Answering the Interview Question: Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?

Job interviews are a subtle balance between spontaneity and preparation. You always want to be prepared to answer the customary questions that are thrown at you. Yet, you don't want to come across as stiff and edgy by delivering a rehearsed speech! There are certain questions that are inevitable and are most likely asked in every job interview; the question “Why did you leave your last job?” being definitely amongst them. “It was mutual” doesn’t cut it. Nor does “I was asked to leave”! Chances are if you don’t answer it cautiously, it can pretty well cost you the opportunity.

The fact is, how you answer this question can set the tone for the rest of the interview. Sometimes the reply can be evident and easy — you wanted to relocate or pursue senior roles. While other situations might need more clarification. The question can be particularly tricky if you've had less than favorable situations concerning your departure from a company. But despite the circumstances that propelled you to move, or are forcing you to think about a change, you should be prepared to answer this question in a manner that resonates both for you and your recruiter.

So here’s how to address what intrinsically is a tricky question:

Be candid yet discreet:

Never Lie! Even if you were fired or asked to leave, resist the temptation to lie about it. Remember, it happens to the best of us! Organisations downsize and at times people lose their jobs because of it. This is nothing to be embarrassed about, but merely saying “I was laid-off” doesn’t sound just as nice as “sadly, my company had to downsize and my division was the first one hit.” You’ll notice that wordplay is an enormous part of being savvy and refined in an interview. Euphemism is the key while dealing with a sensitive subject like this! In general, this is all you should say, short, to the point, with no ill feelings or hint of guilt, simply very objective. Don’t try and fill any silent gaps. If the interviewer is looking for more, make them ask for it instead of simply volunteering information. And in case you are probed further, continue to be very general and to the point.

Never speak ill about your ex- employer:

Tempting as it might be to air your old company’s dirty laundry, an interview isn’t the place to do it. You might have worked with the worst employer in your last job, at least from your point of view—but that’s not something you would want to discuss with a future employer. It can leave them feeling concerned. If you launch into a tirade about your ex-employer, you’ll not only look your unprofessional best but also come across as a bitter and obstinate person who was duly fired. And this is not the image you wish to portray! Instead, ensure you have a composed, prepared and logical answer to why you left.

Always make it about self development:

Employers love to meet candidates who are interested in self improvement. It’s an attribute that signifies you’ll be a long-term hire and with the perfect guidance could be someone who grows within the organisation. It’s a great idea to portray your career move as your craving for self-improvement, whether you’re looking for career development opportunities or the opportunity to add new skill sets. Surely, your reasons for leaving could simply be a need for change. But saying that could jeopardize you chances of landing a job and can project you as someone who gets easily bored. You could also be perceived as someone who is ready to jump ship when things don’t go as per your plans. So always let hiring managers know that you did everything possible to make things work with your last employer. You looked for newer challenges, advanced yourself as far as possible. But there were things beyond your control that propelled you to quit.

Give it a positive spin and focus more on the new opportunity:

Whatever be the reason for your departure from your last job, try giving it a positive spin. Don't bog down the recruiter with pointless jargon. Talk English, don’t cringe and reply clearly, frankly and briefly. To bring in the positive factor you can focus more on why you’re interested in the new job.

Some Possible responses:

Try your best to keep your resentment or hurt aside and focus on the simplest reason why you decided to quit.  Depending on your circumstances, these might apply:

You were made redundant: Being made redundant is not the same as getting sacked. Do explain the situation behind the redundancy –like the company was downsizing or relocating to another place.  Ensure that it’s evident that the decision was not based on your attitude or ability. Show you are excited about the career prospects you are now being presented with and are all geared up for newer challenges.

You were fired: No matter how tempted you feel, avoid negativity! Instead, emphasize on how the occurrence has been a learning experience. Explain how things simply didn’t work out between you and your previous employer and how you two mutually came to an agreement that it was time to move on so that both the parties could reap better returns.

The job wasn’t exciting enough:  It’s ok to feel trapped in a job that didn’t give you enough motivation or room for development opportunities! However, be wary about how you express the lack of excitement you had for your previous job or the interviewer might feel that you can easily get uninterested and unmotivated.

How you choose to answer this question can set the tone for the remaining part of the interview.  So try set a positive tone with answers that best represent the value you’ll bring to the organisation.