How to communicate that I was let go by consulting firm during networking

Question

Dear community,

I recently got laid off from a Strategy Consulting Firm in the Middle East. I came in post MBA and the firm over hired in the last 12 months. After the recent Mid-Years, they cut a lot of people and the current budget cuts and freezes in Saudi are a big reasons for that. I was not a bad performer ( I was told) but I would say that I did not do myself a favour. I pushed for my wants instead of taking anything and did not worry about my utilisation since it was my first year.... I want to stay in consulting and in the region and I need to start the networking. However, I am totally unsure about how to communicate the fact that I was laid off. I am still officially employed for the moment but I want to be transparent. Any advice what information I should give when I reach out to people and HR of other firms? My thanks!

Answer 1

Dear Lionila,

First of all, I am sincerely sorry you’ve had this experience. If it’d make you feel better, I’d like to note that this is a global trend. Many of my friends and former colleagues at McKinsey got laid off across the globe for this exact reason: there has been a consulting bubble following Covid (especially 2021/2022) and all firms over-hired globally.
Everyone knows it in the industry, so this should make it easier during the networking process.

Keeping the global context in mind, you have two choices:

- You disclose your situation to the recruiting team, highlighting the fact that you have not been rated as “concerns” or “counseled to leave” (McKinsey terms). Focusing exclusively on the external components would work. I would not mention the “I did not do myself a favor” part though.

- You focus your story on the fact that your professional aspiration did not align with the career options offered by your previous employer. Bonus point here if the firm you apply to has the industry/practice you want to work in! It is quite unlikely that your potential future employer would ask your old one why you are leaving the firm, even more so if they are direct competitors.

Hope this helps - happy to chat live if helpful!

Answer 2

Hi Lionila,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your layoff!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

First of all, I see no reason to mention your layoff if you are still officially employed.
Moreover, when being asked, I would advise you to frame your layoff as part of broader company restructuring, emphasizing the over-hiring and budget issues. This keeps the narrative focused on the external, likely real factors.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 3

Hi Lionila,

Sorry to hear first of all!

The good news: You are not alone and as you mentioned, you are in the same boat as many other people.

The no-so-great news: Recruiters and consultants know that during a downturn the lower ranks in terms of performance are let go first.

The bad news: Hiring is at an almost all-time low at the moment and there are even more people trying to get a job (as you mentioned 50% were let go and some of them likely have the same plans as you) on top of the other applicants.

I would approach it in two ways:

Don't talk about it voluntarily. No need to shift attention to it during networking talks
If the conversation comes up, highlight personal reasons and ambitions in combination with a lack of demand for projects you would have been interested in.

All the best,

Florian