How to talk about layoffs (or any career gap) with confidence
It’s been a tough year for many organizations. We’re hearing from so many talented people who’ve been caught in wave after wave of layoffs.
First things first, I want to support you. If you have three minutes, please take this quick survey to share how NRG can best support mission-driven jobseekers during this moment in time.
Second, if you’re navigating a transition right now, I want you to know two things: you’re not alone, and there’s nothing wrong with your story. Layoffs are happening at record levels this year, and the most important thing you can do is own your experience with confidence.
This week’s newsletter is all about helping you do just that (and not just for layoffs, but for any type of career gap).
Own It — Don’t Hide It
Some might try to gloss over a layoff or transition. This can look like minimizing it, over-explaining it, or avoiding it altogether. But, hiring managers can sense when something feels unclear, and ambiguity often creates more concern than the layoff itself. A straightforward line like “My role was impacted by an organizational restructure this fall” signals that you understand the context, you’re not carrying shame about it, and you’re ready to move forward.
Being upfront also keeps the story in your voice. If you don’t clearly frame what happened, a hiring manager may fill in the blanks. When you own your narrative, you’re steering the conversation back toward your strengths, your impact, and the value you bring, while showcasing transparency and honesty.
Say If It Was a Layoff (It Helps!)
Hiring managers appreciate clarity. If you were part of a layoff, say so directly. It immediately distinguishes your situation from performance concerns and gives needed context for your transition.
Address It in Your “Tell Me About Yourself”
Your “tell me about yourself” response is often the first impression you make, and it’s the moment to shape your narrative. One of the best places to normalize your transition is in this opening pitch. Briefly explain what happened, then pivot to the kind of role you’re excited about next. Example: “After my position was cut due to budget changes, I took some time to reset and refocus. Now I’m looking for…”
You’re Not Alone. Layoffs Are Up Across the Country!
You are absolutely not the only person navigating this. Layoffs across mission-driven organizations have been significantly higher this year than typical cycles, driven by funding shifts, political changes, and organizational restructuring. Many of the candidates we support are going through the same thing AND landing strong roles. If you want to be with community in your job search, our Launch Your Search Cohorts may be right for you. More on that below, or here.
This Advice Applies to Other Gaps, Too
Whether you experienced a termination, leave of absence, caregiving break, or any other employment gap, the same principles apply:
Own your story
Keep explanations concise
Share what you gained, learned, or clarified
Transition to what you’re excited about next
Your career path doesn’t have to be linear to be compelling. If you want help crafting your story, practicing how to talk about transitions, or polishing your “tell me about yourself,” reply here. We’re rooting for you!
Executive Director @ Blue Wave Postcard Movement | Remote, Denver/Boulder Preferred | $80K-$120K
Managing Director @ Inequality Media | Berkeley, CA | $160K-$190K
Senior Counsel for Family Justice & Policy @ Mother’s Outreach Network | DC | $120K-$125K
VP of Development @ Constructive Dialogue Institute | Remote | $180K-$200K
Chief of Staff @ Sunrise Movement | Remote | $90K-$115K
Field Director @ Sunrise Movement | Remote | $90K-$115K
Director of Communications @ Mothers Out Front | Remote | $109K
Digital & Creative Director @ Pramila for Congress | DC or Seattle | $90K-$100K
Global Head of Individual Philanthropy @ International Planned Parenthood Federation | US or UK | $160K-$170K
Executive Director @ Virginia Conservation Network | Richmond, VA | $115K-$125K
That’s not all! We’re hiring for additional jobs and you can see all of them on the NRG website.
TAKE OUR SURVEY
How can we support you? I know that finding meaningful, mission-driven work can feel extra hard right now. But this political moment calls for all of us to stay engaged and resilient.
At NRG, we want to better understand how we can support mission-driven jobseekers — what resources, tools, and spaces would be most helpful right now. If you’re on the search, or have been recently, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Take our quick 3-minute survey. Your feedback will directly shape the kinds of services and programming we offer to help mission-driven professionals thrive.
JOB SEARCH IN COMMUNITY
On January 28, 2026, we’re launching our pilot Launch Your Search Cohorts. Over four weeks, you’ll join a small group led by NRG’s career coach to work through every stage of the job search: organizing your strategy, refining your materials, building your network, and telling your story with confidence.
→ Great for anyone starting fresh or looking for a reset.
→ Small groups of six peers of fewer.
→ Includes email support between sessions.
→ $600 for the full 4-week cohort.
📢 Follow NRG on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the roles we’re hiring for.
📬 Not a member of the NRG Talent Network yet? Fill out a quick form and let us know you're thinking about your next role.
Let’s move,
Naomi
P.S. If you’d like a partner to help you with your job search strategy, sign up right now for 15 minutes with Kristin to learn how NRG’s coaching programs can help you. If you find this newsletter helpful, forward it to your friends and help us build our network! If you received this from a friend, sign up here to receive future “Get Hired'' newsletters.