10 Points To Help Your Resume After A Layoff

  1. Clearly State the Layoff: Mention the layoff directly in your employment history section, using simple language like “Layoff due to company restructuring” or “Position eliminated due to downsizing.”
  2. Highlight Tenure: Emphasize the length of time you spent at the company to indicate commitment and stability before the layoff.
  3. Focus on Achievements: List key accomplishments and contributions made during your tenure to showcase your value to the organization.
  4. Quantify Results: Use numbers or metrics to quantify your achievements, demonstrating the impact you had despite the layoff.
  5. Utilize Action Words: Start bullet points with action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements, making your contributions clear and impactful.
  6. Include Additional Context: Briefly explain the circumstances surrounding the layoff, such as economic downturn, industry changes, or company restructuring, if relevant.
  7. Emphasize Adaptability: Highlight any cross-functional roles, projects, or responsibilities you undertook, showcasing your ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
  8. Show Continuous Learning: Mention any training, certifications, or professional development activities you pursued during the period following the layoff to demonstrate proactive self-improvement.
  9. Address Employment Gap: If there’s a gap in employment following the layoff, briefly explain how you utilized that time productively, such as freelance work, volunteering, or further education.
  10. Tailor for Relevance: Customize your resume for each application, focusing on experiences and skills most relevant to the job you’re applying for, while still addressing the layoff transparently.

By incorporating these points into your resume, you can effectively explain a layoff while highlighting your strengths and suitability for the desired position.