Recovering from a Layoff
with Brie Weiler Reynolds
Interview Questions
“Why are you looking for a job?” or “Why was your job eliminated?”
It’s not nearly enough to say, “I got laid off.” But you also don’t want to give too much information, or a
negative response. So how do you answer? Give recruiters just enough information to satisfy their curiosity.
For example:
• “The layoff was a corporate decision made for financial reasons and out of my boss’s control. My per-
formance reviews had been great and I really enjoyed working there.”
• “The company decided to cut costs and the layoff was a purely financial decision. I was sad to leave
but proud of the work I accomplished and everything I learned while I was there.”
“How many people were laid off with you?”
With questions like these, a recruiter is trying to understand whether this was a multiperson layoff, or if
you were the sole victim. They’re concerned that, if you were the only person laid off, it might have been
performance related. That’s why you need to address that fear in your answer.
Again, the key is to provide just enough information. When we’re nervous, it’s easy to ramble on, so don’t be
afraid to end your answer confidently and await the next question.
For example:
• “My whole department was eliminated, which meant five of us were let go. My boss tried hard to keep
us within the company, but the company said they need to reduce headcount, so we couldn’t be reas-
signed.”
• “It was a single-person layoff. My job was eliminated and the responsibilities were absorbed by the
remaining team members. I know it was a tough decision for them, and it wasn’t performance related.
I’m happy to provide you with references for my abilities.”
“What would your former boss say about you?”
You might have less-than-positive feelings and memories about your boss, but it’s vital to keep your answer
to this question positive and brief. List two or three of your best skills that your former boss would agree with.
For example:
• “In my last role, I received excellent performance reviews and had a good working relationship with
my boss. The layoff was difficult for both of us, but I understand why the company needed it to hap-
pen, and I’m happy to say that my boss is one of my best references.”
• “My former manager would say that I was hardworking and dedicated. Layoffs can be really difficult
for managers, so I did my best work right up to the end. I’m confident my manager would agree.”
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“What have you been doing while you were out of work?” or “How have you stayed up to date since
being laid off?”
Hiring managers want to know if you’ve stayed professionally active, and whether you’ve experienced any
sort of knowledge setback by being out of the workforce.
Talk about the best things you’ve been doing since being laid off. These might include the following:
• Consulting, part-time, or freelance work
• Volunteering your skills or time
• Helping at your child’s school
• Attending professional association meetings and networking events
• Reading industry publications, news, and updates
• Taking classes or earning additional certifications
• Even things like informational interviewing
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