What do you do if you want to discuss your layoff experience in urban planning job interviews?

2 Be Transparent

Honesty is the best policy when talking about a layoff. Be transparent about the circumstances without delving into unnecessary details or negative emotions. You can acknowledge the situation briefly and then steer the conversation towards how you've used the time since to enhance your urban planning skills or knowledge. This shows integrity and maturity, qualities that are highly valued in the urban planning profession.

3 Focus on Skills

Your skills and expertise in urban planning are the main selling points in an interview. Use the discussion about your layoff to highlight the skills you've honed or gained during your time away from formal employment. Whether it's learning new software, understanding emerging trends in urban development, or strengthening your project management abilities, make sure to connect these to the requirements of the job you're applying for.

4 Stay Professional

Maintaining professionalism is key when explaining a layoff. Avoid speaking ill of your previous employer or colleagues, as this can reflect poorly on you. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your past experiences and how they have shaped your professional journey in urban planning. This approach will help you build rapport with interviewers and establish yourself as a team player.

5 Future Oriented

Urban planning is about envisioning and shaping the future of urban spaces. Similarly, when discussing a layoff, keep the conversation future-oriented. Talk about your eagerness to apply your skills to new challenges and your excitement about the potential contributions you can make to upcoming projects. This shows that you're not dwelling on the past but are ready to make a significant impact in your next role.

6 Ask Questions

Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions about stability and growth opportunities within the organization you're interviewing with. This can demonstrate that you're looking for a long-term fit and are eager to invest your urban planning expertise in a place where you can thrive. It also flips the script, showing that you're not just a candidate for a job but a professional assessing the best move for your career.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?