Welcome joecaf53...and sorry for your trouble but now you have learned from it and must move on.
I would not tell perspective employers the truth. I also would not use "downsizing" as it may be to easy for them to check ....but that depends on how large your old work force was.
I would not use "personal reasons" and leave it "sitting like an elephant between you and the person interviewing you. Most know it is an "avoidance" type tactic.
So...what I would do is as some others have suggested and put a totally different spin on the entire thing.
Example: For personal reasons....(and then elaborate a bit) something like..."I had applied to advance my education and "gave notice" at my job thinking I was going have a full class load. As it turns out due to a financial downturn in my personal finances, that isn't going to happen. Unfortunately my old position had been filled by the time I knew this. The good part is that it has allowed me the chance to seek out opportunities...etc.etc.
-or-
I had been offered another job by XYZ company...gave notice at ABC company and had actually left the company for a 2 week vacation. Then they called me from XYZ company to tell me they were sorry but they were not going to fill the position due to unforeseen budget deficits. They had already filled my original position at ABC company..etc..etc.
You have to come off strong, motivated and "in your favor".... not as a victim. If you tell the truth...you will come across as a victim with poor judgement. Yes I know it is not telling the truth..but I'm afraid you may not get a job any other way.
The goal of your interview is to GET the offer and it's a dog eat dog world out there and you have to do what you have to do. Just my two cents.
I would not tell perspective employers the truth. I also would not use "downsizing" as it may be to easy for them to check ....but that depends on how large your old work force was.
I would not use "personal reasons" and leave it "sitting like an elephant between you and the person interviewing you. Most know it is an "avoidance" type tactic.
So...what I would do is as some others have suggested and put a totally different spin on the entire thing.
Example: For personal reasons....(and then elaborate a bit) something like..."I had applied to advance my education and "gave notice" at my job thinking I was going have a full class load. As it turns out due to a financial downturn in my personal finances, that isn't going to happen. Unfortunately my old position had been filled by the time I knew this. The good part is that it has allowed me the chance to seek out opportunities...etc.etc.
-or-
I had been offered another job by XYZ company...gave notice at ABC company and had actually left the company for a 2 week vacation. Then they called me from XYZ company to tell me they were sorry but they were not going to fill the position due to unforeseen budget deficits. They had already filled my original position at ABC company..etc..etc.
You have to come off strong, motivated and "in your favor".... not as a victim. If you tell the truth...you will come across as a victim with poor judgement. Yes I know it is not telling the truth..but I'm afraid you may not get a job any other way.
The goal of your interview is to GET the offer and it's a dog eat dog world out there and you have to do what you have to do. Just my two cents.