Present economy: new rules

[kltoomians]

Is it ok to mention during an interview that you were laid off along with many others because of the downturn of development? I was always told to downplay why you left or were forced to leave.

[CPSURaf]

That is a tough call. I mentioned that at my last interview. Even though I am not laid off, I had mentioned that I am one of the last left standing, hence that means they are keeping me around for some reason. I would still steer clear from it, however formulate a response like this if asked:

"i was laid off from _town (company), in date." My former employer laid of approximately X amount (or percentage) of staff members since the downturn. My position's funding relied heavily on X source. Since that source dried up, I was let go."

Put the lay off on the town/company, not on yourself.

[expat123]

In my experience and biased viewpoint no matter how good an employee you were, most employers do not look favourably on "gaps" in employment whether your fault or the company went under, especially in the US were sabbaticals, foreign travel is less common. While many employers claim they are "understanding" of talented individuals being victims in this economy, the bottom line is experience and time involved in the industry is key. Of course most employers wont say this to be "politicallly correct", but when have employers ever been honest?

The sad part is, and we have seen it with Nrschmidts post, that employers will almost always favor those with more experience than you. Even if its only a month. I dont know what your morals are, but if you dont mind extending the truth that might be an option. Career websites offer suggestions on how to explain 'gaps" in employment and being laid off in this economy, but to me they are all BS. Call it cynical, but employers, especially in this industry could care less about "bad luck" and will hire the guy who has only been laid off for a month compared to someone with 6 months out of the industry. Again just my experience (and it seems like Nrschmidts as well). The AEC industry has done significant damage to the under 35 crowd and its aspirations in this industry. Ive spoken to those who survived the architecture crash in the early 80s in which many left the industry for good. They claim was nothing like we are seeing today.

[The District]

there's no reason to talk about it if you haven't been asked directly--no need to volunteer it.

[Cardinal]

I see no reason not to be open about it. You were not fired. You were laid off. I doubt there is a planner anywhere in this country who has not observed the large number of other planners being laid off as government and consultants shed employees. If they see that as a black mark on you, then you really don't want to be working for them. Instead, I think you will find most prospective employers can empathize with you.

[ColoGI]

Originally posted by Cardinal

I see no reason not to be open about it. You were not fired. You were laid off. I doubt there is a planner anywhere in this country who has not observed the large number of other planners being laid off as government and consultants shed employees. If they see that as a black mark on you, then you really don't want to be working for them. Instead, I think you will find most prospective employers can empathize with you.

Yes. These are the new rules. Many folk in many professions in this country - esp men - working now or in the future are going to have gaps in their resume. This is one result of what is happening now under our economic system.

If you are interviewing for a planning position and someone is looking unfavorably at a gap, they are hopelessly ignorant or...um...not the best people person. If somehow you get hired in such a regime, tread very carefully.

[kltoomians]

When I'm filling out employment forms, it asks for your reason for leaving. My excuse has always been "Promotional Opportunity." In this case, would I say "Budget Reduction," or "Promotional Opportunity," since I did land a job at a higher title. I did tell my current employer I was laid off...but I told them it was me and 6 others in the Planning Dept alone. I'm just shopping for a more suitable location for myself and my family

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

[expat123]

I think Cardinal has some good advice and he has been around this industry for a while. I've studied body language before and its interesting to observe during an interview. When I was laid off last year, I went on other interviews and told the employers of this and watched their reaction. Its about 50/50 being uncomfortable with it. Employers extend the truth all the time on their project bids and tenders in regards to staff experience and expertise.

There is a great website called glassdoor.com that offers reviews of employers, not all but some. Another industry watchdog "Zweigwhite" releases a best firms to work for in the AEC industry. In my experience the best firms to work for are the ones that are mid sized. You get the creative and interesting projects while being contributing to the company growth. Smaller firms like the one I got laid off from paid me well, but the directors were too gready and placed all their eggs in the housing industry that crashed. Plenty of opportunities for government projects, transport planning, and now sustainability projects. These firms are hurting right now cause they based a vast majority of their projects around the housing bubble and turned down other projects. Not all firms, but greed got the best of them.