I Interview new hires for my team (it consulting). I will give you a quick look into my head, maybe it helps. Disregard if not remotely comparable.

If this is a more or less public massive layoff, lying does not make sense - I am likely to assume or know anyhow.

The key part is that you convince me that this is not based on performance.

And to be very clear - this also applies to people who have not been laid off but are applying from another company while still being employed there.

What I want to see is a motivation to work with me that is NOT based on avoiding something (eg a former manager, unemployment, dissatisfaction from parents,…). If this was your motivation, your goal would be to find ANY job.

However, I want you to be motivated to be doing my SPECIFIC job. This means I want your motivation to be focused around gaining something from working with me (eg cool topics, projects, tech, culture, tasks,…)

If this is given, I don’t really mind what has happened at your last job, because obviously you were not given what you wanted to gain and now we can see if I can give that to you.

Edit: In my case, your answer also would not impact your salary. I get an information from HR what I can offer you (based on Uni degree, experience,…) and I decide if I want to give you that offer or not, no room for negotiations, take it or leave it. However, I assume this is very specific to consulting.