Tip No. 167
Q. In my cover letters, would you suggest I tell of being laid off or wait to explain this in the interview?
A. This is more of an interview-type question to address, but can be addressed in a cover letter if you feel it is especially crucial to the potential employer choosing to interview you. If you do address this in your cover letter, do not say "too much" and only include a brief sentence describing the circumstances, such as, "ABC Widget Co. made a business decision to close all of its manufacturing plants in the Midwest, where I was located". Whenever the question is asked in an interview, you should explain that your position was eliminated as part of an extensive, company-wide downsizing and/or you are retired, but desiring to continue working in the industry.
CMI Career Management International
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