Your interview could be running smoothly, but suddenly the dreaded question pops up, “Why did you leave your last job?” Here are some possible answers.
Why did you leave your last job? is one of the most common questions you will get in an interview. Maybe you are uncomfortable sharing all the information or left work under disturbing circumstances. All in all, you don’t have to be unsure of what to say. Here are answers you can use to save face and increase your chances of getting the job.
But first, you must understand why employers ask this question.
Why do employers ask this question?
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The employer wants to assess the risk of hiring you as an employee or see if you left your previous job for a good or bad reason. Your answer will reveal your level of commitment to your work. For example, if you were fired, you will likely raise red flags and have to answer additional questions on the reasons for your termination.
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The reason why you left your previous employment could apply to the employer’s organization. For example, if you left your job due to poor pay and the interviewing company cannot meet your salary expectation, you might look for a new role after they hire you.
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The employee might want to know why you are interested in the role. For example, if you left your previous job because you didn’t get the chance to contribute and showcase your creativity, the new company might be looking for someone with your drive and excitement to contribute.
4 tips for answering “Why did you leave your last job?”
1. Be honest and brief
Don’t be tempted to lie. Most recruiters have experienced a lot of false narratives and may quickly pick out dishonesty. Additionally, don’t badmouth your former employer, company, or colleagues. Honest and brief answers are the way to go. However, prepare yourself for additional questions seeking more information. The key is to maintain an unemotional, even-toned, and calm response. Try practising this in front of the mirror to ensure your body language is as composed as your tone.
2. Be positive
Needless to say, most job seekers look for a new job because something is lacking in their last position. Therefore, it is safe to say that when asked this question, it is likely for a job seeker to focus on the toxic environment of their previous employer. As tempting as it may be, don’t take the bait. Positivity! Positivity! Positivity! Take the high road, and don’t look back. Additionally, you could include anything beneficial or valuable you were able to take away from your last job.
3. Be confident
If you left your previous job due to reasons beyond your control, you don’t have to feel guilty or fear this question. Everyone is allowed to start afresh at any point in their life. Always answer this question with confidence and readiness.
4. Focus on the facts
Sticking to the facts involves limiting the details. Don’t say anything you might regret later. The facts you should highlight when answering this question include the following:
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Your accomplishments in your previous job
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Your plans
Focusing on the facts makes you credible and honest, rather than focusing on your opinions, which makes you look like a negative person aka a walking red flag.
10 possible answers to ”Why did you leave your last job?”
Talking about your previous job might be uncomfortable and triggering for some. However, this is not the time to shy away and have your guard up. Always remember that it is part of the process, and the recruiter has nothing against you. The recruiter wants to understand as much as they can to help them make an informed position. With that said, these answers will help you.
1. “I had worked with the company for more than 10 years and learned a lot, but I felt like it was time for a change.” - There is nothing wrong with saying that you were ready for a career change after working in the same environment for years. Trying something new makes you look like a risk-taker or someone who is unafraid to step out of your comfort zone.
2. “I no longer felt fulfilled or enjoyed my work.” - If you decide to use this answer, ensure you let the employer know they offer something you enjoy. If they think you will be bored working for them, you will not get the job.
3. “I was hired for this role, but as time passed the role evolved, and I no longer had the chance to do the work I loved.” - You might get a job, but you end up doing tasks outside your job description. This is an acceptable answer even if you didn’t last long at your previous job.
4. “The company hired a new supervisor for my department, and it was not a good fit, so I felt like it was time to leave.” - Sometimes personalities clash, and a change in company culture may not be a good fit for you. However, if you use this answer, expect follow-up questions about why you didn’t feel like being under their leadership. Stay brief, confident, honest, and positive.
5. “My former colleague or employer recruited me to join his/her new company.” - It is common for some people to recruit their former colleagues or subordinates to join them in their new business. This answer shows you are loyal and that your employer thought highly of you.
6. “I left my former job to work on a project or product I was passionate about.” - Jumping at the chance to work on a passion project is enough to leave a job. Opportunities are not easy to come by. Therefore, if you decide to leave your job to pursue your interests, this is an understandable reason.
7. “I got a good job offer with a significant pay raise.” - Cue ‘Money! Money! Money!... Money! ’ by The O’Jays . The truth is that we are all working to have the best quality of life. A little more money is enough to sweeten any deal. However, you don’t want to look money centred in the interview. Thus, you should include another positive thing that baited you. For example, you could say you were also excited about the mentorship program in the new company.
8. “I felt like I had stagnated in my previous position, so I wanted to advance my career.” - Maybe you never received a promotion or had career incentives in your previous position. You might have held the same position with the same salary for years and had to watch as your friends elevated while you didn't. Finally, you decided to leave to advance your career.
9. “I was offered a promotion at another company.” - Sometimes our employers cannot offer us everything we need to reach the next step of our careers. Leaving to better yourself is more common than you would think. Therefore, if you fall in this category, it is acceptable and reasonable, so don’t shy away from saying it.
10. “I reevaluated my career goals and decided a change was necessary.” - Career objectives and goals change. Your goals, in the beginning, might have aligned with the company, but you grew into new ones. This is perfectly normal and acceptable. Ensure the recruiter understands you know what you want in your career and can get it if hired by them.
Conclusion
Imagine that you are seated before the employer, and you get one chance to answer the question, Why did you leave your last job? Pick any acceptable answers here, use the tips above, breathe in, and explain away. Good luck!
