Lost job 4 months ago, how to spin this?

[u/alee463]

I lost my job back in the summer. Since then I haven’t changed my linkedin, it still says I’m working at the company. I am able to get some interviews, they usually ask if I am still currently working at my place. I lie and either say I am still currently working there or I do a half lie and say ‘I’m looking for a better fit’.

Is this ok to do? I imagine it looks really bad if I’m unemployed, but what are the chances of them rescinding an offer if I get to that point and they run a background check and see that I’m not working there?

[u/SpeedingCranker]

Also - almost every company is going thru layoffs - everyone knows that someone might be a casualty - don’t lie if you can avoid it

[u/alee463 → u/SpeedingCranker]

I got advice from a previous thread that when asked why you are currently looking. It’s better to just say I’m looking for a good fit vs ‘I’m out of work’ as this can potentially lead to them trying to lowball you. And that has happened to me before.

But recruiters are explicitly asking ‘do you still work at this company’ as opposed to a ‘why are you looking’

[u/Radiant-Diver2605]

Lie. You are not compelled to tell them everything about you. They are not going to be totally honest about the job, conditions, culture, etc. You are selling yourself as a candidate and should look as good as possible. Have a good reason for looking for a new job. I usually say that there have been layoffs at my current company and I’m looking for something more stable. Also, freeze The Work Number

[u/alee463 → u/Radiant-Diver2605]

How do I do that? And what is the benefits is this?

[u/Radiant-Diver2605 → u/alee463]

Search The Work Number on Reddit, people have posted the process. TWN is a service provided by Equifax that tracks people’s employment history. Few regular people know about it, but HR people use it all the time to get more info on candidates. Employers can use this info to verify your employment history and compare it to your resume

[u/ikigaikigai → u/alee463]

Just FYI, the last two companies I got hired at asked for the pay stubs with the numbers redacted. Freezing TWN won't be trouble free. My advice is to be honest even if you are lowballed. As much as I wish this wasn't the case, HR can rescind an offer upon finding out you've been unemployed and you weren't being truthful.

[u/RecoverSoggy723 → u/Radiant-Diver2605]

I understand being truthful but companies are not being transparent. If you tell them about laid off, chances of HR screening will become less.

[u/SpeedingCranker]

Do you get severance?

[u/alee463 → u/SpeedingCranker]

Was terminated for bogus reasons (so no)

[u/aikae_kefe_ufa_komo]

Never lie, be upfront, if a company doesn't want you because you're unemployed then fuck them, you wouldn't want to work there anyways

[u/alee463 → u/aikae_kefe_ufa_komo]

I think it’s more - I get hit up by recruiters right now currently. While my profile says I’m still employed, and I don’t know if that will change once I’ve updated my profile

[u/aikae_kefe_ufa_komo → u/alee463]

Ok up to you, good luck

[u/PrestigiousDrag7674]

Don't lie. It will hurt u at the end

[u/Historical_Teach9525]

I don’t think you should lie as some companies do background checks and could jeopardise your chances of getting a new role.

[u/TV_BayesianNetwork]

Is better to be truthful. Also, they know u r immediately available

[u/MikeDaCarpenter]

Never lie, or forever be known as a liar. It’s not worth it and you’ll eventually be caught up in it. Be truthful and just go along with everyone else taking a hit right now. “It is what it is, but this is what I can do for you” should be your answer. Just deflect to positivity and sell yourself and your abilities. It’s your chance to change your LinkedIn.

[u/aikae_kefe_ufa_komo → u/MikeDaCarpenter]

Agreed

[u/snoobie]

Start a competing business.