feel my face flush and I break in to a sweat.

Everyone is going to ask those questions.  Remember, if you were laid off or downsized it is neutral.  If you resigned, it is a negative because it is dissatisfaction on your part. The first thing you have to get out of your mind is that it was your fault.  It wasn’t.

It is important that your answers in the interview are, brief, to the point, concise, clear and conveyed with confidence. Describe the reason for your departure directly and succinctly. Don’t go into details unless you are asked.  The more you over explain and repeat yourself the more suspicious the interviewer will become.

No one is interested in opinion or subjectivity. Just the facts. Talk about the references you have from former colleagues and supervisors that can validate your performance.  Demonstrating a confidence and willingness to provide references to support your reasons for leaving is a powerful way to ensure you are believed.  

Focus on what you learned while you were with the company and how it has increased your knowledge or skill level.  Describing what you learned demonstrates that you are a life-long learner and you look on the positive side of most situations. Interviewers like candidates that stretch in their learning and thinking.

Always look the interviewer in the eyes when you respond.

Are you like George?  Work with me in the Job Hunter’s Boot Camp and learn how to break up the stumbling blocks.

Upcoming date for Teleclass is November 18th at 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Register early! Topic: “Networking like a Pro…Build your Sales Team.”