How to Talk About Career Gaps From Layoffs in Interviews

CLICK PLAY TO HEAR HOW TO TALK ABOUT YOUR CAREER GAPS AFTER LAYOFFS WITHOUT TANKING THE INTERVIEW:

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Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

That line on your resume that makes your stomach drop in interviews isn’t the problem. The way you’re talking about it is. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why career gaps and layoffs quietly derail otherwise strong candidates and how most people, without realizing it, confirm an interviewer’s worst fears the moment this question comes up. This isn’t about hiding anything or crafting some perfect story. It’s about understanding what hiring managers are actually worried about and learning how to address it with confidence instead of defensiveness.

I walk you through what’s really happening in an interviewer’s head when they see a gap on your resume and the two common mistakes that cost candidates job offers every single day. We talk about why showing even a hint of bitterness can backfire, how over explaining does more harm than good, and why the gap itself is rarely the issue. I also share the exact three-part formula I use with clients to help them explain layoffs and career gaps in under 60 seconds. It’s simple, intentional, and designed to move the conversation away from fear and right back to your value.

You’ll also hear how this framework works whether your gap is a few months or much longer and how to use it to show emotional intelligence, business awareness, and genuine interest in the role you’re interviewing for. This isn’t about sounding polished or rehearsed. It’s about owning your story without apologizing for it and giving interviewers a reason to feel confident about hiring you.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel calmer, clearer, and far more in control of a question that used to throw you off your game. If you’ve been dreading interviews because of a layoff or career gap, this conversation might completely change how you show up. Hit play and I’ll walk you through exactly what to say, how to say it, and why this approach works.

Topics covered on how to talk about your career gaps after layoffs without tanking the interview:

• Why career gaps aren't actually disqualifying and what really worries hiring managers
• The three silent fears recruiters have about candidates with resume gaps (and how to address them head-on)
• The most common mistakes people make when explaining layoffs (that could be costing you job offers)
• The simple three-part formula to confidently discuss a layoff or gap in under 60 seconds
• How to use emotional intelligence and professionalism to reassure recruiters (without sounding bitter)
• Ways to pivot your story so your career gap actually positions you as intentional and excited for the role 
• Why confidently owning your career story (instead of apologizing for it) changes the entire interview dynamic

When you’re ready, here’s how I can help you land a job in Customer Success despite all the competition:

• 1:1 Career Coaching Program – Get personalized support to land your first Customer Success role or finally step into your dream CS job.
• Free Training: Optimize Your Resume for Customer Success Jobs – Transform your resume so it gets noticed and starts bringing in consistent interviews.
• Free Training: Sell Yourself in Interviews – Learn exactly how to position yourself as the top candidate and walk into every CS interview with confidence.
• Free Training: Master Behavioral Interviews – Discover a proven method to answer every “tell me about a time” question and impress any interviewer.

Connect with Carly:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn 
• Email me at [email protected] 

Want more on this topic? Here’s your next listen:

• Episode 90: The 3 Customer Success Interview Tweaks That Helped Sarah Land an AM Role in 3 Weeks
• Episode 85: Why You're Sabotaging Your Interviews (And How to Show Up Ready to Win)
• Episode 16: Learn to SELL yourself as the best candidate for the job (PART 1)
• Episode 17: Learn to SELL yourself as the best candidate for the job (PART 2)
• Tune in to the Customer Success Job Interview Tips Playlist

More about Customer Success Career Coach:

Customer Success Career Coach is the must-listen podcast for current and aspiring Customer Success pros. Join Carly and her guests as they spill the secret strategies and tips for building your Customer Success career. This isn't your typical snooze-fest – they’re diving deep into the world of Customer Success careers. Whether you're starting from scratch (hey career transitioners!) or eyeing that next big promotion, they’ve got the playbook for you. Every Wednesday, join Carly and her amazing guests as they dish out practical advice and real-life steps you can actually use. No fluff, just stuff you can apply ASAP to score that dream job, snag that promotion, or become the team rockstar.