Laid off during interview process - should I tell them?

Hi WSO.

For background I've been working in sell side ER for about 4 years now. About 6 months ago I actively started recruiting for the buy side. I have been speaking to a hedge fund since late last year and was invited to fly in for an on-site final round of interviews next week. The fund was looking to fill the role locally, but having failed, they went for an outside hire and I had to really convince them I was a good fit to get to the in-person stage.

The problem is that I was unexpectedly laid off a couple weeks ago - not for performance reasons, but because the team was forced to downsize and I was the unfortunate one getting axed.

Should I disclose this info to them in person? They do not play in the space I covered in ER at all. In fact they actively stay away from it. I am wondering what the best course of action would be without putting my chances of landing the role at risk.

Thanks everyone.

6 Comments
 

Thank you. But what should I do if severance just ran out? The final round is 1-day post-severance period. Would it be acceptable not to disclose if they didn't ask? Would it be a better strategy to disclose only when receiving the offer? 

 

Honestly, why don’t you spin it and tell them your team was downsizing and offered you a exit package if you accepted. Since you’re interviewing for other jobs (mention that you plan to accept their offer if you get the job) you figured it would be a good option for you.

 

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