If you've been laid off, here's how you handle awkward questions from your next employer

• From global companies like Meta, Amazon,Twitter to Indian firms like Byju’s, Zomato, Vedantu — thousands of people were become laid off and are now on job hunt.
  
• Several people on Linkedin and Twitter have been vocal about being laid off and asking for help in finding new jobs.
  
• Business Insider India spoke to a few experts to understand how being laid off impacts one’s career.

An Indian software developer relocated to Canada 11 months back in search of a job and found it too. But within two days of joining Meta, he was laid off.

“What's next for me? Honestly, I have no idea! I'm looking forward to whatever comes next. Let me know if you know of any position or hiring for a software engineer (Canada or India),” writes Himanshu V on LinkedIn.

Many such people have been updating their status on LinkedIn and other social media profiles with their unfortunate change in employment status. The idea behind most such posts is to bag another job as soon as possible.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 2 lakh people across the world have lost their jobs and the number is growing almost everyday. In spite of the waning effect of the pandemic, global companies like Meta, Amazon, Twitter and Indian companies like Byju’s, Zomato, Vedantu — laid off thousands of people — who are now on a job hunt.

The startup ecosystem of India, which contains several unicorns as well, alone has laid off over 18,000 people in 2022 due to funding winter, according to media reports.

As a result, the number of people seeking job opportunities on Linkedin and Twitter has increased.

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But, is it a good strategic move? Experts believe that candidates can share layoff news on social media and also express their emotions. Posting on important platforms can actually help them land another job faster.

“It’s also important to remember that while a layoff might feel personal, it’s not – instead, it’s a reflection that the company’s business outlook has changed. Try to keep this in mind as you embark on your job search, and let the confidence and skills that helped you land that job power your next steps,” LinkedIn Career Expert Blair Heitmann told Yahoo Finance.

Experts also say that affected employees should understand that their layoff will not have a major impact on their resumes and while searching for another job. Business Insider India spoke to a few experts to understand how being laid off can impact one’s career.

“The layoff doesn’t overshadow the skills or milestones you have achieved so far. Highlight the projects you have spearheaded or how you successfully handled a crisis faced by the client. Remember, showcasing your skills with relevant examples is the best way to go about it,” said Anil Agarwal, CEO & co-founder, InCruiter.

Employees should highlight their skillsets and milestones achieved to their new employer. They should also be candid about their layoff in interviews for a new job to the HR.

“If your employer has released a public statement, then you can present the same to your interviewer. If not, you should find out the reason behind your layoff and also the number of your fellow employees who faced the same situation. In this way, you’ll be prepared to justify your job loss, if required,” said Sumit Sabharwal, CEO, TeamLease HR Tech.

What to write in resume and cover letter

While embellishing one’s resume is a common practice that experts warn against, they also say that it’s not necessary for employers to mention the reason why they’re currently unemployed.

“You don’t need to mention your layoff in the resume. The purpose of your resume is to present your skills and qualifications to employers so that they can decide whether you are a good fit for their organizations,” Sabharwal added.

However, one can mention it in the cover letters with an explanation and brief of your layoff, without complaining about your previous employer, he further said. Experts further advise the employees to learn new skills while searching for another job as it can help in boosting the resume.

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