How to explain a job loss

Question

So the Friday after Thanksgiving I applied for a new remote job in another state.  I had a full time job, was working it remotely and had had it for just over three years.  On December 2nd I heard back from them inviting me for a half hour phone interview, and they gave me three days  and times to choose from.  I picked one and wrote back.  Crickets.  On December 3rd I lost my job.  I have worked in nonprofit fundraising for over 20 years and this is not the first time this has happened to me, but I always survive. Consequently I have gaps on my resume but I never give up and always found something.  So I just today heard back from the perspective employer’s HR department explaing that they were busy with open enrollment and would I be available to talk W or Th.  I am now in no position to tell them to bag it, but I am apprehensive that they could not have explained that sooner.  But the bigger issue for me do I just come right out and say I did have a job when I applied but now I don’t?  It just seems like it will look  and sound so suspicious to them, but it is what it is.

Anonymous · Answer

Companies are hypocritical as they are the ones laying people off yet they feel the right to be judgmental about employment gaps. They need to drop their holier than thou trope and realize their part in this. Quit treating interviews like going to confession.

Anonymous · Answer

Do the interview.  And while you prepare, work on letting go of your irritation about the communication (because yes, it most definitely is coming through).

As someone who's been in HR for nearly 30 years, I can tell you that open enrollment is a bitch.  When you add the things that need to be done for that with all the regular job duties that don't stop just because it's OE, with the year end things that have to be done, AND add in that lots of people are probably taking vacation days so they don't lose them, sometimes, timely communication is the thing that gives.

So, you can choose to hold a grudge or you can get over your pique and maybe get yourself a new job.

Cheryl Neas · Answer

I am not surprised that the HR folks are busy this time of year but they do in general need to keep in mind that people who are job-seeking, even in a tough market like this one, use how they are treated as candidates as an indication of how they will be treated as employees. Slow response is one thing, asking people to hold time for you and then not connecting in time for them to be able to use it for something else, and then asking them to hold a DIFFERENT time, is another.

That said, I agree with everyone else--do the interview. You were interested in the position before you were laid off, clearly, so all this change means is that you can probably be available sooner if you're the successful candidate.

Lesa Edwards · Answer

If they ask, you tell them. In your line of work, with a nonprofit especially, no one should question why you are out of work in 2020 - and it has absolutely no bearing on your qualifications for the new job. You've got this!

Susie Kendis · Answer

Everyone is stretched so thin that their slow response shouldn't be a show-stopper. As for the job loss, I'd tell them honestly if they ask, and highlight how it's been a volatile industry and you've successfully navigated the ups and downs. All in all, interview practice is good, and you can ask questions to collect market research to help your continued search. Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

All of the above advice is spot on.  First, just do the interview.  Then figure out what comes next. Trust me HR is slammed between regular job duties, the magnitude of work due to COVID and open enrollment can be a long process.  Give them some grace.   Bur more importantly give yourself some grace.  Losing a role hurts.  I would say now more than ever people have gaps in employment.  I have recruited for 30 years.  Its how you approach that.  What did you learn in the gaps.  Did you get certifications, do grant work, volunteer....it all applies.  As for telling them - I believe honesty is the cleanest process.   How can they trust you if you bury the lead?  This is also year end.  Funding dries up and jobs are lost at the end of the year.  Its a budgeting process.  If you hit it head on it doesn't look suspicious but that you are acting from a place of integrity.  I wish you the very best of luck!

Anonymous · Answer

Non profits are stretched thin and non responses are common at least from a volunteer point of view. As long as you are prepared for the interview then losing your other job is no big deal. Spin it right and putting your best foot forward should be sufficient. Personally when I interviewed and  hired people and there was a delay I would try to communicate that to them. If you feel that slow responses become a red flag then move on.

Anonymous · Answer

Don't overthink it, I too, had applied for jobs when I had a job but I quit when companies started calling for interviews.  One interview I only bring it up when they asked while another I didn't mentioned and both had no issues, I ended up getting the job with the company I didn't mentioned about I stopped working because by the time the other company called for final interview I had already accepted the first one.  So it's not that big of a deal since most likely the last place you worked at will come up on background check so it's not like you lied about working there.  I too was worry over how I will handle this so just focus on the skills you can bring to the table and not sweat over this small thing.  Best of luck!!!

Anonymous · Answer

I would only bring it up in the interview if asked about it. These days, it's all too common to be laid off, unfortunately.

Anonymous · Answer

Sorry to hear that you lost your job, but it's great that you already have an interview prospect. With respect to telling this new company that you aren't working, it will likely come up naturally in the interview - they are likely to say something like, 'So, you have been with X for [this long]...' or 'How much notice would you be required to give at X...', etc. At which point you can tell them that you are no longer there. It might even give you a bit of an advantage since presumably you could start right away. As others have said, in this environment a job loss isn't surprising.

You're invited.

See what women are sharing on Fairygodboss.