Should I lie about being laid off?

Question

Hey Gang,

So I was laid off for the first time ever in my career back in November. I've been looking around, but I feel times are pretty tough out there in the space and I haven't been able to find anything yet.

Luckily, a company I've been trying to get into for a few months finally had a headcount open up in the new year. I have a phone call set up with the recruiter next week, but I'm nervous about telling them I no longer work at my last company.

I feel like companies have been super weird about it when applying at places. I was told it wasnt performance based when I got laid off, but it's not like I had the best numbers on the team.

Also, my friend at the company who's referring me said "Dont lie if asked, but no need to celebrate it. You want as much (money) as you can get".

Feel free to drop some advice below or just vote in the poll

Thanks!

Accepted Answer

Pure reduction in force. Total consolidation. I was performing. Don’t lie

Answer

It’s usually like a spider web. You start with one lie then another to cover that lie and soon, it’ll unravel and you’ll loose all credibility.

Answer

Lots of career sales people have been let go, if it’s a reduction in force people will understand

Answer

Don’t lie it may come back to bite you in the behind. But your in sales, dance around it. If you can’t do that then get out of sales. Good luck out there

Answer

Never lie but bending truth as long as you have plausible deniability is fair play

Answer

Never lie, but you don’t have to over share either

Answer

Have your numbers in order to show that it wasn’t performance based

Answer

It's the first or 2nd thing they will bring up, own it show it wasn't an effort thing and move on

Answer

So many people are getting laid off that it's completely normal to see people with 1 year at a job or still looking. Lying will only cause issues. They'll understand - you're still a great salesperson even though you were laid off - show them that in the interview. You got this!

Answer

Just tell them it was a RIF cause leadership made some mistakes. It’s so common right now no point in lying

Answer

You just don’t bring it up. Leave it on LI and just do not say either way unless bluntly asked.

Answer

Don't volunteer the info, but tell the truth when asked. Others have given the perfect words - call it a RIF.

Answer

Lots of good people getting laid off. Don’t sweat it.

Answer

I don't think there's any shame to a layoff. But if you think that they'll try to lowball you because you "need a job" then I think your friend could be right that it's something you can bring up if and when you're asked.

Answer

Whatever help gets you the job. Depends on the person and company imo

Answer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EbtA-3v2Vw

Answer

Were you laid off, or fired? Theres a different and your talk track should be different for both scenarios

Answer

Don’t admit to a layoff, you lose all bargaining power when they know you need a job. Be prepared to walk away

Ryscott0317

Should I lie about being laid off?

Do I lie or just pretend like I never got laid off?

26 comments

Ryscott0317

Should I lie about being laid off?

Do I lie or just pretend like I never got laid off?

26 comments

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