What Can You Say on Your Application for When a Business Closed Down?
A volatile job market often heralds the rise of layoffs and firings. For some businesses, it may mean the end of operations in general. If the company you worked for closes down, don't count on living off of unemployment or other benefits. Even if you qualify for benefits, they don't replace lost wages — you need to find a new job. This may mean explaining why the company closed. When discussing the business closing, be honest and open, but don't dwell on the issue too long. Focus on your qualifications and experience, not on the past.
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Preapplication Steps
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If you know that your former employer is closing, be proactive for future job opportunities. Ask supervisors and co-workers for personal contact information to keep your network intact. When filling out a job application, use the updated contact information of people in your network instead of their work contact information. This improves the chances that a prospective employer has of reaching your references — he won’t call the old business number only to find it disconnected.
Discuss Your Former Company in a Positive Light
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A failed business is hard on both the owner and the employees. If you lose your job because the company failed, it may be tempting to blame the management or otherwise speak negatively about the company. Avoid saying anything negative about the company, both on the job application and during an interview. Focus on the constructive things the company accomplished. If asked why the company failed, briefly provide a reason if you know it, but avoid going into too much detail.
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Brevity
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Employers understand that businesses fail. More likely than not, the failure was out of your hands. If the job application asks for the reason you left the employer, be brief and simply state “Business closed.” If you desire, you may explain that the company closed and you left to further pursue your career. Prospective employers typically aren't overly concerned with your answer to that question: They're more interested in how well you performed your job and the duties you held in that role.
Standing Out
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The job search process may be difficult, especially when jobs are scarce. Do all you can to stand out from the pack. If you have advance warning that your current business is closing, begin the job search process as soon as you can. Although you may be eligible for unemployment or other benefits, prospective employers may not consider you as seriously if you remain idle during your unemployment. When you fill out your application, be honest and check the form carefully for any spelling or grammar mistakes.
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