If you’re interviewing for a job, you’ll probably be asked this question: Why did you leave your previous job? This is the question that strikes fear in the hearts of many job seekers. But if you’re prepared for it, you won’t even break a sweat.
“Why did you leave your previous job?” is an important question, because it establishes your credibility.
If you left your job for personal reasons, such as a miserable boss relationship, a mismatch of work culture, a job description that was misrepresented, or one of any number of perfectly understandable reasons, you need to be prepared for this question.
If you’ve been affected by downsizing or organizational restructuring, it’s easier to answer.
So, how to prepare? Role play answering the question. Tell your story to a trusted friend or family, then get their feedback. If an interviewer hears silence or senses you’re tap dancing around the question or doing a “let’s hurry up and pass over the question” number, you may leave the interviewer wondering what really happened and leave the interview under a cloud.
You want to avoid being defensive. Be proactive and take responsibility for your decision to move on.
At some point, most job candidates will make a mistake, accept a job that is a bad career decision and end up leaving the job.
If you left your job because you had a bad boss, leave the negativity behind and don’t pass blame when answering during an interview. Simply give your answer and move ahead.
This question does not have to be anxiety provoking. Expect it, prepare for it and focus on selling your value to the employer.
