We all know preparing for an upcoming job interview can be stressful for candidates. But you can put even more pressure on yourself when interviewing for a position after being laid off.
This is a common situation thousands of Canadians are going through right now. There have been a lot of layoffs over the past few months, especially in the tech sector. While many might feel worried about having a layoff on their resume, there is no need to. All recruitment agencies in Toronto work with candidates who have a past layoff. This is a standard part of people’s careers. People get laid off and most employers don’t see this as a bad thing.
But, if you have a past layoff, you still need to address it the right way in your job interview. It’s not as difficult as you think. Our recruiters outline the best way of addressing a layoff if you are asked about it during your interview:
Be honest about it
Honesty is always the best policy in all situations, especially during a job interview. Be transparent about the circumstances of your layoff and be ready to discuss the situation in detail. Don’t try to hide it or gloss over it. Own it and explain the case to the interviewer.
Focus on the positive
Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of your layoff, focus on the positive things you learned and the skills you gained during your time at the company. This shows resilience and a positive attitude.
Show your commitment to your career
Getting laid off happens. But what you’ve done with your time since will make the difference. Demonstrate your commitment to your career by discussing how you’ve continued to develop your skills and expertise since your layoff. Have you taken any courses, attended workshops, or have you been volunteering?
Practice what you’ll say
Before the interview, spend some time thinking about what you want to say. Write down the main points you want to cover. Then practice your response to questions about your layoff. This will help you feel more confident and prepared.
Avoid speaking ill of your former employer
Take the high road. Refrain from criticizing or speaking negatively about your former employer. This could reflect poorly on you and may raise concerns about your professionalism.
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