There are many questions that you are likely to be asked during an interview. They are so universal that you can expect it and be prepared for an answer. Almost all Hiring Managers will ask you, early in an interview, why you are leaving (or have left) your current job. This will likely be asked right after the ice breaker, as the interviewer references your resume.
As almost everyone can agree, first impressions are critical, and an interview is no different. Get off to a good start, and a Hiring Manager may ignore warning signs that you flash later. On the opposite side, flub a question early and it may create a hole that is impossible to dig out of. This means that it is critical to nail “your reason for leaving” question in the mind of the interviewer.
What seems to be a straightforward and basic question can create considerable angst for a job seeker when determining how they should answer. You obviously want to be truthful, but also want to make sure that you don’t say anything that will jeopardize your ability to land the position you are seeking.
So, let’s take a look at the strategy you should consider when answering this question. The focus being on the “how” rather than what your answer is, since this can be so dependent on your situation.
• Speak Confidently: This is why preparation for this question is so critical. If you appear nervous or unsure of yourself, then you will be creating instant doubt with the interviewer. Everyone knows why they left a job, so not being able to immediately answer with confidence is not a good look.
• Be Clear: You want the interviewer to completely understand your answer the first time. Any vagueness will create the need for follow-up questions that will likely be more difficult to answer than the first one. Your desire should be to satisfy the Hiring Manager, so you can move forward with the rest of the conversation. This will allow you the time to sell yourself and show why you should be hired for the job.
• Keep It Short: This is not the time to get long-winded. The more you talk, the more likely you will say something that you wish you didn’t. Try to be brief and factual (see next bullet point) with your answer. If you have multiple reasons for leaving, provide the one that makes you look the best. The interviewer is not looking for all the details, just a general understanding.
• Stay As Honest As Possible: The question that people will usually ask me about this subject is whether they should be honest. My consistent response is that I am always an advocate for the truth. Of course, there are ways to frame something so that you are speaking honestly while making yourself look as positive as possible.
• Don’t Be Negative: The reason(s) surrounding your departure may be a sore spot for you, even if some time has passed. There is, however, no reason to show any negativity when answering the question. If you feel yourself getting emotional, then take a brief moment to collect yourself. Then take the high road and refrain from going into detail regarding any poor practices at your last employer. You will be wasting precious interview time, run the risk of looking negative yourself, and ultimately may lead the hiring manager into thinking you’re someone that can’t be pleased.
• Direct Towards The Future: After your brief and clear response, you will want to redirect the conversation in a positive and futuristic way. Such as, I left for “x” reason, which brings me here today speaking to you about this position and I am super excited. This leaves the hiring manager with virtually no choice but to really start the interview with the next question.
For a hiring manager, there are two things that generally pop into one’s head when first reviewing a resume: why the candidate is interested in the job and why they have left (or want to leave) their employer. So, as a job seeker, you know you will be asked the question, so be ready with a response. This is because, unless you are seeking your first job, we all have a reason we have (or planning to) for leaving an employer. There is, therefore, no reason to not have an answer prepared in a brief and clear manner ready to make you look your best.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
