Career Connection How to Address a Layoff on your Résumé and Cover Letter

We entered 2023 with news of massive corporate layoffs in the tech sector. As these waves have expanded beyond tech into other industries due to concerns over a possible recession, you may be anxiously wondering whether you will face a layoff in the coming weeks and months. Unless you work at the CEO or CFO level, you cannot control layoff decisions. However, even if you think your job is safe, you can prepare for the possibility. This article covers strategies for preparing your résumé and how to address a layoff.

Look for the signs. It might start with the company reporting an increasingly dire financial forecast, such as low sales. Did they freeze spending and hiring? Are people more on edge? By developing an awareness of your environment, you will be better prepared to respond to an unpredictable event. Once you know a layoff is imminent, contact your manager to see if they will be a reference for you. Then, spend time networking online and in your community and talking to people about your job search goals. Get into the habit of using LinkedIn to follow your target companies and initiate connections with people who work there. Finally, update your résumé and other job application materials.

For starters. Here’s some good news: If you get laid off, you may not need to address the layoff on your résumé. If you have a gap from a layoff that is less than six months, you don’t need to disclose it on your résumé. On average, it takes three to six months to land a new position when you factor in applying for jobs, networking, scheduling and attending (multiple) interviews, negotiating the offer, determining a start date, etc.

Show how you used your time. Employers tend to scrutinize gaps...