Frame your answer in a way that makes your interviewer feel confident that the position you're interviewing for is in line with your personal and professional goals. Rather than focus on the past and negative experiences you may have had at your old job, your answer should open the door to a discussion about why you want the job you're interviewing for and why you're the best person for it.
The interviewer is looking for an answer that will help in the hiring decision. While the specifics of your answer will depend on whether you left voluntarily or were asked to leave, it's important to answer in a way that casts you in a positive light. Give a truthful reason as to why you're leaving, but steer clear of bringing any negativity into the discussion. Don't forget that the delivery of your answer is just as important as its content.
Be sure to practice out loud so you sound positive and clear in your responses. It's hard to anticipate when the question will come up or how it will be asked.
You'll need to think on your feet and tailor your response to meet your situation. Be direct and focus your answer on the future rather than the past, especially if your leaving wasn't under the best of circumstances. While I learned valuable skills at my previous job, I was no longer feeling energized or challenged with the work.
I am ready for new challenges and the chance to make an impact in another position. Why It Works: The potential employee may have been bored to tears in her previous job, but rather than blaming the job or the company, she puts "blame" on herself in a way that makes her sound energetic, dynamic, and ready to take on a new role.
After trying to make the job work, I realized I might find a better fit in another position that aligned more with my goals and aspirations.
While being let go from a job isn't easy, I learned from the experience and have grown in many ways. I would love to tell you how I've grown, what I've learned, and how I will bring those lessons and skills to your company.
Why It Works: Even if you were let go or left your last job under less-than-favorable circumstances, frame your answer in a way that shows you've learned and grown since that experience. Be sure to think about that growth ahead of time and how you'll convey it to the interviewee so you can steer the question of why you left in a positive direction.
I was laid off from my last position when our department was eliminated due to corporate restructuring. Here are some insights to help you understand why this is a strong response and what a good answer would look like for you:. In the example, the candidate opens their answer by mentioning skills and abilities. This can be a good opportunity to talk about what differentiates you from other candidates. In the example, the candidate connects their skills into a direct answer to the question.
Whatever your reason for looking for a job, apply the same principle by positioning your response into a positive and opportunity-driven statement:. This is where researching the job description and company can help you craft an answer that your interviewers will appreciate. Recalling specifics about the job description or company from your research provides an opening for you to address how your skills and background make you the right person for the job.
If your answer is long, it might be appropriate to give a quick summary at the end. This opportunity seems like a perfect fit to use my data strategy background in a more sales-oriented environment.
Donald Burns, executive career strategist and coach, agrees: "Absolutely do not tell your boss — doing so will compromise your most valuable asset, namely, your current employment. As soon as the company discovers you're looking, they will start looking for your replacement.
Your job is probably toast. Even things like your wardrobe can give you away. Try to schedule interviews before or after work, or make time for a change of clothes to avoid giving yourself away. During office hours, your current job should be your primary focus. Underperforming will tip off your boss and colleagues that something is going on. It's unethical and disrespectful, and not likely to garner a great recommendation from your present company when the time comes. Recruiters understand discretion is often part of the process, and are willing to do what they can to keep things discreet, so be up front with them.
Avoid using company email addresses or your current work phone number. One inopportune phone call or email can jeopardize your current role.
Plus, using a work email address for your social media accounts can get you locked out of your profiles when you do leave and your old email address gets shut down or redirected. What not to say: My current job is soul crushing so I have to get out of there as soon as possible.
I want to make a difference. What not to say : I've been doing this a long time and I want a promotion and title change. What to say: At this point in my career, I have the skills, knowledge, and experience to go beyond the duties of my current role. What to say: Leave money conversations to salary negotiation.
If you are concerned that the company may not be able to meet your salary requirements, you can bring it up earlier in the interview process. Here's a guide on how and when to talk about salary requirements. What to say: I want to find a job with a healthy workplace culture.
I want to be sure the next job I take is one where I will feel supported and can support my coworkers. What to say: Life recently brought me to this city and in doing some research, I found that this company is the very best in the industry. I'm looking to move to New York and I want a job that lets me grow my career. I really value your company's mission and so I think this job is the opportunity I've been looking for. Read more: 4 Common Situational Interview Questions. Megan Hageman is a Columbus-based freelance writer specializing in social media and content marketing.
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