Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?
That's a tricky question.
I'm almost certain this question will come up in your next interview.
Now unless you've never worked a day in your life, and this is kind of your first job, then, if that's the case, I would suggest you read my other articles on interview challenges, right. But in this case, if you worked for somebody, and then now you apply for your next position. Then keep in mind, there are only a few scenarios, and I'm gonna give you some scripts and words that you could say, and how to handle these different objections.
So, why did you leave your last job?
Let's say, take a first example, that you actually left a last job, you didn't get fired, you left the job. What you don't wanna do is, never ever put down your ex-boss or your ex-company, because the minute you do that, first of all, it feels that you are kind of holding grudges, or that you're badmouthing somebody else.
Is that what you're going to do to me if you leave this position, as an employer?
So don't do that. And don't share stuff that gets very personal and emotional, oh I don't feel like I'm being valued, I don't feel like I'm getting paid enough.
That's not how you bring it up either. Because, again, as an employer, I will worry if you come in the company, is that what you're gonna be thinking?
Am I bringing in a bad apple?
So, let's say you leave that workplace and stop working for that company.
So here's something that you could say.
So, why did you leave your last job?
And you can say,
"Well, I enjoyed the three years that I worked in "___Company."
"And we built the company from the ground up."
"And during that time I've learned a lot, and I met some amazing people."
"But, you know, it's time, I feel like I'm ready for more.
"And I feel that I could do more, "and I'm looking for a new position in your company "to take on more challenges, and to grow, and to be more."
You see how that works? You are explaining it, you're not putting anybody down, you're just simply saying,
"You know, it's my personal choice, that I wanna grow,
"I want to do more, and I feel I can."
So, from my standpoint as an employer, "OK, this guy is searching for a greater platform."
"It's natural; everyone wants to advance."
You're not badmouthing anybody, so that's a very good reply.
Now, on the other hand, what if you actually got laid off? How can you bring up the fact that you were laid off due to company restructuring?
When you bring it up, it's no good. "So, one day, I walked into the office "and the VP of Human Resources handed me a letter," and I packed my belongings, and here I am now, "applying for this position."
That's not what you're saying.
Okay, don't say anything like that. Assume you're employed at a game business. Describe the situation. "I've been with this gaming firm for about five years," she says, "and in the last two years, we've spent millions of dollars producing these two games." "Sadly, none of them did particularly well. "And the business lost tens of millions of dollars as a result." Nothing personal, as you can see. It's just that life happens. The corporation made some poor decisions, and here I am today as a result.
Isn't that a rather neutral feeling?
It doesn't feel like you're criticising somebody or acting like a victim; it's just that the firm made some poor decisions, and as a result, they lost money and had to lay off some employees.
Of course, you'll need to add some of your own personal stories afterwards. After that, a little more.
Because now you have to explain how it connects to your skillsets and what you could bring to this new organisation you're looking for, right? Another possibility is that you were fired due to your attitude, performance, or personality.
That's something I hope isn't the case, but it could be. If that's the case, you'll have to search within to see what you need to contribute and what you need to work on, because the same nonsense will happen at your next employment.
Considering you're correcting them, you may say something like this:
"You know, I've been the VP of this business for four years now, and throughout that time, I've learnt a lot," and again, outcomes: "We've been able to expand, we've gotten these results, and we've been able to build new areas," whatever they may be.
A day, the CEO feels that their vision has changed due to "management changes," that they want "to bring on someone new," and that my abilities "no longer fit the company's mission."
"So, here I am, "finding new challenges to apply what I've learned "from the previous business organisation, "new skills, experience, and relationships, "to be capable of putting my skills to work in this new role."
That is all there is to it. Keep things as simple as possible.
So you're acting, speaking, and behaving in a professional manner.
Don't get too worked up, don't get worked up, don't get worked up, don't get worked up, don'
No, "Oh man, I'm not sure why they dismissed me." "Hey, here's what occurs, here's why I'm here, here's what I'm searching for," you can say logically.
Should not make fun of somebody or make them suffer. Simply maintain a neutral demeanour. The interviewer, or the employer, would next ask you additional types of questions, which I'll explain in more detail in the subsequent sections. Also, don't waste too much time on it. Don't go on and on about it since I see it all the time.
Shouldn't give them your complete work history in 30 seconds or one minute, okay?
Please let me know if this works for you in the comments section below. When someone asks, "Hey, why did you leave your last job?" the next time, you'll know what to reply. "What exactly is going on here?"
You have the ability to respond in a professional manner.
I am grateful for your time.