I was made redundant last December, just after returning from maternity leave, and it was a tough time with a little one at home.

22 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 29,2025 at 2:54PM UTC

   Start with, "I was laid off," and only if they asked a follow-up question would I say, "My company faced losses, and they determined I was in a redundant position. Despite positive performance reviews, I made more than my counterparts, so they chose me as part of their cost-cutting efforts." Be aware, however, that I have never had any employer dig that deep into explaining a RIF. Only go into this much detail if they ask the follow-up question. When you discuss it, be mindful of your body language. You could be projecting shame, making them think you are trying to phrase a dismissal for cause as a lay-off.

2. AnonymousMarch 29,2025 at 7:17PM UTC

   I have been laid off about 5 times due to mergers, company closures & also, because I was the highest paid on my team & they needed to save money. I haven’t been asked why but I have looked for a job since 2023. I find it odd that they are asking in today worlds where mass layoffs are common & covid caused a lot of job chaos.

   I think saying the truth us good

   I might say: I was laid off/made redundant due to company losses

   Make is simple. If they question your answer & ask about job performance I would say my performance reviews were excellent/exceeded expectations (whatever is true) the lay off was purely due to the financial losses of my employer.

   Of course you can finesse the wording to feel authentic

   I wish you the best of luck!

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 29,2025 at 7:41PM UTC

   First off, I always recommend telling the truth. I would make it about the company - not you. I would say the company did a Reduction in Force (RIF).

4. Pamela HolmesMarch 30,2025 at 1:28PM UTC

   I simply say there was a change in management and my position had been eliminated

5. Alexis GladstoneMarch 30,2025 at 1:33PM UTC

   The truth is always easier and we sound more sincere. You have several suggestions from others of phrases to use - Reduction in force, Layoff, Change in Management and my job was eliminated - all good suggestions. The key is, less is more. Don't add any details unless asked.

6. AnonymousMarch 30,2025 at 5:18PM UTC

   Thank you for the wisdom. I needed to hear this today. Friday was my last day due to my role’s elimination, so the search is in high gear.

7. AnonymousMarch 30,2025 at 2:31PM UTC

   Honesty is good but it's like dealing with border customs... Give the least info that is needed.

   I would certainly never say that I was made redundant, because then they worry why you were let go and not the other person.

   I like the answer someone gave where you simply say that the company changed course and eliminated your position. That indicates that you did nothing wrong.

8. AnonymousMarch 30,2025 at 4:00PM UTC

   Yes, just say that. If you can you might also see if your former manager can write a referral letter for you stating your being let go because of company issues not performance ones. Do let the prospective employer know that you were one of X amount let go and it was not just you. If the company was large enough for it to be a WARN act event (US based only) reference that as well. You can also let them know that the company kept you on during your maternity leave as a protected class but after your return they reduced staff by X percentage points and everyone in your role was let go. Change the narrative, make it a positive one and you can even say that pre-maternity leave you had decided to look for a new role upon return knowing the company landscape had shifted. Come armed with metrics and fact to support your success though the company was tanking.

9. AnonymousMarch 31,2025 at 12:10AM UTC

   I wouldn't mention the maternity leave or anything related to her medical situation. The company cannot legally ask about it, and it only raises red flags in the conversation.

10. AnonymousMarch 31,2025 at 4:09PM UTC

    Stop normalizing fear of discussion about maternity leaves. Not ever company thinks this is a negative thing when interviewing. Let it go!

11. AnonymousMarch 31,2025 at 9:49PM UTC

    Why risk it? I'm not the one that is normalizing it. Many companies equate newborn/preschool children with frequent childcare issues and sick kids, which, unfortunately for women, generally means frequent absences. This isn't my perception but society's perception of the new mother, and with perception essentially being reality, we have to understand and make adjustments. I'm not trying to force any rationale on anyone. It's society that has placed that perception on us. This might not be such a big issue if the company has an in-house childcare program for its employees, which is rare.

12. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 4:11PM UTC

    But you can be part of the change. You are part of society. Change happens when you rise up and say no to this crap. If you allow this mentality to continue and don't speak up and out about it you are part of the problem.

13. AnonymousApril 2,2025 at 12:22PM UTC

    I agree, but the best time to do that is not when you are desperate for a job. Again, why risk it? Would you also advocate for someone telling a potential employer that they just had a stroke or heart attack and were out of work for six months? Medical information is off limits in an interview because they always have negative results. Do what you can to get the job first, and then try to change the system from the inside. You won't be able to stand out in the parking lot and make them change their mind, but you might from an office inside.

14. R.A. AndrewsApril 1,2025 at 3:03PM UTC

    Agree! And one thing to consider: YOU were not made redundant, YOUR POSITION was one of several eliminated in cost-cutting by the company.

15. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 12:53PM UTC

    My position was also made redundant; I was informed on Mar 19 that my last day would be April 4. Although I have been applying to in house positions over the past few months, almost never hear back. I haven't quite figure out how I am going to approach the subject when asked by an interviewer from outside my current company.

16. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 12:55PM UTC

    Personally I would just be honest. If they judge you for something you had no control over, they’re not somebody you want to work with. There are people who judge others for layoffs, and those people quite frankly suck.

17. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 1:52PM UTC

    Why is this "sus?" I would think that a person being out on leave - for any reason - would be the best time to force the company to assess the position and see if it is really needed, and if not, eliminate it, especially if the work is not being done and is not "missed." Timing might not be great for the employee, but is legal. A referral letter is also a great idea, and the company should not have a problem with that.

18. Maggie SantollaApril 1,2025 at 3:27PM UTC

    I agree with the other comments - keep it short but make it clear you were part of a reduction in force and it wasn't just you being let go. Then, pivot into what you are looking for and why you are excited about this particular role. Get them away from talking about what happened at the last company and why you are excited about this company and how you think you can contribute.

19. Tomiko NicholsApril 1,2025 at 5:48PM UTC

    I was let go due to something easily verifiable in the news so that actually helps. Anytime a company loses a huge client, typically some staff has to go too. Both times in 30 years that I've been let go it's been because of the company losing one or more large clients.

20. Dawn McDonnellApril 2,2025 at 12:45PM UTC

    My advice ….. having gone thru several mergers & reorganizations

    I would simply say your company is reorganizing your not sure if they are getting bought out and your looking for a different opportunity with a financially secure company .

    However, with a little one at home you might find that remote hybrid work may offer a better outlook for you and that can be communicated in an interview especially with a women owned company.

21. AnonymousApril 2,2025 at 3:58PM UTC

    It's all how you frame it. Using the word redundant ignites a negative response. Use reorg. The company reorged and my position was eliminated is enough. Don't dwell on it and move from it quickly. I recruited and have asked that too. I didn't want to hear the negative but that reorgs happen, they were a good fit and realized bad sh*t happens but that doesn't define the person. Remember this people who get fired get hired. Just use the reorg term, and downsizing. It is common and acceptable.

22. AnonymousApril 3,2025 at 7:16PM UTC

    I’m currently exploring new opportunities due to a recent reorganization at my company, which also includes my division being bought by another corporation. As a result, there's a lot of uncertainty as to what the future will look like for impacted employees. While I’ve greatly valued my time with [Current Company] and it has been a great place to work over the years, this transition has led me to consider new roles that align with my expertise and long-term career goals.

    10 years ago, a division of my company was sold to another corporation headquartered in India. Our company didn’t generate revenue from recordkeeping and couldn’t manage it as efficiently/effectively as the acquiring company. While my department wasn’t immediately affected, I recognized that those changes "could" eventually reach us -- as we weren't a revenue generating division either. However, given the strong job market and thriving economy at the time, I was able to secure a new role relatively easily.

    For those directly impacted, employees who chose to stay spent the following year transferring their skills and knowledge to the acquiring company’s workforce. Once that transition was complete, many were ultimately let go by the new employer.