How To Explain Getting Laid Off (Hint: Own Your Narrative)

Recently, I had a conversation with one of my executive clients, K, a true rock star in her field. She’s the kind of leader who knows her stuff, builds diverse, collaborative teams, and stays laser-focused on results. She’s also deeply committed to investing in her people and supporting their development.

Despite all these strengths, she struggled to land a new role several months after being laid off.

Our goal during our strategy session was to uncover why, despite great opportunities, she wasn’t receiving offers. As we talked, it became clear that she wasn’t sharing how she left her previous job in a clear and direct way. This lack of clarity was creating confusion and perhaps even doubt for the people interviewing her. 

Understanding The Power Of Your Narrative

I became curious about how K’s internal thoughts and feelings about her departure were influencing her job search outcomes. She admitted she regretted not addressing the issue head-on from the beginning. Her reluctance to lead with the truth about how she left her previous role—suddenly and unexpectedly—might have subtly undermined her confidence and approach to potential employers.

Her talk track was vague, dancing around the details of her departure. As we explored what she had accomplished in her previous role, which was substantial, we realized she needed to take control of her narrative. What if she simply stated the facts - she was doing a great job, and received praise for her achievements, but was ultimately let go due to a cultural fit issue? By owning this narrative, she could present herself confidently and authentically.

By avoiding the issue, K was inadvertently undermining her own confidence. However, by embracing her story and addressing it head-on, she could rebuild her self-assurance and take control of how she was perceived in the job market.

Turning A Layoff Into A Positive

So, how can someone turn the experience of being laid off into a positive narrative? Here are a few strategies:

Reframe The Experience As Growth

Instead of viewing the layoff as a personal failure, reframe it as an opportunity for growth. Psychologist Carol Dweck’s work on growth mindset emphasizes that viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow can significantly impact how we approach adversity. Communicate that you’ve used the time since your layoff to reflect on your career, develop new skills, or pursue additional education. This shows resilience and a proactive attitude.

For example: One of my clients, L, after being laid off from a senior marketing position, took the opportunity to complete a certification in digital marketing. When interviewing for new roles, she framed her layoff as the catalyst for this professional development, which ultimately made her a stronger candidate.

Focus On Your Achievements

During the job search process, it’s essential to focus on your accomplishments. Discuss the impact you made in your previous role—whether it was the revenue you generated, the teams you led, or the projects you delivered— to reinforce your value. As executive coach Marshall Goldsmith points out, “What got you here won’t get you there,” but that doesn’t mean your past successes aren’t relevant. They’re the foundation on which you can build your future career.

When asked about your previous job, start by highlighting what you achieved. For example, “In my last role, I led a team that increased department revenue by 30% year-over-year. Unfortunately, due to a shift in the company’s cultural direction, they decided to make changes to the leadership team. However, I’m proud of what I accomplished and am eager to bring that same success to my next role.”

Be Transparent And Direct

Avoiding or downplaying your layoff can create unnecessary doubt. Instead, be honest and direct about what happened. Being transparent can actually enhance your credibility. A Harvard Business Review study found that honesty and transparency are key components of building trust in professional relationships. When you own your story without shame, it shows confidence and integrity.

As The Confidence Code highlights, “The natural result of low confidence is inaction. When women hesitate because we aren’t sure, we hold ourselves back.” K’s hesitation to discuss her layoff was holding her back. However, once she addressed it directly, she found that potential employers appreciated her forthrightness and were more engaged in the conversation.

Shift The Conversation To The Future

While it’s important to acknowledge your past, it’s equally crucial to focus on the future. Talk about what you’ve learned from the experience and how it has prepared you for the next step in your career. According to futurist Alvin Toffler, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Show that you’re adaptable and ready to bring fresh energy and ideas to your next role.

In interviews, pivot from discussing your layoff to highlighting your enthusiasm for the future. For instance, “The experience taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability, and I’m excited to apply those lessons to help drive innovation and growth in my next role.”

Position Yourself Strategically

Use the experience of being laid off as an opportunity to redefine your career path and position yourself strategically in the job market. Evaluate what you truly want in your next role—whether it’s the company culture, work-life balance, or specific job responsibilities—and seek opportunities that align with your long-term goals.

Create a personal brand that communicates your strengths, values, and the unique contributions you bring to an organization. This not only helps you stand out in the job market, but also ensures that the roles you pursue are the right fit for your professional and personal aspirations.

