If you’re feeling a bit of layoff déjà vu this year, you’re not alone. According to global executive search firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, 2025 has recorded the highest year-to-date layoffs since 2009 and a 33% increase from this time last year.
If you’re a victim of a recent layoff, we sympathize with you and this challenging situation. Chances are you’re feeling many complex emotions, and understandably so. If you’re panicking, your reaction may be to immediately start sending out your resume and find a new job ASAP. Before you do, it’s critical that you take the time to process before jumping in. Once you’ve had some time to come to terms with your job loss, then you can start preparing.
Job searching after a layoff may seem impossible and scary. You may be fearing judgment and rejection. We’re here to help you overcome those obstacles with post-layoff resume preparation tips, interview strategies, and ways to leverage your network.
How to Address a Layoff on Your Resume
In any job search, prospective employers will want to know why your last position ended, especially if you’re unemployed. Don’t let that scare you! Understanding a candidate’s transition from job to job can provide insight into their career goals and whether their organization will be a good fit. Addressing a layoff on your resume is a great way to rip off the bandaid and avoid the hiring manager making unconscious assumptions and red flags. A simple one-sentence explanation like this will suffice: “Laid off due to budget cuts.”
Be Honest – We cannot stress this point enough: honesty is the best policy! You may be tempted to skew your employment dates to be a more attractive candidate. However, between references, employment verifications, and background checks, falsifying your resume will likely result in a rescinded offer and a negative impression of your character and integrity. And bad news travels fast! Keep your employment dates, title, responsibilities, and reason for leaving true.
Redirect Focus – There are several professional resume formats, each serving different purposes. Functional resumes focus on achievements and skills. Here, you can emphasize transferable skills and leverage non-traditional experiences, which can benefit job seekers with employment gaps.
Your Choice – Ultimately, deciding to address a layoff on your resume is up to you. If you choose not to, consider a cover letter instead. There’s a solid chance prospective employers heard about the layoffs at your previous company in the media, and it’s best if they hear about the layoff affecting you from you. In a cover letter, you can mention the elimination of your position and pivot to how you can leverage your experiences to contribute to this organization’s success.
How to Discuss a Layoff in an Interview
Interviews can be nerve-wracking even without the weight of a layoff on your shoulders. While discussing this in an interview, be brief, confident, positive, and, of course, honest. Over-explanations and timid responses can appear dishonest and make the interviewer think you’re covering something up. Speaking negatively about your previous employer can be a red flag to hiring managers and leave a questioning impression. Getting laid off is nothing to be ashamed of, so address it quickly and positively and move on!
You can also use the discussion of your layoff as an opportunity to transition into what you gained from your experience and achievements at your previous employer and how you’re excited to bring that to this organization. It can also be helpful to provide a professional reference from someone you worked with at the company that laid you off. A supervisor who has left or, if the company policy allows, someone still there who can speak positively on your behalf.
Leverage Your Connections
Networking is one of the best tools in your toolbox! LinkedIn recently reported that “80% of professionals consider networking vital to their career success.” Use the relationships you’ve built in your career to your advantage!
- Connect with former colleagues, managers, mentors, and industry contacts to inform them of your layoff and that you would appreciate any leads or connections.
- Attend industry events, join professional groups, and expand your network.
- Utilize LinkedIn’s Open to Work feature so recruiters can quickly identify you for great opportunities!
- Partner with staffing agencies to get more resume tips, interview preparation, and access to more job opportunities.
As you navigate this challenging and unexpected landscape, remember that a layoff is not your fault. Nor is it a reflection of you, your performance, or your worth. Take some time to process your feelings and get your footing. Then, prepare your resume, refresh your interview skills, and leverage your connections. The next great opportunity is out there waiting for you!
For job search resources, resume and interview tips, and assistance with your job search, contact one of our Staffing Consultants today.