I was laid off in May and started a new job, lower level and much lower pay position in September.

14 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 1,2025 at 2:06PM UTC

   Tell the truth. Your story is not unusual at all.And it actually shows great integrity that you are willing to accept lower level.Work to maintain your financial responsibilities and keep paying bills at home... It is definitely part of your work history and even though it is below your skill set, You are learning new things every day in this position. Never forget that. Every experience builds upon every other experience and it's nothing to be ashamed of

2. AnonymousJanuary 1,2025 at 2:10PM UTC

   Can you frame the position as a contract or temporary role? I’d leave it on but spin it somehow as a stop gap.

3. AnonymousJanuary 1,2025 at 2:46PM UTC

   Been there. If it's not a good fit, that's okay. If you get interviews elsewhere, just let them know, unfortunately, when you began the work, you realized it was not a fit for you. Saying their job is more in line with your skill set. That's it. Do not share feelings or your layoff history. This market is tough, recruiters know it and if you find another job, and interview, it means they are interested in learning more about you. Keep going, don't give up. I was in a job that I knew before I went in the company was not the one I wanted to be in, created my own job, then saw how unethical they were within weeks. I was trying to get out then decided stick it out a year, and I did, for 18 months until I had enough. I was recruited quickly and moved on. It was around the 2008 market crash, so if I can do it anyone can. Especially as many people got laid off. I was laid off twice in one year. Pay what you can, live lightly and know better days are ahead.

4. AnonymousJanuary 1,2025 at 5:20PM UTC

   It's up to you if you list it or not.

   Whether you list it or not, there are ways to fill the gap/ story. If any of these apply, say it:

   You could enter a Transition Period and list dates

   TRANSITION PERIOD | Jan 2024 – Oct 2024

   Provided care for a family member while maintaining professional development through [specific activities].

   Strengthened [project management and problem-solving abilities] in a personal caregiving role.

   Or if you did volunteering or focus on professional development (list courses).

   Or Travel.

   Good luck! Keep at it! It's a numbers/networking game.

5. AnonymousJanuary 1,2025 at 9:27PM UTC

   For now, list it. As you are still employed. Let's say you get a new job, then you again, list that one. If I had a dime for every resume I saw with gaps, I'd be a very wealthy woman. Don't worry about this until you have to. At this moment, your LinkedIn should be listed as current. When you leave this company and go to another one, you update it again. People are all over the place with resumes in this market, so don't stress. Take a breath, apply, interview, find the best job you can, accept, then update. It's going to be okay, hugs!

6. C. GarrabrantJanuary 3,2025 at 1:21PM UTC

   You could list the job as a freelance role that was for a limited time. A good explanation if needed and those who interview should understand.

7. AnonymousJanuary 3,2025 at 2:09PM UTC

   Just say it was a contractor role and the position is ending within a month.

8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 3,2025 at 6:11PM UTC

   So what do you do when your lie turns up on the background check?

9. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 3,2025 at 6:15PM UTC

   As a general rule, it's best not to lie on your resume. The lie can turn up during the background check and torpedo your offer.

   I would list the position as a bridge position and explain it in interviews as such.

   XYZ COMPANY

   Project Manager

   September, 2024 to Present (bridge position)

10. AnonymousJanuary 3,2025 at 6:17PM UTC

    Well you can tell the truth, you were part of a company-wide RIF that affected 10% of the company which was taking a downturn. So in the short term you were able to secure a short term project (current role) to tide you over until you find something that is more aligned with your later role and level of experience. Because you have expenses and other cost of living needs you needed to take this short term role while you continued to look and want a long term option that will last for the next 4 years. *( Feel free to use word for word). No future employer needs to know the way you are being paid or the commitment level of the current place while you look around. When and if you get to the offer stage you can in the background check process let them know that you don't want them to check current employer. Good luck and good for you for finding something for now and continuing to look for a more long term suitable option.

11. Rosa GoesJanuary 5,2025 at 12:41AM UTC

    I agree. Beautifully said!

12. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 2:44AM UTC

    Thanks, OP above

13. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 4,2025 at 8:00PM UTC

    Also meant to add - please make sure you indicate the position you were laid off from:

    ABC COMPANY

    Senior Project Manager

    January, 2020 to May, 2024 (RIF or Company Lay Off - your choice of verbage)

14. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 7:20PM UTC

    You could just put the years you worked at each job and explain when questioned during an interview. Though I like Joan's suggestion of adding the current position as a "bridge" position.

    You're not going to say anything negative about the current position to any potential employer in an interview. Simply that it's a job to tide you over until your next preferred job is available that aligns with your goals.