I figured this is the best place to ask for opinions- should i mention on interviews that i was laid off? And how? Thanks guys! Keeping my fingers crossed i get an offer by feb 1st!
12 replies (most recent on top)
@1ice+18Gjr0oM wrote:
Not sure why a recruiter would ask how long your severance will last. Once severance starts, you'll get it no matter what. So it'd be a big assumption that you are just k–ling time job searching until it runs out. Many folks would rather find a job quickly, and pocket as big a lump sum payout as possible – I'd hope a recruiter would understand that.
It's not only recruiters who ask - hiring managers, other interviewers. I've had it happen - more than once! I agree it has nothing to do with whether you are ready to work or not. When i've asked "why does that information matter in this process" (politely of course), they have flat out said it was because they would assume I wasn't motivated to accept an offer if I was still getting paid. Which in my mind is TOTALLY bizarre for all the reasons you said... I think it is more a projection from the interviewer and tells you more about their state of mind... and maybe how they look at their employees, as just cogs in the wheel that are only motivated by $$.
Not sure why a recruiter would ask how long your severance will last. Once severance starts, you'll get it no matter what. So it'd be a big assumption that you are just k–ling time job searching until it runs out. Many folks would rather find a job quickly, and pocket as big a lump sum payout as possible – I'd hope a recruiter would understand that.
I was laid off a few years ago, and interviewed a lot before landing a new role. While I got lots of questions about how long I'd been out of work (pays to be as vague as possible on that) I was never once specifically asked how much severance I got. If it was discussed at all, I brought it up in the context of... I got very generous severance, which has allowed me to really focus on my search on XYZ kind of companies and roles.
I agree with the folks here urging honesty about having been displaced. It's a small world, and if you are misleading they could find out, and it could cost you credibility and/or an offer. In the times we live in, and given WF's well publicized problems, it's not so unusual to be laid off. Don't play games as if it's a shameful thing. If you behave like you are hiding it, folks could start wondering if you are hiding something negative about your departure.
I am not sure I'd tell if I was still working out my 60 days – depends on how far along I was in the interview process. It usually takes more than 60 days to get hired start-to-finish so bear in mind that if you aren't transparent up front, it could get tricky later. Like, if they wanted you to start before your severance begins... you'll want to negotiate a start date AFTER that so you can still get your lump sum payout. Most companies will accommodate, but it'd be weird if it only came up at the 11th hour.
if you are in your notice period you are still an employee... however, this type of question usually comes up as "why are you looking". What they are trying to understand is your motivation in the job search, to help them gauge whether you are going to be a fit with the company, culture etc.
So even though you are still technically an employee, think about how it would appear if, after you were asked this question it later came to light that you were on notice and omitted that in your answer. it might create either a reluctance to extend an offer, or if you are already working for the new company it could create some small distrust of you on the part of your new manager or colleague etc. It might not go down this way, but it's always good to think through the worse case scenario and decide if it's worth the risk to you.
There is no harm to say - if asked - that your position was eliminated.. if that is the reason you are looking for a new role. But also be prepared to add on why you are interested in new company/position - so that they don't think you're just grasping at anything. Going back again to - what are they looking for in a new employee... they want someone who is motivated and eager to join... not someone who's just desperate to take anything.
The other thing that comes up sometimes (it's happened to me after being displaced) is that the interviewer will ask how long your severance will last. They have no reason for knowing that except to hold it against you (I.e. again back to motivation - oh, if you're getting severance therefore you must not be motivated to work/take a job). If it comes up, just smile and say something along the lines of - i'm really interested in working for XYZ company because (fill in the blank). If they ask again you can politely say "why does that matter to this process"? That usually shuts them down.
If you are within the 60 day warn period, you still have a job and you don't need to say anything. If it's past the 60 day warn period, then be honest.
Yes. They are going to ask. No shame and they are always very understanding and sometimes offer apologies.
Don't be anxious to bring it up, be prepared to answer why did you leave. Don't lie don't be defensive or angry, use it to display how you deal with adversity.
Huge difference between being laid off and let go/fired for cause. Regardless of the circumstances I have found all you need is an answer. I’ve never been fired but companies almost never divulge that information during reference checks anyways due to fear of liability lawsuits. So you can tell any potential new employer anything you feel.
That sounds better, I would only say I am looking for a new opportunity to grow my skills and the position with your company looks like a great fit . Most companies really don't ask if you got layed off if you get a job close to the time you got your notice.
If you were out of work like 6 months or a year you would need to explain this.
Would not recommend sending them a link to this site. Some of the topics here are pretty wacked. You can't control what they read here, or the conclusions they might draw about you. Also, could come across as patronizing since it's not like WF hasn't been in the news a LOT for years now.
Keep your response simple and brief, don't complain or explain too much. They are asking cos they have to, they probably don't want to dwell on it any more than you do.
I agree with the first reply. If you get outplacement support, they can help you frame your response to "why are you looking". But in a nutshell, the general thinking is to use a different, less-loaded term, e.g. "I was displaced (or my job was eliminated) as part of widespread cost cutting at the bank." Then move right on to what you are looking for/excited for in your next role. It's tempting to over-explain, but try not to. As noted previously, the upside of WF being in the news a lot is that most folks (especially at other banks) are well aware of the layoffs here.
You can also send them a link to this site. But in all honesty, you can get a job very fast , tons of company's hiring
Yes, given this economy it's common and tell them it was a company wide downsizing so they won't think it was you alone. But everyone knows about WF already. Tell them you're looking for a company that is stable and with challenging work.