Again, the issue in a job interview isn't your baggage, it's how you handle it. Use the strategies above to roll smoothly through your next interview.

WORKPLACE911 EXECUTIVE POINTS

Overcoming stigma in your past:

-- P: Playful.

-- A: Alone, NOT.

-- S: Succinct.

-- T: Truth.

LIST OF THE WEEK

from CareerBuilder.com

After the layoff:

-- 47 percent of workers reported they have taken on more responsibility because of a layoff.

-- 37 percent said they are handling the work of two people.

-- 30 percent feel burned out.

-- 34 percent of workers who kept their jobs after a layoff reported they are spending more time at the office.

-- 17 percent are putting in at least 10 hours per day.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

"Always be smarter than the people who hire you." -- Lena Horne