Why are you on the market…be ready to explain.

There are many reasons why people are on the market.  Even in this economy with double digit unemployment, layoffs do not cover everyone’s story.  It is critical that you take the time to prepare your answer when a prospective employer asks, “…So tell me, why are you available?”  You would be surprised how often candidates stumble when asked the “obvious” question.

You know why you are on the market.  It is usually the result of your choosing or the employer’s decision.   Either way, you have a story to tell.  My advice, from interviewing many career professionals as well as recent grads, remains the same….be straight, present your story with confidence and always end on a positive note.

Honesty is important.  Even if you were terminated for cause from your last job.  If you try to hide the truth, it will come back to haunt you and when it does, you will have to explain more than just the reason you were terminated.

If you need to explain a termination for cause, state the circumstances briefly and accurately, explain what you learned from the experience and move on.  Everyone makes mistakes.  If you have a good track record otherwise, one job that was not a good fit is not something to be ashamed of…it happens.  How you handle this when asked, however,  is key.

Now, even if you have been laid off, there are pitfalls to avoid.  Layoffs are difficult.  Relationships are broken and careers derailed, at least for a while.  However, when you explain what happened, be sure you indicate that your position, not you, was eliminated as part of a workforce reduction.  This tells the employer that many others were also affected and it takes the spotlight off you and potentially your performance.  So never stop with…”I was laid off.”  There is much more to the story and it makes all the difference.

Above all else….be positive.  Positive about your previous employer, your experience with them and the future.  Never reveal bitterness or anger towards a previous employer.  If an interviewer suspects this, there is little you can do to reverse the damage to your professional image.  If you bad mouth an employer, whether deserved or not, what is to prevent you from doing the same to a new employer?

Like so many things, your job search will go far more smoothly if you prepare well and stay positive…the result will be a brighter and better future.

What is your story…where you laid off, fired or did you quit?  How will you handle the question?  Do you think it better to cover up a termination than deal with it head on?  Let’s talk.

Norma Sweeny