Thread regarding ConocoPhillips layoffs

I was very honest and just said I EOI'd (which is the truth). Nobody even questioned. There is PLENTY of work avail to oilys.

I fully agree with the other posters. Hiring managers care about talent, intelligence, work ethic etc. Most intelligent managers will realize that the oil industry is in a bad position and that layoffs are necessary.

None. I had looked for a job prior to layoffs because I was already unhappy with COP. It paid off. So when I left, I had a better job waiting. I literally HAD to take that three week "vacation" between jobs so I wouldn't screw up my severance. Intelligent people know talent. If they see it, you won't have any problem. And it's usually all about the attitude you have about it. As another poster stated: stay positive, come to terms with YOUR decisions and accept THIER decisions and move on quickly. The new company will not hesitate to hire you due to something completely out of your control. And they would be nuts to not capitalize on COP's misfortune.

The only stigma I have encountered so far has been from former co-workers. People who you thought were friends who just forget all about you because you don't have an ID badge anymore. For some, I think it's just fear that if they continue to associate openly with you that they'll be next on the list (with our crappy management, that might actually be true in some cases), but some have really just been revealed as jerks to me.

Any recruiter or manager who doesn't have their head completely up their own butt knows what's going on in O&G and that certainly at this stage of the game a layoff is no reflection on performance or quality. There's great talent available now...especially former COP employees who are hungry to get back in the game and show what they can do.

Today in many cases it's where you work. Jobs are being eliminated. It is no a reflection of performance. At least what I have seen at my company. If they sell your field, you are gone....

Tell the employer you volunteered for severance. Many very good people EOI'd last time.

Take a package and find a job at a better company. Staying at COP is not good for your resume. It's a sinking ship, get out and be recognized at another company for your talent. Run while there is a package to get.

No stigma what's over their are lots of talented people out there. Some are more qualified than you some less. But even the less qualified will get a job because they know how to move on and not hold any resentment towards their previous employers. The world will not end if you get laid off just move on and your new employer will see that you are intelligent an educated. Do not however carry any baggage with you leave it at the exit door of the cop building. You will be fine.

It also depends on the way you present yourself and skills to your future employer. Whining sure would not help. Stay positive and talk good about past employer throughout the interview even though in your mind, you feel COP management needs a big overhaul

I think most people feel an internal stigma, because it hurts to be laid off when you don't want to be. But as one post said, a good employer knows about the oil and gas industry. Combine that with other economic issues, it isn't counted as a stigma. Getting out of O&G while one is young, and before the market is flooded with people looking for a job, just might be wise.

Zero. My next employer was floored at the talent available in the marketplace. The previous poster had it right - even if in the oilfield, a good company with good hR and a non-idiot running things will know the score.

It's only an issue if you make it an issue

The job seeker without a current job is at a disadvantage regardless of how you ended up without a job.

No stigma on my end, new employer knew oil was in toilet. A good company with good HR will know that.