Tale as old as time, am I right? Your company got a new VP and decided that cutting the workforce would show the big boss immediate return, or something like that. It wasn’t a performance-based cut because you show up and never complain. Occasionally, you had to let the janitor know the restroom was out of paper towels, but you were willing to look past that as the paycheck was worth the wet hands.
It’s two weeks before the holidays and you’re hitting the pavement hard with your resume and bombarding every professional social media contact you have. What’s worse (or better, depending how you are looking at this) you aren’t alone in the RIF’d world. Huge companies decided to close Q4 with a RIF and now you’re competing with actual qualified candidates and its giving 2002 Black Friday flat screen TV grabs at Best Buy.
You snagged an interview at a company that you’re praying has paper towels, and now you have to decide what to say about the abrupt departure. How do you basically say, “I need a job and I’m willing to do anything….” (except wet hands, cause life is too short).
How to Turn Getting RIF’d Into an Interview Win
As a hiring manager, let me walk you through a few talking points and strategies that tell me that you were 1-RIFd, 2-Desperate for a job because you have no paycheck and/or, 3-You’re actually a catch.
1. Address it head on.
If you are going back and forth about saying you were RIFd, I understand the hesitation. I am here to tell you- yes, it’s okay. Address it head on. Come at it from a positive spin. “I was very happy in my previous role. I enjoyed the work, the atmosphere and the job satisfaction. I was disappointed in the RIF and am looking forward to taking my strong work ethic to a place where it will be valued and recognized.”
2. Don’t be a negative Nelly.
Hot TIP: hiring managers don’t want to hear you were miserable in your last role. We are all miserable, you don’t need to highlight that. I want to hear if I bring you on it will be good for morale. There are enough negative nelly’s around the dark SCIF. I need my next hire to be positive. Even if that’s not you, fake it till you make it. Because you need the role. Lean into positivity, and maybe…just maybe… that will stick for you.
3. Let compensation common sense prevail.
Compensation will surely come up. You’d LOVE a raise from your last role, so do you ask for more, or do you hear your spouses voice in your head saying it doesn’t matter, just get a job. It’s a very simple mindset, please don’t allow the noise to override your common sense. Your answer is, “I am just looking to maintain my current role at the XYZ level.” The good thing about working in a cleared industry is you’re essentially going to get the same wherever you go. What is the going rate for your clearance and work experience? Probably what you were getting paid prior. So, at this point in your life, please, take the standard rate. It’s easier to find a job when you have a job….or so they say. You might wonder if you don’t counter will that make you look weak, or desperate. DO NOT focus on that right now. Take the offer (as long as its close to what you were making). Don’t roll the dice on this one, please.
4. Don’t Sell Yourself Short.
Yes, you are desperate for the paycheck, but you are actually a catch. Remember, the last place hired you based on your resume. Lean into your work experience and remind yourself that you are worthy of a role that matches your work history. If you are in the interview coming from a place of desperation it doesn’t read well. I know you’re desperate, you got RIFd. Its January 2026, I completely know you needed a job…YESTERDAY. Talk to me about your accomplishments and have faith that I am a human being and know what you are saying between the lines.
Best of luck with this search. If I could lean into the mental health side for a minute with you. Financial stress always bleeds into personal life and your closest relationships. Try your best to not take the fear out on your family. Your spouse loves you and is only asking if you have any leads because they are just as scared as you. Be kind to them and yourself. You will find something. I promise.
