My former intern also had the misfortune of being forced into leisure time, but about a month before me. When she asked whether she should mention the fact that she was laid off in her cover letter, I didn’t know the answer right away. Through research and discussions with various managers, I found it’s best if cover letter remain a marketing tool for the job applicant. Positive experience and accomplishments should be emphasized rather than the lay off.
In addition, a recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted the mistakes being made in interviews by those that have been laid off. Their advice: show up only 10 minutes before the interview, stay positive by keeping personal woes out of the interview process, and show you’ve researched the company or institution.
Filed under: resources
