Talking About Layoffs + Gaps in Work Like a Pro

Talking About Layoffs With Confidence

Losing a job can feel like a punch in the gut . . . 👊💥

A blow that leaves you questioning your worth and future.🤔

But it doesn’t have to crush your hopes of finding better work.🤩

It does NOT have to force you to settle for less.

And it doesn’t have to stop you from living life on your own terms.

Believe it or not — a layoff can be a hidden gem that shows:

💎 How adaptable you are

💎 How versatile your skill set is

💎 And the true value of the experience you carry

But it all comes down to the words you use.

Talking About Gaps in Work Like a Pro

In this blog, I’ll equip you with the exact words and game plan you need to explain a layoff or gap between jobs.

Guess what else?

I’ve got not ONE, not TWO, but THREE ready-to-use scripts for interviews, networking, and to spark jaw-dropping conversations.

🙌 The best part? These scripts are for nine-to-fivers AND freelancers alike.

🙌 They’re made to stick in people’s minds + get you closer to finding better work.

🙌 I’ll EVEN tell you how to tweak the scripts (so you sound like yourself)!

Sound good?

Let’s kick off this chat with…

The Three W’s of Explaining Layoffs: Watch ➡️ Why ➡️ and What.

#1. WATCH YOUR WORDS: STAY NEUTRAL

It’s no secret or surprise that our words have incredible power.

They shape and influence how others see our experiences, empathize with us, and relate to us.

That means the words you use to explain a layoff can shape a story that helps others see you, relate to you, and understand your situation.

So here’s a key — stay neutral with neutral words.

Neutral words show you’re a professional:

✅ Who understands the realities of the business world

✅ You can adjust to change

✅ And the layoff was beyond your control

Using neutral words is how you’ll take control of the narrative around your layoff.

Some neutral words to use:

▪️ Budget cuts

▪️ Project changes

▪️ Restructuring

▪️ Mergers

▪️ Acquisitions

WORDS TO AVOID

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Avoid words that imply fault, blame, or negativity — like fired, let go, terminated, or dismissed.

These words can make you feel bad 😔, sound bitter 🙄, or even defensive 😡.

#2. SHARE THE WHY: BE HONEST

You can explain a layoff in a way that’s honest and empowering.

And you can do it without 😕 shame, 😓 guilt, 😑 blame, or 🥴 worry.

Because here’s the truth:

Companies evolve, transition, hire, cut jobs, and create jobs.

That means layoffs are sometimes part of the ecosystem.

If this is your story, embrace it with confidence.

EXAMPLES TO USE

Here are SIX BRIEF + BLAME-FREE ways that give honest business reasons behind a layoff.

EXAMPLE 1

▪️ After a massive company-wide reorganization, my entire department shut down.

EXAMPLE 2

▪️ To streamline their budget, my previous role switched over to another vendor.

EXAMPLE 3

▪️ As a result of a client’s shifting priorities and needs, my availability opened up sooner than expected.

EXAMPLE 4

▪️ As a result of a merger between my previous employer and another company, certain positions ended, including mine.

EXAMPLE 5

▪️ I worked on a project with a set timeline and budget. The company had lower than expected earnings for three consecutive quarters, so the contract ended sooner than planned.

EXAMPLE 6

▪️ My previous company faced challenges, leading to major overhauls and downsizing. They made the hard decision to lay off employees based on seniority. As a new hire, I was affected.

#3. Tell WHAT Makes You Shine: Go A-W-F

Tell what ways you grew after the layoff…

➡️  How did you upskill or reskill yourself?

➡️  Did you take any courses?

➡️  Did you volunteer for experience?

These actions show you’re proactive, optimistic, determined, and an asset.

@lolacabaya Here’s a STRATEGY to sell the thing you created. 🫰🏽✨ #thesmokingprophet #thingsiwishiknewyesterday #propheticpodcast #skillstoTHRIVE #behindmybusiness #skillstoLEARN #tiktokmademe #tiktokmademebuyit #readytosell ♬ original sound – Lola Cabaya

🎓 Courses, Certifications, + Volunteering: Oh MY!

This script shows you’re proactive, competitive, and eager to get ahead.

Following my previous job, I decided to enroll in an online course to build my skill set and learn the latest technologies. I learned systems to analyze data and create technology solutions. I also earned ITIL and CompTIA certifications, proving my proficiency in these tools. This investment has equipped me with tools and skills I’m excited to apply in my future roles.

Your Turn To Try

Script #1: Skill Supercharge

Use this script to show you took the initiative to grow your skills.

After my previous job, I took courses to improve my skills and stay current with the latest technologies.

I focused on learning [INSERT RELEVANT SKILLS] and even earned a certificate from [INSERT LEARNING PLATFORM] to test myself.

It was a smart move because now I have new in-demand skills and knowledge to use in my future jobs.

How to make this script sound like you:

📌 Identify the specific skills you focused on after your previous job ended. Then, replace [INSERT RELEVANT SKILLS] with those skills.

