Anonymous wrote:I would not mention it. It’s pretty recent. Just “my most recent role was XYZ”
If asked directly why I left my last job, I would be honest and direct. “Well, I value honesty - the truth is I was part of a large scale layoff. My previous employer , like many right now, is navigating a very challenging financial landscape. I’m glad my skills are so applicable in the market and even though my time at Xcode was short, I had a great time and was able to build my strength in Y and Z.”
My team recently hired an applicant who was laid off. We didn’t ask, but she volunteered that info as part of a narrative about why she was pivoting fields slightly and how the layoff had prompted her to look down some new and exciting paths she may not have otherwise thought about. What I liked about her is she was just very authentic, calm and confident and did not seem like she was begging for consideration. So, it is definitely possible to navigate the topic successfully. The key is not to seem desperate, or like you are overcompensating for it.
I wouldn’t say “I value honesty—the truth is…” Those things go without saying.
If it comes up, just say you were laid off due to the company’s revenue problems, then pivot as PP suggests. Good luck!