Best Answers to "Why you Left your Job?"
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Passing job
interviews is always a challenge. Some interview questions are
simple, predictable and do not require much preparation. Some are tricky,
they test creativity and stress resistance. Yet, recruiters always want to
know what made you leave the previous company.
The
answer to this question speaks of the candidate’s professionalism and
personality. That’s why it’s important to prepare it in advance.
Is it up to scratch?
Still
waiting for a call from a recruiter? The problem might be with your resume. In
this case, a skilled specialist can improve the situation for better. An experienced
professional from James’ Blog can update your resume and fix any
shortcomings. Thus, you’ll make the best possible impression on a prospective
employer. The writer will work on your resume until you’re totally satisfied as
we offer free revisions.
Why does the hiring manager ask this question?
Like
any other interview question, this one is asked with an intention.
✓ To reveal your attitude. The cause why you
quit (or plan on doing so) can tell a lot about your personality and attitude.
Did the job seem complicated, boring or was it all about office politics? There
could be issues with job promotion or even stealing ideas.
✓ Were you sacked? Yes, there could be a
layoff. But why they chose you? This issue matters a lot. What if it was
because of your poor performance, work ethics issues or client complaints?
✓ To see relationship building
skills. An
integral part of any profession is interactions with others – team members,
clients, supervisors. Did you have a good note and saved good professional
relationships with colleagues? Slapping the door was not a good idea. These
details reveal your personality too!
Salary
is also a crucial factor. What is more important, money or satisfaction for
today’s employees?
Now
it’s time to prepare your replies. Coming unprepared, you may occasionally
blurt out what shouldn’t be said or send the wrong message with your answer.
Saying “I want this job because the salary is $10K higher than what I make now”
isn’t the best idea. Here are the strategies you can use when constructing an
effective answer:
Strategy #1. Lead with a short, true reason
This
approach works best when your resignation wasn’t caused by sophisticated
personal factors, such as toxic relationships with colleagues. The thing is you
simply cannot grow professionally. Come up with this kind of answer if there
was a series of layoffs in your company.
Giving
this kind of answer, focus on pure facts. A couple of good examples:
✓ I wasn’t planning to change my job
anytime soon, but a former colleague told me that you’re hiring a Product
Owner. So, I realized that I could apply my IT talents and contribute to the
launch of an innovative product for small businesses.
✓ The business was acquired by
Enterprise N, and they brought in all finance management staff and laid off the
entire team.
Short
and genuine reasons work for several reasons. First, they leave no space for
misinterpretations – you had left because of X reason. Secondly, they don’t
reveal tense relationships and personal reasons, so only your professionalism
is in focus. And finally, short answers save the interviewer’s time.
Strategy #2. Show your ambitions and willingness to
grow
Leaving
for a bigger company with better career prospects, willingness to learn more
skills and invent something new are all valid reasons for quitting. Actually,
they are a perfect explanation. They do not demonstrate any weak parts of the
candidate, such as mental stresses, boredom, or conflicts with colleagues.
Instead, such reasons portray striving to progress.
✓ I’ve built an impressive skill set
as an Office Manager, including conflict resolution and leadership skills. But
now I’d like to grow professionally. My company has no opportunities for it.
✓ I worked hard to develop business
analysis and strategic planning skills. I wanted to become a senior analyst. My
previous employer had no opportunities for my desired career path.
✓ I quit to get my Master’s in
Hospitality Management. With the skills and practices I’ve learned in
university, I’m ready for much more challenging opportunity.
A
positive note is a must for answers. When using this strategy, show skills and
competencies you’ve build with the previous employer. Show your aspirations and
become a go-getter.
Strategy #3. Address the layoff issue
Find
strong arguments to prove that you are a professional and a good person, and there
were other objective reasons for a layoff. A perfect answer should address all
the concerns proactively. However, avoid hiding the layoff fact, since this
information is easy to check.
✓ The company has merged with the
corporation Z. Although I had great performance reviews, they fired the most
recently hired employees including me due to the account management team
downsizing.
✓ My boss expected different plans
from me than the job description assumed. As a technical support employee, I
succeeded on handling customer issues but the manager also asked me to be a
sales person.
When
addressing the layoff issue, highlight strong parts and successes. Show your
further plans and ability to adapt to new situations.
Tips for explaining
1)
Be brutally honest
Firstly,
this fact is easily checked. Secondly, it is a matter of ethics and your good
reputation. Do not hide any information.
2)
Don’t complain
Do
not share your personal opinion concerning the boss. Was he/she a complete
moron who couldn’t manage their employees’ workload? Did he/she hire lazy
incompetent coworkers? Keep these interpretations to yourself. The future
bosses needn’t know about the workplace issues as it will make them assume not
the best things about you. If interpersonal issues took place, it’s better to
say that the new business direction isn’t right for you.
3)
Do not be restricted to money issues only
A
paycheck matters beyond all doubts. Yet, it should not be the only reason for
you. But avoid sounding like all you need is money.
Employees don’t find candidates who only think about money reliable. Name
non-monetary reasons first, such as company culture, professional growth, etc.
4)
Don’t give unprofessional reasons
Create
a reason that will sound professional. For example, in case with long commute,
mention healthy work-life balance.
5)
Rehearse your answer
Perfection
comes from practice. Think of an excellent answer based on the above
principles, and practice it at home. Speak it aloud and watch your tone and
body language. Sound and look confidently.
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Comments
Post a Comment