Anything from…

💡 Emotional intelligence

💡 Project management

💡 Data analysis

💡 Programming languages

Or any other skills relevant to your interview or industry of interest!

📌 Replace [INSERT LEARNING PLATFORM] with the name of the online learning platform or institution where you got your training.

That includes…

▪️ Udemy

▪️ Edx.org

▪️ Google

▪️ Coursera

▪️ Skillshare

▪️ A specific university or training provider

📈 Showcase Professional Growth + Adaptability!

This script shows you have useful skills that transfer across industries.

After parting ways with my last job, I launched into my freelancing journey. During this time, I worked on projects ranging from web design to content writing to social media management. Now, I have a strong portfolio of work, to showcase my creativity, adaptability, and ability to deliver high-quality results. I’m so grateful for my freelancing journey. This is how I realized my skills are valuable across industries. Without it, I wouldn’t know what I was truly capable of doing!

Your Turn to Try

Script #2: Freelancing Adventure

Use this script to show you’re flexible and have cross-industry skills.

After my previous role ended, I decided to go on a freelancing adventure.

It was a great way for me to explore different industries, use my skills in different ways, and gain cross-industry experience.

I worked on all kinds of projects like [INSERT PROJECT EXAMPLES] to create a strong portfolio of work.

This experience really showed my creative side, my ability to adapt, and my knack for delivering top-notch results in different fields.

How to make this script sound like you:

📌 Think back on all the projects from your freelancing adventure. Then, replace [INSERT PROJECT EXAMPLES] with those specific examples.

Anything from…

💡 Web design for a small business

💡 Content writing for a marketing agency

💡 Social media management for a non-profit organization

Or any other relevant projects that shine a bright light on your skills and achievements!

📌 INSIDER TIP: Emphasize the specific (desirable) results you achieved during your freelancing period.

That includes…

▪️ Exceeding client expectations

▪️ Increasing website traffic or app downloads

▪️ Improving conversion rates

▪️ Getting positive feedback from customers or clients

🚀 A Layoff to Some + Success Story to Others!

This script shows you’re optimistic, thoughtful, and willing to help others.

Following the unexpected layoff, I volunteered at a local business with challenges. I focused on their social marketing. Through my efforts, I boosted their online growth and visibility. I helped increase their followers by 50%, engagement by 40%, and sales by 30%. This experience helped me develop a deep understanding of various platforms, systems to optimize an organization’s online presence, and drive real results. Here’s the best part: I did this organically too.

Your Turn to Try

Script #3: Volunteering Triumph

Use this script to show you’re caring and can deliver profitable results.

Following the unexpected layoff, I made a conscious decision to volunteer at a local business facing financial challenges. I focused on [INSERT SCOPE OF WORK].

Through my efforts, I increased their [INSERT PROJECT OUTCOMES].

This experience deepened my ability to leverage multiple platforms and tools like [INSERT PLATFORMS, TOOLS, SYSTEMS] to drive profitable results.

How to make this script sound like you:

📌 List the specific ways and areas where you volunteered and made a difference. Then, replace [INSERT SCOPE OF WORK] with those details.

Anything from…

💡 Social media marketing

💡 Business development

💡 Project management

💡 Optimizing workflows

💡 Or any other relevant volunteer role

📌 Write out the measurable outcomes or achievements you accomplished during your volunteer experience.

📌 Then, replace [INSERT PROJECT OUTCOMES] with specific results you were responsible for individually or through collaboration.

📌 Now, replace [INSERT PLATFORMS, TOOLS, SYSTEMS] with the names of those tools or platforms.

That includes…

▪️ Social media management tools

▪️ Project management software

▪️ Customer relationship management (CRM) systems

▪️ Data analytics tools

Or any other relevant tools you utilized to drive profitable results.

Future-Proof Your Job

We’re living in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

‘The First Industrial Revolution used water and steam power to mechanize production. The Second used electric power to create mass production. The Third used electronics and information technology to automate production. Now a Fourth Industrial Revolution is building on the Third, the digital revolution that has been occurring since the middle of the last century. It is characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres.‘

KLAUS SCHWAB, FOUNDER OF THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

🚨 That means expect lots of changes. 

🚨 Industries will dash fast into efficiency.

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Layoffs will happen…

But you can still protect yourself and crisis-proof your future!

📝 Keep your resume updated

📝 Continually improve your skills

📝 Demonstrate top performance

📝 Exceed expectations

📝 Expand your professional network

📝 Learn the warning signs a layoff is coming

I can tell you seven signs a job might be on the chopping block.

🚨 Use these signs to spot changes at work before they manifest.

TAP HERE to read that blog.

Or LISTEN TO EPISODE #142 of The Smoking Prophet Podcast — Protecting Your Career From Unexpected Layoffs. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

So There You Have It

The Three W’s of Explaining a Layoff: Watch ➡️ Why ➡️ and What.

✅ Watch your words

✅ Share the why

✅ Tell what happened

I’m done! May this blog and these scripts help us ALL find better work.