Honest, composed, forward-looking answers
Some interview questions can make your stomach drop - especially those about redundancy, gaps, or setbacks. The good news? With a bit of preparation, you can answer honestly and confidently, without getting stuck in the past.
Facing the “Why Were You Let Go?” Question
This is one of the most common worries for anyone who’s been through redundancy or restructuring. The key is to keep your answer honest, brief, and free from defensiveness.
- Be honest and brief: Acknowledge the redundancy or restructuring without over-explaining or sounding apologetic. For example, “The company restructured and my role was made redundant.”
- Separate the decision from your value: Remember, being let go is about business decisions, not your personal worth or capability.
- Pivot to what’s next: After addressing the past, shift the focus to what you’re looking for now and why you’re excited about this opportunity.
- Practise until it feels neutral: The goal isn’t to d