“Why did you leave your last job?” This is the most common question asked in interviews. This question is very simple, but it can still reveal quite a bit about your career path, motivations, and how much you will be a good fit for the company. Through your job-related aspects, honesty, loyalty, and work-life perspective can be a window to the interviewers.
It is, in reality, a very important interrogation. How the interviewer chooses to approach it will depend a lot on how he treats you as an applicant. It is when you give a considerate response that you can convey your problem-solving skills, sets of objectives, and positive thinking. Here are the guidelines to help you crack it.
Sample Answers to “Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?”
01. Career Growth:
“I quit my last job because I wanted something more, something that could be a new challenge I had gotten to a point where I was already facing the last and quite impossible uphill. I prefer such a task to the one that is easy and clear.”
02. Company Restructuring:
“My company underwent a serious reorganization and my position was abolished. It was a realistic change, and although it was hard, I know that such things are bound to happen sooner or later. I’m going to be grateful if I can transfer my supplies to another company where I can contribute to the project.”
03. Relocation:
“I moved to this city recently for personal reasons. I liked my last job, but the change was far too disruptive to stay. Currently, I am passionate about my job and the tasks that it involves, and I am particularly interested in working with a local company.”
04. Career Pivot:
“It took me a while to finally decide to jump from one industry to another. I thought it conflicted with my long-term plans. This, in turn, is what has given me strength. I, therefore, give you the indispensable challenges and I think my competency will be required in the new move.”
05. Further Education:
“I chose the route of pursuing more education, as my varied background in education and technology required me to keep current in my field. So far, I’ve managed to finish with my studies meaning to take my new-found knowledge to my next position.”
06. Work-Life Balance:
“Of course, I wanted to find a post where I could have a good balance between work and personal life. My previous job put too much pressure on me, thereby, my personal life became the most affected. I am looking now for a job where I can work efficiently while, at the same time, I have a healthy work-life balance.”
07. Contract Ended:
“I was in my last job which was based on a contract. I was enjoying the work, and I also got to learn a few important things. However, I’m in search of a more permanent way to grow now.”
08. Company Culture:
“I realized that the culture of the company would not be the right fit for me in the future. My objective is to work in an organization whose mission and vision I can identify with. My personal belief is that such a working environment will significantly contribute to my performance.”
09. Skills Utilization:
“I didn’t fully use my skills in my previous job. I am striving to find a job in which I can use my entire skill set and also grow in my career.”
10. Industry Trends:
“I was in an industry that was heavily disrupted. I performed to a job that changes with these trends are more aligned, where I avoid the curve and use new technologies.”
11. Start-Up to Corporate:
“I’ve spent a few years in the start-up world, which was an amazing journey. Now I am in search of a more significant firm where I can take the ideas I had and put them in a well-organized setting.”
12. Management Changes:
“A very important event happened at my ex-company recently, where new people were appointed for roles, which in turn directed the company to a scrumptious present. It was hard for me to accept these changes, but I decided to leave this job and look for a new one in a place where my dreams will be realized.”
13. Commute:
“I was driving back and forth for a long way, which soon began to affect my productivity and my own life. Right now I’m searching for a job closer to home, where I can stay productive and perhaps have more balance.”
14. Professional Network:
“Here is how I got into it. I got a new job in my network that fits my professional abilities and people skills. I was not looking for a new job at that time, however, when the chance arose, I couldn’t miss it.”
15. Company Stability:
“Due to problems faced by the industry, I was worried about the stability of my previous employer. At the moment, I am looking for a place that can provide me with an exciting opportunity to be a part of a company that has long-term growth prospects.”
16. Entrepreneurial Ventures:
“I had a sabbatical to focus on a project that I started. It was such a great experience, and I’m really happy to be going back to corporate life with my new innovative mindset and be part of the next level.”
17. Family Responsibilities:
“I needed to take time off from my job to take care of my family. However, now that the responsibilities have been met, I’m enthusiastic about getting back to work and enhancing my career.”
18. Travel Demands:
“The last job I had required me to travel a lot which was initially exciting but grew to be a bit of a struggle. I am now searching for a job that will give me a better mix of travel and home life.”
19. Skill Development:
“I exited my previous position to acquire new skills that are vital for my career. So, I have focused on mastering [specific skills]. Therefore, I am all set to apply my adeptness to a new position.”
20. Mission-Driven Work:
“I’ve reached a point where I would like to work in a company that has the same vision as my values. I would like to be able to be a part of something that I find meaning in, and that is why I am searching for a new job.”
Also, read: Tips for Answering Common Job Interview Questions
Why do HR Professionals Ask “Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?”
HR professionals ask this as a way to see who the candidate is because the responses offer them a glimpse of what candidates are like. They see, for example:
01. Your Decision-Making Process:
They would like to know how you make your career decisions. Do you take the time to think about them or do you make decisions rashly?
02. Red Flags in Your History:
Many interviewers hold their breath for a moment to notice the slightest indications of any unhealthy situations like quarrels with the senior you reported to or very frequent job switches. They will figure out if a certain habit is persistent in your job history.
03. How You Fit in Their Company:
The things you considered when working in the previous job are indicators for them if you will be able to fit in with their company’s culture. It allows them to decide if they can fulfill your needs.
04. Your Career Goals:
HR will know whether your career objectives parallel with the position and if you are up for a long-term commitment through your response.
So, in a nutshell, this question is a tool that gives HR professionals an opportunity to recognize the full scope of you – your strengths, your motivations, and your potential addition to the company.
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