“Fired” can imply that you were dismissed for misconduct, inefficiency, or some other individualized cause. If the reason was instead your employer’s lack of mo

“Fired” can imply that you were dismissed for misconduct, inefficiency, or some other individualized cause. If the reason was instead your employer’s lack of money, you should say that you were “laid off,” even if no one else was let go today. That’s not unusual in startup companies. The difference is important, not only for prospective employers, but also because it may affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits.