Why job seekers hesitate to accept a lay-off

When Jeff Jung (founder career break secrets) says “a career break is possible, real people do it”, it sound like a dream. Yes, a planned work break can be a wonderful opportunity to explore, experience and discover one’s real passion and interest. Those who do it have an agenda to reinvent their career or life and start a new but what about those who are on an unplanned break?

Yes, I am talking about the people who are no more employees because their employer decided a layoff causing them to lose their jobs. After they are in complete realization of the fact that they have been fired, the next big thought is  – Should  I tell people that I have been terminated? Despite the fact that it was not one’s fault (not every layoff is a punishment), accepting layoff is a challenge especially to recruiters and hiring managers because it creates a doubt regarding his capabilities and performance. Even significant evidences and accomplishments in a resume sometimes fail to over shadow a layoff thus people are hesitant to admit it. Some of the reasons I have come across that job seekers give cover a layoff are:

• Sickness, ailment or a medical condition that required rest.
• Employer moving its operation to a new, far off location.
• Family, parents or spouse needed attention.
• Employer offering a transfer or relocation.

Recruitment industry experts advice not to lie in a job interview even if it is about a lay-off. According to them, avoiding a layoff in a job application or resume can be a question mark on your honesty if the truth is known. Yes, there are chances that hiring Manager already knows about it because may be the layoff was in the news or through their social network. “Say the truth” is what they advice. Still job seekers hesitate to admit a layoff, Why ?

• A very common notion that recruiters and employers prefer to hire candidates who already have jobs over out of work candidates.
• Laid-off candidates are not in good position to negotiate perks and benefits.
• Employers often feel that a laid off employee will take up any job and thus offer them roles and responsibilities not up to their experience and expectations.
• Being fired is commonly associated with not being productive.

In today’s economic scenario, termination and mass lay-offs are more often strategic and cost decisions than performance issue with employees (exceptions). It is time to accept lay-off as normal and provide equal opportunity for everyone to move forward.