By Kelly Cline, Search Consultant
As a search professional, I am often asked how to handle tough questions that come up during job interviews. One of the questions I am asked most frequently is how to explain the reasons behind leaving your previous job or wanting to move on from your current one. This is a pivotal moment that can make or break your chances of landing that coveted position.
In this post, we’ll delve into powerful strategies that will help you confidently share your unique leaving story, leaving a lasting impression on potential employers and helping you land your dream job.
Embrace Candid Honesty and Professionalism
When confronted with the inevitable question about why you left your last job, embracing honesty while remaining professional is your best bet. It’s crucial to steer clear of negativity or badmouthing your former employer. Instead, focus on your personal and professional growth within that role, emphasizing how these experiences have primed you to be a valuable asset to your prospective employer.
Example: I really valued my time with x company and learned a lot, particularly when it comes to my financial acumen and knowledge of the private sector, however after almost 10 years within the organization I’ve hit a stage where things are starting to feel stagnant.
Keep it Snappy and Impactful
In today’s fast-paced world, lengthy explanations can be off-putting and confusing. In crafting your response, clarity and impact are key. Avoid rambling and tangents. A concise, well-articulated answer will give you an opportunity to keep the interviewer engaged and demonstrate your strong communication skills.
Example: I resigned from my role to obtain my MBA.
Chart Your Career Growth and Ambitions
If you decided to move on from your previous role due to limited opportunities for growth and development, show off your ambition. Illustrate your eagerness to expand your skill set and contribute to the success of your potential employer. Demonstrating your hunger for new challenges will show your fit with any company poised for growth and success.
Example: I resigned from the organization so I could focus on finding a new role where my people leadership and relationship-building skills will allow me to drive an increase in sales for a growing company with an exciting product offering.
Handle Job Elimination with Grace
If your role was eliminated, approach the question with grace and pragmatism. Focus on the business rationale behind the decision and avoid using emotional language. Be clear about your unwavering commitment to joining a forward-thinking and stable company where you can have a rewarding long-term career.
Example: I was laid off due to a business restructuring that eliminated my department.
Personal Commitments and Realities
If you left your role to honour family commitments or for other personal reasons, briefly outline the situation. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and capability to re-enter the workforce full-time and immerse yourself back into your career.
Example: I resigned from my position to support an aging family member. I have now made permanent arrangements for care and am excited to get back to focusing on my career.
Positivity Amidst Setbacks
Life doesn’t always go as planned and sometimes roles don’t work out for either party, leading to a negative ending. In such situations, maintain an upbeat attitude while being transparent. Focus on the lessons that you learned and the personal growth that you were able to take from the experience. You want to highlight your resilience and ability to turn challenges into opportunities, making you an ideal teammate.
Example: Unfortunately my previous employer and I had different values, and they chose to part ways, however, I am thrilled that I had an opportunity to take on ownership of the P&L and believe that this will give me the financial acumen I need to be successful in this position.
Aligning Dreams with Career Goals
Use the interview as a chance to demonstrate your self-awareness and how this aligns with your career goals and the organizational ethos. Share how the values and mission of the company match your own vision, making you the ideal fit.
In the complex world of job interviews, telling your unique leaving story is your chance to stand out from the crowd.
Example: I have left my role to explore new opportunities. During my time at x company I learned a lot about how to lead people and am excited to have an opportunity to take on a larger team and get more involved with training and motivating staff.
By embracing honesty, focusing on the positive, and highlighting your ambitions and personal growth, you will create an authentic and memorable narrative. Happy interviewing!