What do you do if you're asked why you left your previous job?

When you're in an interview and the inevitable question pops up about why you left your previous job, it can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to be honest, but also maintain professionalism and not burn any bridges. This delicate situation is a common hurdle in the job search process, and how you handle it can make a significant difference in the impression you leave with potential employers.

1 Be Honest

Honesty is the best policy, but it's also about being tactful. You might have left your previous job for a number of reasons—lack of growth opportunities, desire for a new challenge, or maybe it was a poor fit. Whatever the reason, frame it positively. Explain what you learned from the experience and how it has prepared you for the next step in your career. Avoid bad-mouthing former employers or colleagues, as it reflects poorly on your character.

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Fabian Pereira 🤟

Founder of Meta Learning Consultants | Expert in Learning & Development Strategy and Training | SHRM Diploma | Certified Mental Health First Aider, Train-the-Trainer, & NLP Practitioner
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Be honest but also be smart about how you word your story. If you dont choose your words correctly and frame your story you may come off as too honest and gullible.

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2 Stay Positive

Keeping the tone positive is crucial when explaining your departure from a previous job. Focus on what you are looking for in a new role rather than what was wrong with the old one. For instance, if you left due to a lack of advancement, discuss how you're eager to take on more responsibility and grow professionally. This shows that you're motivated and forward-thinking, qualities that are attractive to any employer.

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3 Be Concise

While it's important to provide a clear reason for leaving your previous job, you don't need to go into excessive detail. Keep your explanation brief and to the point. A concise response demonstrates that you are prepared and have reflected on your career path. It also allows the conversation to move on to other topics, such as your skills and qualifications for the position you're interviewing for.

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4 Reflect Growth

Use this question as an opportunity to demonstrate personal and professional growth. Talk about the skills and experiences you gained from your previous job and how they have equipped you for a new role. Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and development, which is a key component of success in any career. This approach not only answers the question but also reinforces your value as a candidate.

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Fabian Pereira 🤟

Founder of Meta Learning Consultants | Expert in Learning & Development Strategy and Training | SHRM Diploma | Certified Mental Health First Aider, Train-the-Trainer, & NLP Practitioner
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reflect on those moments and uncover anything that helped you grow as a person and professional. Talk about the learning experience and try to it into how it will benefit you in the new role, the team and the organization

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5 Future Focus

Another strategy is to pivot the conversation towards your future career goals. Explain how leaving your previous job was a strategic decision to align with your long-term objectives. Discuss how the potential new role fits into your career plan and how you can contribute to the company. This shows that you are goal-oriented and have a clear vision for your career.

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6 Practice Makes Perfect

Lastly, practice your response to this question before the interview. Anticipate different variations of the question and prepare answers that are truthful and reflect positively on you. Rehearsing out loud can help you refine your answer, making it more natural and confident during the actual interview. The more prepared you are, the less daunting this question will seem.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Marc Prager

Talent Management @ Block | ex-LinkedIn
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When addressing why you left a previous job, honesty is key, but framing your response strategically is equally important. Reflect on the reasons for your departure, focusing on professional growth or seeking new challenges rather than dwelling on negative aspects. Highlight how the move aligns with your career goals and the opportunities it presents for further development. By combining honesty with a forward-looking perspective, you demonstrate self-awareness and a proactive attitude towards your career journey.

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What do you do if you're asked why you left your previous job?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Be Honest

2 Stay Positive

3 Be Concise

4 Reflect Growth

5 Future Focus

6 Practice Makes Perfect

7 Here’s what else to consider

Training & Development

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What do you do if you're asked why you left your previous job?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Be Honest

2 Stay Positive

3 Be Concise

4 Reflect Growth

5 Future Focus

6 Practice Makes Perfect

7 Here’s what else to consider

Training & Development

Rate this article

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