What’s the best way to answer interview questions about being laid-off? It can be challenging because you don’t want the hiring manager to see it as a reflection on your ability to do a job – and they will want to know about the circumstances of your departure.

Tips for Answering Interview Questions About a Layoff

Interviewers will often ask questions to determine the reasons for any time when you weren't employed.

You will need to assure the interviewer that you were performing at a high level and that your discharge was not in any way as a result of your productivity.

Be prepared to explain any circumstances at your organization that necessitated your layoff. For example, a merger or acquisition whereby an acquiring company or dominant merger partner took over and then laid-off staff where there was duplication.

Perhaps there was reorganization and all employees in your category were eliminated. Maybe your company was losing market share and needed to cut costs.

Make sure you maintain a neutral or positive tone as you describe your previous employer.  Avoid disparaging remarks about former colleagues, bosses or upper management.

Show How You Added Value

You will also need to share how you added value in your role while you were employed. Make a list of your accomplishments, particularly those that impacted the bottom line for your department.

Explain what you did to increase sales, save money, raise funds, improve quality, resolve operational problems, etc.

Emphasize the skills, qualities and knowledge that you leveraged to generate those results.

Provide specific anecdotes, examples and stories that illustrate how you helped your department to reach its goals.

Fill in the Gap

If you have more than a brief employment gap on your resume, the interviewer will probably ask you what you have been doing while you were out of work.  Emphasize anything positive that you might have done to upgrade your skills during that time such as taking online tutorials or doing freelance, consulting or volunteer work.  

If you were laid off in the past and have had other jobs since then, mention any steps you have taken to address weaknesses or enhance skills related to your target job in your more recent employment. Employers value candidates who are committed to self-improvement.  

Get References

Testimonials about your performance by others can help offset any concerns by prospective employers about your layoff. Secure as many employment references as possible from former supervisors, subordinates, customers, members of your professional association, and former colleagues.

Provide prospective employers with easy access to these recommendations through your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio.

Showcase Your Past Work

Build a portfolio of work samples from past jobs including the one from which you were laid off.  Include samples of writing, design, spreadsheets, reports, case studies, presentation slides, lesson plans and other projects. Be careful not to divulge any proprietary information about past employers. 

Share with employers via a link on your resume to your professional website or LinkedIn profile. Organizations will be more likely to believe that you have the right skills and knowledge for their job if they can see evidence of high-quality work products.

Differentiate the Target Job from Past Jobs

If there is any hint that you were laid off due to inadequate knowledge, skills or job fit, make a case for how your job target is a better fit. Emphasize skills, knowledge or personal qualities that will enable you to perform at a higher level. For example, you might say "I believe your job is an excellent fit because it will tap the journalistic and storytelling skills that I honed as a reporter.  My previous position was much more focused on event planning and fundraising."

Optimize the Impact of Internal Contacts

Endorsements of candidates from employees at prospective employers can have a strong impact on hiring decisions. Seek referrals from your primary contacts to second level contacts working at the employer and arrange informational consultations to show a face and ask for advice.  If you make a positive impression, these individuals might put in a good word for you that can serve to counterbalance any negative concerns about your layoff.  

Read More:Interview Questions About Being Out of Work