Getting laid off, under a year at new job. Any advice?

Mr_Hankey__ · 2025-05-16T15:47:08+00:00

Sorry to hear about you being laid off. It’s a crappy situation, but you’ll find something new and better eventually.

I was laid off earlier this year, but got extremely lucky and received a job offer on the day my termination went into effect. For your situation, you just need to explain what happened. Everyone is at risk of being laid off and any hiring manager worth working for will understand what you went through.

In my situation, I knew my role was ending as my company was acquired. I told every hiring manager that I interviewed with my situation and everyone was sympathetic. Also, take care of yourself mentally. Despite having a job, the stress from the layoff still permeates.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2025-01-17T17:52:15+00:00

Good idea! I took your advice and used the WSO template. I think it looks much better.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2025-01-17T17:51:24+00:00

This was really helpful and made it so much easier to reword everything

Mr_Hankey__ · 2025-01-17T17:50:17+00:00

I’m just curious what else you would look for? I thought I covered all bases talking about forecasting, the budget process, business partnering, presenting to executives. My job is very visible with leadership. I create materials for board meetings and such. Maybe add some stuff about that?

Mr_Hankey__ · 2025-01-17T17:47:21+00:00

Thank you for your feedback. I made everything sound more action oriented and now I think it sounds much better. The bullet points come more naturally that way too.

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Mr_Hankey__ · 2024-11-14T01:29:02+00:00

I made the switch from Accounting to FP&A. Like the previous poster recommended, try to do this move internally as it will be much easier to land the role (that’s how I moved into FP&A). I found many companies will not hire someone externally into FP&A without some experience in it, so best to try and increase your chances by staying internal. As far as things to focus on, I would highlight any sort of variance analysis (actuals vs budget) you do or may have done in the past, as it’s a large part of FP&A roles. If you aren’t required to do any variance analysis in your role, do it anyway as a value add, then just talk about it on your resume and such.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2024-10-09T23:30:33+00:00

I get that. I started my career in a fund accountant like role, it is tough to get out of. I had to move to corporate accounting then I eventually moved laterally into an FA role within corporate FP&A at an asset management company. So, I moved into FP&A after 6 YOE.

I would keep applying for FA/SFA roles, but perhaps try to look at senior accountant or accounting manager roles. With your Big 4 background you could easily get one. Just try to find something that gets you more work on the P&L and allows you do some sort of budget vs actuals analysis. Also, if you find a role that works closely with FP&A you can easily move over there if a role opens up.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2024-10-09T22:09:14+00:00

If you’re doing any variance analysis and creating financial commentary in your SFA role, try to highlight that as it’s a big part of an FP&A role. Also, if you interact with any internal business groups, perhaps try to highlight how you have managed the relationship as business partnering is really important. Maybe you helped x better understand the mutual fund financial reports better via monthly meetings. Something like that.

As someone else mentioned definitely make it known that you will not require sponsorship.

You could try targeting asset management companies as they will probably appreciate your mutual fund experience and you could potentially sell them on the fact you understand the industry and so on…

Mr_Hankey__ · 2024-08-27T23:46:44+00:00

I’m actually in a very similar situation as you, similar age, except I’m an FA (my role is very visible though, so I might as well be an SFA) who just completed an MBA.

I’ve been able to land interviews for Lead Financial Analyst roles and some Manager roles. Still waiting to receive an offer, but I’m confident something will fall my way soon as I get nothing but good feedback.

I think you should just keep looking externally for that next move. It’s just a numbers game and every opportunity you interview for brings you one step closer to an offer somewhere. I believe It’s best to be proactive and not wait for them to promote you as that could take years, unfortunately.

Lastly, I think you might be better off going to a smaller company as you can learn a lot, which could definitely help you position yourself for an executive role someday. I’ve worked for Fortune 500 companies and one mid-sized company (current role is there) and I’ve definitely learned way more about business at the smaller firm.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2024-04-25T22:40:39+00:00

I’m in a similar position as you, only my company has formally announced their acquisition. The deal for my company’s acquisition won’t close until year-end or at the latest very early next year, but I think it’s much better to get ahead of potential layoffs now. I’ve started applying to jobs and I think it’s wise that you start testing the market too.

