Ace This Tricky Interview Question

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One of the most common mistakes I've observed among job seekers is over-sharing. When you're interviewing at a company, remember this key insight: Don't share information that hurts you.

This frequently comes up for folks who have been affected by a performance-based" layoff. Your explanation for how and why you left your last job can have a huge impact on your interviews. I have two tactical pieces of advice:First, reframe the layoff as a mutual decision instead of something that happened to you. No one wants to hire a victim.

I was unfairly punished by a horrible company"

My career goals didn't align with the company at the time"

Second, focus the conversation more on where you're headed rather than what you're leaving behind. Here's a sample answer: I'm super excited about this company. I deeply resonate with the mission and smaller environment." (You should, of course, adapt this to match what you care about and the role you're applying for.)

You will likely be asked, Why did you leave your last job?" but you have the power to decide what to share. You shouldn't lie, but you also need not be fully transparent.

Many people will experience a layoff or reduction in force at least once in their career. Instead of blaming yourself or the company, your framing should be: There was a mismatch in expectation between employee and employer."

There are countless reasons why an engineer may have poor performance: lack of support, poor management, lack of motivation, or shifting company needs. Have the humility to learn from your mistakes, but remember to advocate for yourself, too.

Have the confidence that you are valuable. Too many engineers are their own worst critics, which exacerbates a negative spiral of performance.

The tech job market right now is especially turbulent, and anxiety around layoffs is everywhere. Remember: You are in the driver's seat of your career, and you can have an amazing career after getting laid off.

-Rahul

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