Should I disclose layoff or frame it as lateral recruiting?

Recently got laid off and getting paid normally June, which is my official severance date.

Should I tell HH and people I'm networking / interviewing with that I'm interested in lateral opportunities or be up front that I was laid off and looking for lateral opportunities?

Similarly, does this change with coffee chats / cold emailing?

Thanks.

6 Comments
 

Based on the insights from Wall Street Oasis, it's generally advisable to be upfront about your layoff when networking or interviewing. Here’s how you can approach different scenarios:

  1. Networking and Interviews: Mention that you were laid off due to circumstances beyond your control (such as restructuring or downsizing) and not due to performance issues. This honesty can build trust and show your integrity. It’s important to frame it positively – focus on your skills, experiences, and what you can bring to the new role.

  2. Coffee Chats/Cold Emailing: In less formal settings like coffee chats, you can be more relaxed in how you introduce your situation. Start by building a rapport and discussing industry trends or mutual interests before mentioning your layoff. When you do, keep it brief and positive, focusing on your eagerness and readiness to explore new opportunities.

  3. Lateral Recruiting: When discussing lateral opportunities, it's beneficial to be clear that you are exploring these due to a layoff. This clarity helps set the right expectations and can also lead to more tailored advice or opportunities that might suit your situation.

Remember, layoffs are a common part of the corporate world, especially in fluctuating industries like finance. Most professionals understand this and appreciate honesty and professionalism in handling such situations.

Sources: BB Analyst Impacted By Layoffs - Looking for Insight, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/suing-a-former-employer?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/laid-off-in-may-at-my-wits-end?customgpt=1, Being Fired and being upfront about it, Staying Alive: 4 Tips for Surviving Corporate Layoffs

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Enim officia ut incidunt nulla odio dolores. Repellendus alias sunt illum consequatur reprehenderit. Vel aut non eligendi nihil consequuntur quas. Sed recusandae dolorem doloribus voluptatibus laudantium.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”