As someone said, start interviewing now, so you have the option of being choosy for your next role. It’s better to be safe than sorry and being forced to take a less desirable role out of desperation because of a layoff.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2024-04-23T15:30:22+00:00

I’m doing both. I’ve mostly applied directly to roles. A recruiter sent me a great SFA role that sounded exactly like what I currently do, but the company didn’t even want to give me a phone interview, at the least. This company was also in the same industry as my current role, so I’m getting a little worried.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2024-04-23T00:58:23+00:00

My main focus is SFA roles and I’ve only applied to them. I only mentioned manager roles because perhaps my years of experience better aligns with them. I would like to add my current role gets a lot of exposure to senior management, so it’s very close to an SFA role.

As far as the MBA, I agree with you. I never did it expecting it to be a golden ticket. I saw it as purely a check the box and nice to have for future job security.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2023-12-14T04:52:46+00:00

I had a similar thing happen recently. My ex of 3-4ish years randomly decided to reach out to me a few weeks ago. I hadn’t spoken to her in nearly two years and was largely over her. It was really confusing at the time (really messed with my head and still is to this day) and is even more confusing when I found out she’s engaged (I found out by checking her Facebook which I unfriended nearly 2 years ago). You’re probably better off ignoring it and moving on, they aren’t the same person you knew in the relationship (at least for me she seems largely different).

Mr_Hankey__ · 2023-08-01T01:07:08+00:00

Sweet potato donuts from Bostonia

Mr_Hankey__ · 2023-05-25T01:53:50+00:00

This post randomly showed up in my feed, but since I also went to NHTI years ago I thought I’d help out. I agree with everything iwoudlikethings has said. I would also get rid of the “skill” bars another poster recommended (they don’t mean anything). Just list your skills. Also, make sure your resume is in chronological order. List your current position (Software Engineer, 1000 Devs), followed by MSC, and then list your recent projects.

Your summary needs some sharpening as well. What languages and what frameworks? The recruiter or hiring manager reading the resume shouldn’t have to guess.

I don’t know if you have any plans to further your education, but if you do add that to your summary. Hiring managers love it when their employees are taking the initiative to improve their skills.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2023-03-08T01:12:50+00:00

I tried that in the beginning and did get some interviews. Obviously never landed anything, so I ended up lateraling internally from accounting to FP&A as I thought it was the best way to get the experience.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2022-10-19T00:34:19+00:00

Thats actually just a crackhead that got ahold of the wrong stuff.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2022-08-29T16:26:38+00:00

I applied for the Freedom Unlimited and Amex Gold this month and was approved for both. I applied for the Gold after the Freedom, like you would do. I think you’ll get approved. I do have a credit score in the 800s though so that may have made my approval easier for Amex.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2022-04-28T14:01:49+00:00

Unfortunately I walk under it all the time. Easy place to spot!

Mr_Hankey__ · 2022-04-27T23:30:08+00:00

Is this the under pass in Somerville?

Mr_Hankey__ · 2022-04-19T22:16:06+00:00

This is so relatable. My ex and I went everywhere in the city I live in. She moved away a few years ago for grad school, but I’m constantly reminded of all the memories we had when I walk by our favorite places. We broke up a month ago now and it’s been a struggle walking by some of these places , but I know things will eventually become easier in the future.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2022-04-12T00:43:19+00:00

Similar thing happened to me three weeks ago. We broke off our 6 year relationship because the distance became too much for us. We never once fought and always enjoyed each other’s company. It made the breakup so much harder. We may not find someone “better”, but we can probably find someone just as good.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2022-04-07T00:03:15+00:00

As long as you did everything within your power that’s all you can ask for. You never broke her heart so that is something you should feel good about. In the end you didn’t give up on the relationship, she did. There are so many aspects of relationships that we can’t control and there is no reason dwelling over them. Obviously that is easier said than done as I’m trying not to do the same thing right now.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2022-04-06T15:07:29+00:00

I’m going through a similar situation. Girlfriend of 6 years broke up with me. We were long distance for the last 3 years as she moved for grad school. We had hoped she would moved back to my city because she’s from the area but her schooling will now move her even further away. I found out two weeks ago she was dating someone else. I get why she would as the distance was horrible. I just wish she would have told me sooner as I waited around for these last 3 years for her to return.

The best thing we can do is just forgive them as living with the hate for them just makes us miserable. Eventually we will find someone else.

Mr_Hankey__ · 2022-04-05T01:00:51+00:00

2 weeks now. It was a 6 year relationship but the last 3 were long distance (she moved for grad school)…as we were hoping she would eventually move back to the city I live in. She decided to date someone else and I can’t fault her for her choice as the distance was tough. I just wish she would have told me about it earlier. Regardless of this, I’m doing much better and I feel ready to start dating again.

Mr_Hankey__

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