Advocate Confidently For Your Value

For many women, asserting their worth can feel uncomfortable or even daunting, especially in professional settings where confidence can be misinterpreted as arrogance. However, understanding and communicating your value is crucial. Approach negotiations professionally and confidently, relying on data, market research, and your accomplishments to substantiate your requests. By focusing on the value you bring to the table, rather than simply the need for a paycheck, you can secure a role that fully acknowledges your worth.

Practice advocating for yourself in low-stakes situations to build your confidence. Seek feedback from trusted mentors or peers, and use their insights to refine your approach. Remember, advocating for your value isn’t just about getting what you deserve—it’s about setting a precedent for how you expect to be treated in your professional journey.

From Ambivalence To Alignment: B's Story

Let me share a story that illustrates the power of owning your narrative. My client, B, was a member of the C-suite at a mid-sized organization. With a new CEO in place, she found it increasingly difficult to reconcile his approach with the values the organization had long upheld. As his actions began to conflict with her values, she started questioning her role within the company. Her ambivalence, combined with her pushback on the strategic direction, likely influenced the decision to ask for her resignation.

To make matters more challenging, B dealt with significant personal issues at the time—an unwell mother and a marriage that was crumbling. The prospect of losing her primary source of income, which her family relied on, felt overwhelming, making it difficult for her to focus clearly enough to negotiate a favorable severance package.

Fortunately, B was part of a guided group with other peers and a coach. With their wise counsel, she secured an excellent severance package. Though the months that followed were tough, the time off allowed her to be with her mother, navigate the dissolution of her marriage, and adopt healthier habits.

Now, when B looks back, she is grateful for being asked to resign. The break gave her the space to heal and reset. When she was ready, she dove into the job search with renewed energy and clarity. She ultimately found an unbelievable role that aligned perfectly with her desired lifestyle, paid more than she expected, and was mission-based, aligning entirely with her values.

B’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of aligning your career with your core values. As The Confidence Code reminds us, “Confidence, ultimately, is the characteristic that distinguishes those who imagine and those who do.” By owning her narrative and taking proactive steps during a challenging time, B transformed a potentially devastating situation into a powerful new beginning.

Resilience In Action: L's Strategic Comeback

Another example comes from my client, L, who faced an unexpected layoff during a large restructuring. She was stunned, especially since she’d been an integral part of the team and was promised a promotion. Given that her family depended on her income, the news could have easily led to anger and bitterness. But instead of dwelling on the negative, L’s first concern was for others also affected by the layoffs.

L’s generous and altruistic response not only demonstrated her leadership qualities, but also immediately raised her LinkedIn profile. She hit the ground running, reaching out to her network of friends and colleagues to explore opportunities at the companies she wanted to work for. Unlike before, she recognized her value and focused on securing a role that offered the right compensation and level from the start. L was strategic in her approach and methodical in negotiating and leveraging multiple offers to secure the most favorable terms.

Her ability to advocate for herself and ensure that she was compensated fairly for her expertise was key. By focusing on the value she brought to the table, rather than simply her need for a paycheck, L was able to secure a role that fully acknowledged her worth. This approach not only secured her a great position, but also significantly strengthened her professional network. As a result, she’s since increased her scope of influence and responsibility, proving that a setback can indeed be a setup for even greater success.

L’s story illustrates the importance of resilience, generosity, and strategic negotiation during challenging times. As The Confidence Code points out, “Action separates the timid from the bold.” By taking immediate action, supporting others, and confidently advocating for her worth, L positioned herself not just as a survivor of a layoff, but as a leader who thrives in adversity.

Key Takeaways When Getting Laid Off

NEXT STEPS...

In times of transition, such as after a layoff, building a network of trusted peers and mentors—your own personal board of advisors—can be invaluable. These individuals can offer support, guidance, and connections that can help you navigate your career path more effectively. Engaging with a network of like-minded professionals not only provides practical advice, but also serves as a source of emotional support during challenging times.

At the same time, practicing good self-care is essential. Taking the time to process the change, reflect on your experiences, and recharge is crucial for making thoughtful decisions about your next steps. Rushing into the next opportunity without fully understanding what you want can lead to less-than-ideal outcomes. Give yourself permission to slow down, focus on your well-being, and approach your job search with clarity and purpose.

Working with a coach can be an instrumental part of this process. Career coaching provides clear guidance, helps you articulate your goals, and offers strategies for achieving them. Whether you need help crafting your narrative, building your confidence, or negotiating your next role, a coach can provide the support and tools you need to succeed.

At Lead Bee, we offer personalized 1:1 career coaching and Bee Guided Groups that focus on building resilience, strategic positioning, and effective self-advocacy. Our approach is designed to help you turn setbacks into opportunities for growth, ensuring that you are fully prepared for whatever comes next in your career journey.