I was let go from a great company this past month when my division was cut to a fraction of its original size and scope. I’ve prepared for interviews and have my first one next week. But, being let go--how do you get around it in an interview?

Deb's Answer:

If ever there’s been a time when job loss carried no stigma, the time is today. With record numbers of layoffs occurring, you’ll find yourself in good company. As for addressing your layoff, there’s no “getting around it.” It’s simply a matter of “getting to work on it.” Try to adhere to the following three guidelines:

Convince yourself. Start with your own perceptions about what happened. Addressing the layoff starts first in your own mind—how you personally interpret and adjust to it—before you ever walk into an interview. Your morale will color your conversations and your presentation of yourself. If you’re ashamed, it will show through. If you’re angry, your bitterness will sound off. If you’re insecure, you’ll send up red flags.

To ward off self sabotage, reaffirm in your own mind the value of your strengths and potential contributions. The layoff may seem like a terrible setback for you, but it doesn’t negate your achievements or your motivation to make a positive difference for the next employer.

Find the phrases. Once you begin to work with the emotional upheaval that the loss of a job has created, you can move on to the pragmatic aspects of conducting a search and interviewing for positions. Coming up with the actual wording that you’ll use in describing your circumstances is a milestone in the process that will lead the way to interviewing success.

Try not to become preoccupied with how others will view your job loss. While employers will be interested in knowing why you lost your job, they will be more concerned about how you can help them solve their particular problems now. Your statement about your division being cut to a fraction of its original size and scope is a fine initial response if the question arises. Answer job loss inquiries honestly, and then shift the direction to the skills, qualities and experiences that are relevant to the potential employer.

Don’t drop out. During this period of unemployment and transition, be sure to stay active. Keep your professional memberships current. Participate in the business events and meetings that you always vowed you would, if only you had more time. Volunteer, even if you’ve never volunteered.

Through active involvement, your mood will improve and your confidence will increase. At the same time, you’ll expand your network, broaden your experience and develop new skills, all of which make for more compelling interview responses.