“I got laid off” was not something I wanted to say in any job interview. I planned to leave on my own and was working on an exit strategy for months. I wasn’t going to allow WFC to lay me off after over 15 years. I could afford to be picky while being employed. I bided my time and bypassed any job offer that wasn’t right for me. Finally, something came along that fit me perfectly and I jumped on it. Eventually, everyone no matter how hard you work or how many years you’ve put in will be on that list. It could be tomorrow or a year from now. It’s just a matter of time. For me, I chose to make it happen sooner rather than later. I’m the one who controls the narrative of my future - no one else.
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You need to have a business owner mentality, not employee. Just sayin'
When WFC is willing to give me 60 days plus enough severance that I can go a year before touching my savings (with careful spending below my means) and devote 100% of my time focusing on finding the right career match for me, I have no problem taking a layoff or worries about telling anyone that I was laid off. In fact I’m hoping for it.
So what you got laid off? It happens. The recruiters don't hold it against you .
You sound smug. Good luck. It can happen on the new job as well and you never saw it coming.
Well yeah, if you’re coming across as needlessly combative in an interview too that will probably prompt questions like that.
Funny, because I get asked this EVERY time I interview and have been told they need context on things like this.
You are overestimating just how much future employers care about the end of your last job.
Wait! You do NOT owe anyone any explanation why you left or got laid off from WF. It's employment AT WILL. If they get the right to let you go for without reason, you get the right to leave w/o reason and owe nobody any explanation. WTF is wrong with employers these days?!?!
I agree with OP. It is something I have always tried to ensure I stay ahead of.
In my experience stating I left to get ahead of a pending layoff plays far better than I was a victim of one. Not that layoffs are our fault, but it does show initiative and ownership to seize your destiny.
No one I have talked to recruiter or hiring managers has the least concern about why you left an in fact most I've spoken to have said they already know, the rats are running down the ropes to the dock from the sinking ship and they've heard it all before... leaving is respected by recruiters, we don't need to share why, say "it no longer matches your views or goals" and you want to move on, they've all laughed and said "we know exactly what you're talking about"... they watch the news too.... they're not stupid
I could care less. Saying I was laid off by a company that was in fire sale mode isn't going to make me look like a lesser candidate.