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oofsizelarge
Joined: 26 Jul 2020
Last visit: 25 Jun 2024
Posts: 2
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 3
Location: Uganda
Schools: Said '22 (A) Haas '23 (II)
01 Jan 2021, 09:34
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I'm finishing up my R2 applications, I'm wondering how to explain kind of an odd layoff/firing situation. Long story short: I spent a couple of years working at an early-stage startup, and was laid off/fired without a clear explanation of exactly why. I got another job less than a month after my official end date, so from my resume and employment history, it wouldn't be clear that I didn't leave of my own will. However, most schools I'm applying for ask why I left each position, or one school asks if I was ever terminated from a position.
Any advice on how to message this? My plan is to explain it as a layoff where the company was restructured and I didn't have a good fit in the new structure (since I think that's pretty much what happened?). One of my managers from that company is writing me a recommendation, so I can let that speak to the fact that my performance was good when I was there. Some friends of mine say to just not mention I was let go since I don't have an employment gap, but this seems wrong and I'm not sure if this would come up in background checks if I get through.
I'm also nervous that in a background check HR would say I was fired for performance, since they were so unclear on the reasons. Does anyone know if this kind of thing is usually discussed in a background check?
For some more background on the situation: the company was restructured that month, and when speaking with the management team most explained it as part of the restructuring/budget concerns. I'm on good terms with them, and got referrals to other jobs from several of them (plus one is writing a recommendation for me). However, they weirdly all contradicted each other on the exact reason and the CEO mentioned my performance when I met with him. I never had a bad review, but I was quite frustrated at the time, and I think it was clear to the management that I was frustrated and that my output was dropping (source of my frustration was some behavior by my manager, which resulted in her being let go a month or 2 before me). My personal conclusion is I was more or less laid off for restructuring, but my drop in performance those few months didn't help my case. Frankly, I have no idea what the HR team or management would say if contacted for a background check, and I'm worried my manager's odd behavior reflected on me.
Any advice on how to message this? My plan is to explain it as a layoff where the company was restructured and I didn't have a good fit in the new structure (since I think that's pretty much what happened?). One of my managers from that company is writing me a recommendation, so I can let that speak to the fact that my performance was good when I was there. Some friends of mine say to just not mention I was let go since I don't have an employment gap, but this seems wrong and I'm not sure if this would come up in background checks if I get through.
I'm also nervous that in a background check HR would say I was fired for performance, since they were so unclear on the reasons. Does anyone know if this kind of thing is usually discussed in a background check?
For some more background on the situation: the company was restructured that month, and when speaking with the management team most explained it as part of the restructuring/budget concerns. I'm on good terms with them, and got referrals to other jobs from several of them (plus one is writing a recommendation for me). However, they weirdly all contradicted each other on the exact reason and the CEO mentioned my performance when I met with him. I never had a bad review, but I was quite frustrated at the time, and I think it was clear to the management that I was frustrated and that my output was dropping (source of my frustration was some behavior by my manager, which resulted in her being let go a month or 2 before me). My personal conclusion is I was more or less laid off for restructuring, but my drop in performance those few months didn't help my case. Frankly, I have no idea what the HR team or management would say if contacted for a background check, and I'm worried my manager's odd behavior reflected on me.
01 Jan 2021, 18:11
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Hi and Happy New Year!
I would not worry about the lay off/job switch popping up on the radar of the adcom.
We have done a number of interviews of the AdCom during the MBA spotlight - you can watch some of the videos related to the schools you are applying to, but the bottom line is that this was a weird year and schools are not judging people for being laid off, unemployed, or otherwise, not performing at the top of their capabilities.
Also, the termination reason will not be showing up in the background check. Only dates/position of your employment - that is what they are verifying. I would not beat around the bush too much and just be upfront that you were laid off but clearly it did not take you long to find a replacement job. I would be frank and say how it was - even if it was sudden, the fact that you landed on your feet shows your resilience and attractiveness to other employers.
One concern is the LOR. You will need to have a supervisor fill it out who has known you for a while..... so that can be tricky as you may need your old boss to do this.
BB.
I would not worry about the lay off/job switch popping up on the radar of the adcom.
We have done a number of interviews of the AdCom during the MBA spotlight - you can watch some of the videos related to the schools you are applying to, but the bottom line is that this was a weird year and schools are not judging people for being laid off, unemployed, or otherwise, not performing at the top of their capabilities.
Also, the termination reason will not be showing up in the background check. Only dates/position of your employment - that is what they are verifying. I would not beat around the bush too much and just be upfront that you were laid off but clearly it did not take you long to find a replacement job. I would be frank and say how it was - even if it was sudden, the fact that you landed on your feet shows your resilience and attractiveness to other employers.
One concern is the LOR. You will need to have a supervisor fill it out who has known you for a while..... so that can be tricky as you may need your old boss to do this.
BB.
01 Jan 2021, 19:41
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oofsizelarge:
bb makes some good points. Two pieces of advice:
One, you should address this in the optional essay section if you are terribly concerned. You can mention the company went through a restructuring and leave it at all. Just keep it simple as overcomplicating may draw attention to the matter, which in my opinion is hardly a big deal.
Two, you probably want to coordinate with your recommenders moving forward about the reason for your departure. They really shouldn't have to mention it in the recommendation (there isn't a section that asks for it), but it's probably good practice anyways to have all relevant parties aligned.
Good luck!
-Admissionado
bb makes some good points. Two pieces of advice:
One, you should address this in the optional essay section if you are terribly concerned. You can mention the company went through a restructuring and leave it at all. Just keep it simple as overcomplicating may draw attention to the matter, which in my opinion is hardly a big deal.
Two, you probably want to coordinate with your recommenders moving forward about the reason for your departure. They really shouldn't have to mention it in the recommendation (there isn't a section that asks for it), but it's probably good practice anyways to have all relevant parties aligned.
Good luck!
-Admissionado
