Many of my clients have been previously fired or laid off. Over 50,000 people are let go from their jobs each day in the U.S, so there is a very good chance most professionals will experience this unfortunate event at least once in their careers.
This does not have to be a point of contention with potential employers during your job search though, and it does not have to detract from the accomplishments of your career or your strengths. Here are a few points to consider:
- Don’t mention being fired or laid off in your resume. There is absolutely no benefit that I can think of that would justify mentioning a lay off or firing on a resume. Period.
- Identify exactly why you were laid off or fired prior to your interview. Develop a SHORT, clear script of what happened and why. Be sure not to go on and on – that can open a can of worms and create more questions than answers.
- Was your department eliminated? If your company restructured or moved overseas, simply say in your cover letter, “My company restructured,” or “My company recently moved its operations overseas.”
- Get multiple testimonials from the company in which you were let go. This is one of the most powerful steps you can take. Third party testimonials and endorsements reinforce your work history, build trust, and quell suspicions and assumptions faster than any other marketing strategy I know of.
If you want more tips and strategies (or even online custom resume templates), grab my e-book, The 21St Century Resume.
