Here's how you can discuss a layoff with potential employers while maintaining a positive tone.

Si no lo has vivido ya, llegará el momento. Porque son situaciones que a lo largo de la carrera profesional surgen y hay que afrontarlas sin pensar en negativo. Son circunstancias empresariales o en ocasiones simplemente no ha funcionado la relación profesional. Y siempre hay que tomarlo como una oportunidad de aprendizaje. Por la que además, si no hemos pasado, tenemos que aprender a vivirla siempre desde la empatía.

Remember first that layoffs are organizational, not individual. As a hiring manager, I value candidates who handle layoffs with professionalism and a growth mindset. When discussing your experience, keep it positive and emphasize the insights gained. Stay brief and clear of negativity and instead highlight how you've used the time constructively, such as acquiring new skills or engaging in volunteer work. Show that you are resilient and adaptable by your presence here today. Speaking respectfully about your former employer reflects well on your character and that's the biggest point you want to convey to any interviewer. A concise, well-practiced response demonstrates preparation and maturity so don't forget to practice, practice, practice!

1. Be Honest and Upfront: Honesty is the best policy. Briefly explain the circumstances of the layoff without going into too much detail. For example, “The company underwent a major restructuring which affected my department.”

When discussing a layoff with future employers, try to frame the experience favorably by stressing the talents and insights you obtained in your former work and how they make you a strong candidate. Emphasize that the layoff was the result of broader economic or organizational developments, not a reflection of your performance. Explain how this time allowed you to reflect on your career goals, investigate professional development opportunities, and become clear on the type of role and corporate culture you are looking for. Emphasize your excitement about the new opportunity, your willingness to contribute, and how your previous experiences have prepared you to flourish in this potential new career.

When approaching a layoff with potential employers, it is essential to adopt a positive and transparent stance, focusing on the learnings and personal growth gained from previous experience. Recognizing that the previous separation was an opportunity to reflect, learn and prepare for new challenges demonstrates maturity and resilience. Additionally, by explaining how the challenges you faced contributed to the development of relevant skills and competencies, you show how ready you are to apply these lessons in a new work environment.

When discussing a layoff situation with an employee, you should be honest in presenting the reasons of the layoff, highlighting the positive points for the him/her, and show some flexibility for the sake of the employee.

Explain that the layoff was a mutual decision based on organizational changes rather than personal performance. This helps to avoid any negative implications about your capabilities.

Focus on the positive aspects of your experience and what you learned from it. For example, “The layoff gave me a chance to reflect on my career goals and further develop my skills.”

Ser demitido pode ser uma experiência difícil e constrangedora, mas é importante lembrar que n?o define você como profissional. Ao abordar o assunto em entrevistas de emprego, é fundamental manter um tom positivo e profissional, evitando comentários negativos sobre seu ex-empregador ou as circunstancias da demiss?o.

DESPIDOS MASIVOS: Vivimos tiempos muy difíciles. Los trabajos de outsourcing y remotos son cada vez más comunes en nuestra región de LATAM, pero esto no exime a muchas compa?ías de demostrar a?o tras a?o que son rentables. Esto agrega más factores de estrés y fomenta la clásica cultura del burn-out. Lo mejor que puedes hacer al explicar la razón de un despido es ser honesto y directo, ya que muchos de estos recortes están fuera de tu control, incluso si tu rendimiento es excelente. Esto es simplemente la vida en la era de los despidos masivos.

Emphasize the accomplishments and learning you made during your previous role. This showcases your value and the impact you had on your former employer. For example, “During my time at XYZ Company, I led several successful projects that resulted in a 20% increase in productivity.”

Ser demitido pode ser uma experiência difícil e desafiadora. No entanto, ao invés de se concentrar nos aspectos negativos, você pode utilizar essa situa??o como uma oportunidade de aprendizado e crescimento profissional. Ao destacar as habilidades e conhecimentos adquiridos durante esse período, você demonstra aos potenciais empregadores sua resiliência, capacidade de adapta??o e compromisso com o desenvolvimento profissional contínuo.

Shift the conversation towards your future goals and how you’re excited about new opportunities. For example, “I’m really looking forward to applying my skills and experiences to new challenges and contributing to a dynamic team.”

Uma demiss?o, embora desafiadora, pode ser vista como um fio que entrela?a experiências passadas com seus objetivos futuros de carreira. Ao tecê-la com sabedoria na narrativa da sua busca por um novo emprego, você demonstra aos potenciais empregadores clareza, propósito e alinhamento com os valores da empresa.

Demonstrate your resilience and adaptability. Employers value candidates who can navigate challenges and remain positive. For example, “The layoff was unexpected, but it has made me more resilient and adaptable to change.”

When discussing a layoff, present a clear plan for moving forward that focuses on the future. Articulate how your experiences, including the recent layoff, have equipped you with a unique perspective that will benefit their organization. Explain how your professional goals align with the company's mission and how you can contribute to their overall business strategy. By highlighting specific ways to add value, you help potential employers see you as part of the team. This forward-thinking approach shifts focus from past setbacks to your future potential, demonstrating your professionalism and enthusiasm for new opportunities.