Asking the Nod: How to Position a Layoff

How can I position a recent layoff as I start up my job search?

Photo by Jungwoo Hong on Unsplash

Last week I was the guest host for an event thrown by UVA's Alumni Career Services centered on the theme of crafting your own professional narrative. The event wasn't recorded but I wanted to share some of my favorite questions and reply to them for those that couldn't attend.

Can you describe how to position a layoff in your professional journey? I was recently laid off, am starting the job search, and would love to learn more. Thanks!

Hi,
I'm sorry you have to manage a layoff. That's never fun.

The first thing that sticks out to me is your use of the word "position." That makes it sound like there's some way lessen the impact of what you've said is true: you were laid off. Starting there, I'd like you to remind yourself that being laid off isn't your fault nor is it a statement about you as a person or employee. Companies large and small support their own interests, leaving valued and valuable staff unemployed and on the hunt for their next role. However, you didn't do this to yourself. This is something that happened to you. For all of the emotions that might be uncovered, I hope blaming yourself isn't one of them.

In that vein, I don't think there's much specific for you to do regarding this layoff for potential employers. Just say that it happened. You aren't the first person laid off and you won't be the last. Recruiters are used to seeing layoffs on someone's resume (especially so the last few years) so that should be neither here nor there.

I think there's more work for you to do internally as you set yourself up for this search. Here are some things that might serve you well.

Feel the Feelings
Along with not blaming yourself it probably makes sense to allow yourself to feel all of the feelings that come up with a lay off. Whether it's shame, regret, sadness, relief, anger, something else entirely, or all of the above, give yourself the freedom to work through the emotions that you have. It's part of closing out this chapter and opening the next one.

Reflect on What Happened
There are parts of that last job that you miss and parts you won't miss at all. What was the best project you worked on there? What were the best parts of that environment? What was the worst? This isn't about creating instant nostalgia, it's about doing an honest evaluation of what you're leaving behind.

Explore what you want next
Now that you've thought about what you liked and didn't like, let that inform what you're looking for in your next role. Given the layoff maybe you're looking for more transparency, great management, or financial stability. On the other hand maybe you're realizing this layoff is worth it for the job you had and you're ready to get back on a similar horse. It's important to ask those kinds of questions so you can adjust your effort accordingly.

Accept
This layoff is part of your story now, marking an inflection point of sorts. The important thing to realize is that you have the agency to decide what the impact is, taking this moment to decide your next step(s). The manner and timing might not be ideal, but what can you do to make sure you're better off tomorrow than you are today? That's the opportunity you have in front of you. Take it.

If you’re wondering how to “put it all together” when it comes to understanding or talking about your career, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help.