How to Get Around Layoffs on a Resume
In times of economic downturn, layoffs are inevitable. Even so, it's natural not to want to give a potential employer the impression you gave a less-than-stellar work performance, or that you've been resting on your laurels instead of getting back in the game. Your potential employer understands that being laid off doesn't reflect your competency, skill level or commitment to the job. Word your resume in a manner that focuses on the positive and highlights all academic, civic and professional accomplishments -- whether paid or unpaid.
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Instructions
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Focus on the positive; use your resume to list the activities you've been involved in during your unemployment. Just because you haven't been paid for activities since losing your job doesn't mean your time spent hasn't been worthwhile. Show potential employers you've taken the initiative to improve yourself, enhance your environment or community, gain additional expertise in your trade, or pursue new career goals altogether. If you've gone back to school, organized benevolent activities among family and friends, or volunteered at various organizations to keep your skills sharp, include all that information in your resume. Treat your being laid off as a golden opportunity to accomplish more than you could have working.
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Tell your interviewer you've been looking for the perfect job in the meantime. When asked about how long you've been laid off, make it seem as though you've been researching various companies, searching for a job you can see yourself working long term. Say, "I took time to evaluate my career goals and direction." Don't give the impression that you've been going on every interview, desperately seeking any chance to get back to work. To pull this off, do your homework about each company that calls you in for a meeting. Know exactly how their work environment will benefit your career, and know how your skills and expertise will benefit their organization. Be able to finish the sentence, "We'd be a perfect fit because..."
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Tell the truth. Employers understand that good employees get laid off, and being let go isn't always a reflections of an employee's skills, competence and reliability. If being laid off coincides with an economic downturn, potential employers will understand your situation without issuing blame. Show that you've made the best of the situation by looking for work consistently, rather than feeling sorry for yourself. Appear optimistic and hopeful, even if you're faking it.
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