How do you explain a layoff to your next employer? 6 tips

You are on the street—a bad feeling. However, make sure that you come across positively when applying for a job. Otherwise, you will be at home for a long time. We already give 6 tips.

You should take some time to process the shock. But don’t mourn a layoff for too long. The bigger the gap in your resume, the less chance you will have of a new job.

6 tips on how to explain a layoff to your next employer

Tell the truth

Be honest with applications. Don’t hide that you were fired. Your potential employer will find out anyway. Companies are increasingly checking your references. If it turns out you lied, you can forget it.

Such a story also quickly circulates in the sector, and then you have a big problem. You don’t have to tell all the details, but make sure you tell the core of the story and correct it.

Stay positive

Briefly state what happened at your previous employer and what you learned. Come up with a positive story. Share what you like to do at work.

Be careful that you don’t criticize ex-colleagues. Your potential employer will certainly also ask you why you were fired or what went wrong. Think about your answer in advance. Then especially list what you are good at, but also briefly mention your negatives.

Talk about nice ex-colleagues

Talk about colleagues with whom you had a good relationship. If you did things together outside working hours, say so.

This illustrates that the dismissal was not due to your person or qualities. A recruiter also knows that a dismissal can be due to external matters beyond your control. That’s human.

Follow a course

You may have been fired because you did not fully meet expectations. This jobless period is an excellent time to question yourself. What comment did you get from your ex-boss? What were you not good at? Try to master these skills by taking courses.

This is how you turn a disadvantage into an advantage. With new courses on your resume, you are stronger. You indicate that you like to learn and perform better.

Admit mistakes

Employers are looking for flexible employees who can grow with them. Admitting a mistake or an unwise decision makes you a self-assured, self-questioning employee. Employers like that.

Use references

A previous employer (not the one who fired you, of course) may be willing to write down what kind of employee you were and what your good qualities are.

For a good reference, you can certainly contact colleagues and managers with whom you got along well.