How to handle a layoff and how to communicate it in a job interview?

Having a job doesn’t mean you have everything guaranteed; many situations can arise, including termination. Being fired affects us not only emotionally but also adds more pressure when looking for another job. This question in an interview can become daunting if you don’t know how to handle it, which is why we provide some recommendations below to ensure your interview doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

1. Be brief and clear in your response

You don’t need to provide too many details about your last job; prepare a brief explanation (maximum one minute) assertively expressing the reasons for leaving your last job. One tip to avoid being caught off guard by this question is to have a script of interview responses prepared in advance and practice your answers before the interview.

2. Be honest but structure your responses well

There can be various reasons why you were fired; it’s possible that the reason was out of your control, such as the company’s financial situation, and not everything necessarily relates to your professional performance (don’t take it personally). Below, we present two scenarios and advice on how to navigate these situations.

Your termination was unjustified (the reason had nothing to do directly with you or your performance). If you were let go due to downsizing, company bankruptcy, or some other reason unrelated to your professional abilities, then in the interview, you should be respectful in your language about the company and as clear as possible when mentioning these situations, always making it clear that the termination was for reasons beyond your control.

Your termination was justified (the reason relates to your conduct or professionalism). If you were let go because your employer saw that you lacked the necessary skills, experience, or for some other reason directly related to you, then in the interview, you should use moderate language and make it clear that you are currently training to improve in those areas. You can give examples of how you are doing this and the goals you aim to achieve in your professional development.

3. Don’t speak ill of anyone, seek references who know you personally and professionally

During the interview, remember that speaking negatively about your former employer and coworkers can create a bad impression of you in front of the interviewer. At this point, it’s essential to manage your emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships. You should learn to find the right words to express your experience at your previous job; your language should be neutral and professional. If you have a good relationship with a supervisor, ask them for a recommendation for your new job, as this will give you an advantage in your job search.

Finally, if you have trouble coping with your termination, we recommend keeping a journal where you can write about all the emotions caused by this event, helping you to process the situation and better manage your narrative.

4. Ask for help

If you find it challenging to deal with your termination and the new job search, it’s best to seek emotional support from someone close to you. Whether for advice or moral support, it’s important to share your feelings and frustrations about this topic with another person.

Another recommendation is to seek services that can assist you in this process. A career counsellor, career coach, or expert recruiter can help you improve your performance in interviews and communication with your future employer through mock interviews and an action plan tailored to your situation, allowing you to gain more confidence in your job search.