How to address being laid off in an interview (resume shows I currently work there)
I was recently laid off from my position at a large pension/endowment 3 weeks ago. I am receiving severance for 2 months. I was on the hedge fund team - the assets got cut and so did the head count. It was not performance related and I have that in writing.
My way of coping was getting my resume in order and applying to some positions I found interesting. I got an interview for a position at a similar pension/endowment in the same city but in a different asset class. I was just notified that I made a mistake by displaying my most recent experience as “Present” instead of reading as “start date - date I was laid off”.
When I applied, I was under the impression that since I am receiving severance, my employment would technically end whenever my severance ends. Thus, that is how my resume reads. In the interview, I want to communicate that I was laid off, which means I have to now acknowledge an error on my resume due to my misunderstanding.
I am kind of concerned about how I should address this. Do I explain to them that I thought the end of my severance signaled the end date at my previous role without sounding stupid? Is it that big of a deal from the perspective of a hiring manager and managing director that I’ll be interviewing with? Should I even worry about this and simply address being laid off without mentioning that my resume says present?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you can address being laid off in an interview:
Acknowledge the Mistake on Your Resume:
Keep the Explanation Positive and Brief:
Highlight Your Proactive Approach:
Shift Focus to Your Fit for the New Role:
Be Honest but Don't Overemphasize the Layoff:
By following these steps, you can address the layoff professionally and positively, ensuring that the focus remains on your qualifications and fit for the new role.
Sources: Was just asked to resign...what should I say on interviews?, Being Fired and being upfront about it, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/suing-a-former-employer?customgpt=1, ~3 years experience 3 jobs, should I be worried?, Quitting time - views on how to leave your job
Ignore my title.
ive reviewed many resumes recently and would say many people that were laid off put ‘present’, so I wouldn’t focus too much on the error. I would just have a very good reason for why you specifically were let go and make sure you have references that can help back you up.
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