I was laid off due to COVID in April last year.
I had been with the company for 17 years, so the job search was difficult. As my unemployment search ran out after 26 weeks, I was desperate to find a job. I did find a job, but after 3 months, my supervisor and I came to the conclusion I was not a good fit. My co-workers were much younger, the work environment was toxic and after so long in the same duty, the
new job duties seemed beyond my grasp. Now I'm on the search again, but I'm not sure how to explain all that in a job interview. Could anyone offer some suggestions?
Katrina
38
03/09/21 at 7:09PM UTC
Hi
Your message is what happened to me. I was mostly uncomfortable and didn’t last there more than 2 mos. Then I found another new job that really liked it and within a year covid hit and I got layed off due to the pandemic. I had been at my previous job over 10 years. I am just starting to look again & nervous. I am trying to learn some new skills.
I wouldn’t even mention the 90 day job. Also how was it out there interviewing after so many years at your last job? Also how is your job search is going now? Thanks any tips would be great!
Paulla FetzekTeacher, Lighting Expert, 35+ Yr Office Pro
3.17k
03/09/21 at 1:42PM UTC
I'm so sorry that you find yourself in this position. As a person who's been at her job nearly 19 years now, I'm scared to death of what would happen should I get laid off.
In terms of interviewing, I agree with the others. If asked for detail (and I don't believe you would be), then you can provide whatever specifics you feel are necessary.
I like to think that because of Covid most companies have adopted a new way of thinking and are more understanding in terms of a person's work situation.
ashleyabrams
64
03/09/21 at 1:20PM UTC
Hello,
You will not (I would heavily assume) be asked any specifics on why it did not work out for your last role. I recommend leaving it on a broader scale and not going into too much detail.
Elyse Shermer
279
03/09/21 at 1:15PM UTC
You dont need to go into it in an interview. First, as a fellow unemployed person looking for a job I have found that most people dont ask what you have done over the last yr or why I was laid off. Mention it, dont avoid it but due to covid its understood. The conversation is bast on what I did in my last job , the skills I can transfer over and what I'm looking for in my next opportunity. Hope this helps
Andrea Gimm
20
03/08/21 at 2:29PM UTC
I have staffed our office quite a bit and I think that you should be honest about what happened because it happens a lot. This way the person interviewing may be able to decide if your fit would be good for them. I would stick to discussing what about the role was/wasnt where your strong points are and I would stay away from any remarks about it being toxic. Just my thoughts...I could be wrong. ;-) Good Luck finding a new home to settle into. Be kind to yourself.Learning is hard sometimes.
