Having a Problem Answering, Why Did You Leave?, During Your Job Interviews?
The Inevitable Job Interview Question: “Why Did You Leave (Are Planning To Leave) Your Last Position?” and How to Deal With It.
This is a question that you can almost count on being asked at your next interview What the interviewer wants to know is, “Why are you available?”
The answer you give could set the tone for the rest of the interview. For instance, if you were to indicate that you were bored or burned out at your last job, the interviewer would quickly become concerned about your performance at this company. The question can be especially tricky if you’ve had less than favorable conditions regarding your departure from a company. Regardless of the circumstances that have caused you to move, or are causing you to think about moving, you should be prepared to answer this question.
Below are examples of possible answers to this critical question. After reading them try to determine which is the strongest answer.
(A) the company has reorganized my department be eliminated. This work has begun to shrink, so it was not a complete surprise. I love my job and the people, I am, so I always hope that this will not affect us, but unfortunately we all put aside their work. I would like to find a job similar to the one I lost.
(B) I was looking for a new challenge. My company and I have been here two years and not find a job as interesting as ever. I am looking for new challenges and growth can take anywhere in the company. My current job is dead for me has ended.
(C) as there is no chance of promotion within the company, I have decided would be a good time, I look outside. I have for their own career goals, a number I can not achieve the company. I am looking for a big company, where I could contribute, but also into a career path to have more responsibility.
Have you selected the strongest answer? See if you agree with the advice below.
The Strongest Answer
(A) This is the strongest answer because of layoffs, but because it has an optimistic tone. Do you like what you do and hope that it will not happen. In other words, if there is no control with you some of you still continue to exist. The answer shows that attitude about an unfortunate incident very well.
The Mediocre Answer
(C) The answer is an order. It is natural to want to take on more responsibility. It is also possible to finish a job. A skilled interviewer would follow up with a question about your career goals and why you think you can reach them at that company.
Would you have an answer prepared for that follow-up question?
The Weakest Answer
(B) This is the weaker answer because it is commonplace. One of the most common answers to this question is that you
There are no “right” or “wrong” answers to this type of question, but there are ways of saying the same thing in a way that will make a stronger impression. Before you head out to your next interview consider preparing for this and other difficult questions. A little time spent preparing and scripting of your answers before the interview will make a huge difference in the way you answer the question during the interview. (Excerpts taken from “Boost Your Interview IQ” – Carole Martin – McGraw-Hill 2004)
