How to Describe The Reason for Leaving a Job during an Interview?

Everyone knows that they can expect the interview question “What made you quit your previous job?”. 

However, coming up with a suitable answer might be difficult, especially if the conditions aren’t ideal. Candidates are often concerned about saying the incorrect thing. 

Will a future employer think you’re greedy and have a huge ego if you tell them you left for a better opportunity elsewhere? Will the hiring manager consider you tough to work with if you state your style did not mix with your boss’? Not to mention the possibility of being fired!

So, let’s get started on this critical topic. The fact is that everyone should be ready with their reasons for leaving a job in an interview question.

There are several ways to phrase the question “why did you quit your last job?” The three most popular variations are as follows:

“Why are you searching for a job right now?” Usually, while you’re employed and seeking a new position, this question is posed.

“Why did you quit your previous job?” It makes sense that the recruiting manager would emphasize your most recent employment history.

“Why did you quit working at X?” A prior job exit could occasionally grab the hiring manager’s eye. This is especially true if your time there was extremely brief.

Check your resume attentively, and get ready for any possible question variations.

Best Reasons To Describe For Leaving Your Last Job 

1.Searching For A Job While Still Working

“In my current position, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge, including useful communication and issue resolution techniques. I hope my next opportunity will allow me to develop my leadership abilities.”

“I know that when I can balance my professional and family duties, I perform my best work. I want to work for a firm that will let me schedule my days to be as productive and efficient as possible since I take my obligations at work extremely seriously.”

“I like my current position and my supervisor, but the organizational structure of the firm prevents me from undertaking new duties.”

2.You Quit Your Job Without Finding Another Position

“I had a great time working at Company X. I gained a lot of knowledge about process optimization, technical accounting elements, and customer service. I miss my coworkers and my supervisors, particularly Mike, who served as my mentor and project senior manager most recently. 

However, I left my previous position because I wanted to move away from advising and have the opportunity to enhance business processes from within an organization. 

Simply said, Company X didn’t have that opportunity. I was also aware that the company was entering its busiest season. It wouldn’t be right for me to make myself accessible and then leave as soon as I found a job that I liked more. So, I decided to 

leave.” 

3.You Were Fired From Your Current Position 

“In context, I see that the department head’s expectations of me were different from those stated in the job description. I mistakenly believed that it was my responsibility to maintain the business’ current customers. 

However, My boss anticipated that I would go out and acquire new customers. I can see from my reflections that I provided excellent service. Client retention was really good when I was working at Company ABC. I don’t sell, though, so I want to use my relationship-building and problem-solving skills to my advantage in my future job.”

4.You Were Laid Off

“Unfortunately, the corporate reorganization that took place after Company A was bought by Company B had an impact on me. All of the technical support personnel were ordered to move to the new corporate headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, by the new management. 

Those who refused to relocate were fired. I weighed my choices and made the decision to hunt for a local job that would let me use my ten years of expertise as a team leader and subject-matter expert in XYZ technology.”

Conclusion

If you are honest and clear about your version of events, you will be able to craft the ideal possible response to “Why did you quit your last job?”. Think about what happened and be honest with yourself. Why did you decide to leave? Why were you affected by the layoffs but not others on your team? Why were you fired? Your early responses will be rough and unpolished. Take note of them, though, since they contain the truth.

Better if you try to avoid criticizing your previous workplace or supervisor. Even if you believe you were underpaid, overworked, or were not given equal opportunity, you must adhere to the facts and make your reasons as positive as possible. 

Every coin has two sides, and every professional has some influence over what happens to them. Own your part, frame it positively, and turn the topic to your worth.