One of the common interview questions you would likely come across is “why did you leave your previous job?” As straightforward as that question sounds, it has a slippery slope that can completely throw anyone off balance. It is one that many job seekers struggle with. Sometimes, while trying to give the right response, you end up saying something wrong. It doesn’t matter if you started the interview on a good note. Once you reach that point and give a response that sounds off, you may not get a positive callback.
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In fact, most recruiters admit that the way a candidate answers the question largely determines if they would go with them or not. So, what exactly are the best ways to answer this question? Keep reading to find more insights in subsequent chapters.
If your previous job no longer offered room to grow or develop professionally, it's perfectly valid to say you left in search of better opportunities.
Sample Answer:
"I enjoyed my previous role and learned a lot, but I was ready to take on new responsibilities and develop skills that weren’t available in that position. That is why I’m looking for a role where I can continue to grow and contribute meaningfully."
If your previous job demanded too much time or energy, it's reasonable to cite work-life balance as a reason for leaving.
Sample Answer:
“I’ve found that a sustainable work-life balance helps me maintain high productivity, which my previous role didn’t offer. So, I’m looking for a role that allows me to maintain a good balance in order to perform at my best.
Being made redundant or leaving due to restructuring is a good reason. It is not a red flag, especially if explained well. This is how to put it:
Sample Answer:
"The company went through restructuring, and my role was made redundant. I’m now seeking a stable position where I can bring my experience to the table."
Sometimes, the reason why you left isn’t the job itself, but the environment or values of the organisation. Regrettably, most candidates fail to explain it well.
Sample Answer:
"I realise I thrive in a work environment where there is collaboration among teams and clear communication, which is why I am looking for your type of company that offers that."
Personal circumstances may require you move to a new location, making it necessary to leave your job. It’s best to be honest when using this as an explanation.
Sample Answer:
"I relocated due to circumstances beyond my control so it was necessary to leave my previous position. I am now seeking opportunities in this area to establish long-term stability."
This is also a valid reason. Talk about how changing career direction can help you bring relevant skills that better match the new role and organisation.
Sample Answer:
"I decided to change career direction to focus on an area where I can use my strengths more effectively. I’m excited to bring that passion and dedication to this role."
You might want to find a role where your work feels more impactful or fulfilling, which can be a good reason to move on.
Sample Answer:
"I needed a role where I can make an impact and a meaningful contribution. This new role provides that for me."
This is equally a valid reason. Furthering your education improves your abilities, allowing you to offer more value and up-to-date knowledge in your new role.
Sample Answer:
"I had to further my education to acquire more knowledge, which is something I am excited to use for the advancement of your company."
You may have left if your pay no longer matches your experience or responsibilities. Here is a good way to explain it:
Sample Answer:
"I’m looking for a role with compensation that matches my experience, which allows me to stay motivated and fully committed to contributing effectively."
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Sometimes, you can leave your job simply because the work has become repetitive and you are ready for a fresh challenge. This is how to frame your answer without sounding off:
Sample Answer:
"After spending a few years in the same role, I felt I had mastered my responsibilities and was ready to take on new challenges in a more dynamic environment.
If there is no clear path for promotion or new challenges, it makes sense to look for a role with better prospects that allows you to contribute more.
Sample Answer:
"There were limited opportunities to advance in my previous role, which is why I’m looking for a position where I can take on greater responsibility and add more value."
You may want to change industry, and that is also a reason for leaving your previous job. Let the interviewer know how your decision to move could benefit them.
Sample Answer:
"I decided to move into a different industry where I can apply my skills in new ways and bring a fresh outlook to the role."
Leaving due to company closure or downsizing is equally understandable. Every recruiter or employer will understand this:
Sample Answer:
"The company I worked for closed, which meant my position was no longer available.”
Finishing a temporary or contract job is straightforward. However, when answering, it is important to highlight your readiness for a permanent role.
Sample Answer:
"My contract ended as expected. I’m now seeking a permanent role where I can make a long-term contribution."
It is possible to leave your previous job because the company’s values or way of working didn’t align with yours. Most people leave on this note. This is how best to frame your response if you left on this note.
Sample Answer:
"I left because the working environment didn’t match my expectations for professionalism and collaboration. I’m eager to join a team where those qualities are prioritised."
Leaving to start your own business shows initiative and entrepreneurial spirit, which can be valuable experience to bring to a new role.
Sample Answer:
"I left to start my own business and gained valuable skills in management and organisation. I’m now ready to return to a role where I can apply this experience in a larger team."
Sometimes personal health or family matters require leaving a job temporarily or permanently, and it’s important to be truthful about this.
Sample Answer:
"I left due to health/family reasons that needed my attention. Now that these have been resolved, I’m fully committed to returning to work."
If your previous job didn’t offer chances to lead or manage, it’s fair to look for roles that better match your ambitions.
Sample Answer:
"My previous role didn’t offer leadership opportunities, so I’m seeking a position where I can take on more responsibility and lead a team."
Lack of support or poor management can make it difficult to perform well, so leaving for a better environment is understandable.
Sample Answer:
"I found the management style didn’t provide the support I needed to succeed. I’m looking for a company that values strong leadership and teamwork."
Sometimes a job doesn’t match your skills or expectations, and moving on is the best option for both you and the employer but this is how to answer it.
Sample Answer:
"The role didn’t align with my skills and strengths, which limited my impact. That is why I applied for this position so I can fully use my abilities to drive strong results."
Don’t Speak Negatively About Your Previous Employer: Avoid badmouthing your old company, boss, or colleagues. It makes you look unprofessional and can raise red flags.
Don’t Be Evasive: Try your best not to dodge the question or give unclear answers, as it can seem like you’re hiding something.
Don’t Focus Only on Personal Benefits: Make sure your answer shows how leaving benefits your potential new employer, not just how it helped you personally.
Don’t Lie: Honesty, as is often said, is the best policy. Lies or exaggeration can be detected. You don’t want to ruin your chances.
Don’t Sound Desperate or Negative: Keep your tone confident and forward-looking, not bitter or apologetic.
The question, “Why did you leave your previous job?” isn’t just about your past. It’s about how you will perform in the future. Be honest in your response. Connect your reasons to how you will add value in your next role, and you will be one step closer to getting hired.
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