Good reasons for leaving a job: how to be honest without being oversharing
The question, "Why did you leave your job?" is a big one in interviews. It's not always easy to answer, especially if your reasons are complicated. Unlike avoiding questions about exes on a first date, you can't just skip this one. Ignoring it might make potential employers think you're hiding something. They want honesty, transparency, and more from you.
What's the real reason behind employers asking this question?
Well, it's pretty clear they're trying to get a handle on a few things:
Reason for Leaving: Employers want to know if you left your last job on your own terms or if it was due to factors like layoffs or the company shutting down.
Work Environment: Your answer gives them a sense of how you got along with your coworkers, bosses, and the atmosphere at your previous job.
Career Ambitions: They're curious about what drives you and where you see yourself heading professionally, to see if this role matches your goals.
Professionalism: How you talk about your past job changes shows them your level of professionalism, honesty, and how well you handle tough situations.
This part can be tough: finding the right way to answer while staying truthful without setting off alarm bells for potential employers, especially if your reasons for leaving are sensitive. Honesty is vital, but it's not always straightforward to manage in every scenario.
Let's explore some challenging truths and how to frame them positively as reasons for leaving. Here are common dilemmas you may encounter:
Poor leadership
Facing challenges with poor leadership is tough, but here's how to present it positively:
Truth: "I had a bad boss"
Better approach: "While I enjoyed the work and opportunities for growth, I encountered difficulties in my working relationship with my manager. Our differing management styles and communication preferences made collaboration challenging. Despite my efforts to adapt, it became clear the dynamic hindered my professional growth and well-being. I decided to seek opportunities in a more supportive environment where I can thrive."
Why is it important?
While 'bad managers' consistently appear as one of the leading reasons individuals leave their jobs, as highlighted in LinkedIn's survey, it's crucial to avoid speaking negatively about past supervisors, even if your interviewer can relate to the experience.
In this strategy, you acknowledge the difficulties encountered with your manager while emphasizing your proactive approach to adapt and resolve issues. Presenting your departure as a constructive move towards seeking a better professional match showcases maturity, self-awareness, and dedication to your career advancement.
Conflict with Coworkers
Truth: "I left because I couldn't get along with my coworkers. The work environment was toxic.”
Better Approach: "While I enjoyed the work itself, there were some interpersonal dynamics within the team that I found challenging. I tried my best to navigate these situations professionally, seeking to understand different perspectives and find common ground. However, ultimately, I felt that it was time for me to pursue a new environment where I could continue to learn and contribute effectively”
Why it matters?
It's important to avoid blaming coworkers during interviews as it might not reflect well on your professionalism. Hiring managers value nuanced perspectives. In this improved response, you acknowledge communication challenges without pointing fingers. By highlighting the importance of teamwork and your proactive approach, you show maturity and adaptability. Ultimately, you're showcasing your commitment to finding environments where you can thrive happily.
Lack of Advancement Opportunities:
Truth: “I felt stuck in my role and it seemed like there was no room for growth.”
Better approach: I cherished my time with my previous employer, gaining valuable experiences along the way. However, I reached a point where I felt a strong desire to broaden my skill set, particularly in leadership development and taking on projects beyond my current responsibilities. Upon exploring opportunities, I came across your company and was deeply impressed by its commitment to nurturing employee growth and professional advancement. Your robust mentorship programs, continuous training initiatives, and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration resonate strongly with my career aspirations. I'm especially enthusiastic about the prospect of [specific growth opportunity, e.g., leading cross-departmental projects, engaging in leadership training programs], as I believe it will not only enhance my capabilities but also enable me to make significant contributions towards the organization's goals.”
Why is it important?
Sharing specific instances of missed growth opportunities from your past role rather than speaking in generalities can help you stand out positively. Remember, hiring managers have seen their fair share of interviews, so genuine, personalized answers are key. By adding a personal touch and explaining why you see potential for growth in the new role, you're not only showing insight into your career path but also highlighting how the position aligns with your aspirations. This level of detail conveys your strategic approach while maintaining a friendly and approachable demeanor, ultimately leaving a memorable impression as a thoughtful and insightful candidate.
Higher salary
Truth: ”I left because they weren't paying me enough.”
Better approach: “While I cherished the experiences and opportunities for growth at my previous job, I believed it was time to ensure my compensation matched my skills and contributions. I'm enthusiastic about the prospect of advancing my career and joining a new team where my efforts are not only acknowledged but also appropriately rewarded. This shift represents a significant step towards fulfilling my professional aspirations.”
Why is it important?
“Leaving for better compensation" is a reason your potential employers could assume without you answering, as it is the top reason why people leave.
14% of business leaders say employees have left because they saw job postings with higher pay elsewhere. So yes, it happens all the time. But it's always a sensitive matter to mention when answering why you left your job in an interview.
Why? Because if it's not conveyed in a good way, the interviewer may feel like all you care about is money.
In this better approach, you mention the importance of fair compensation and benefits in the decision-making process and also a balance between personal financial goals and professional growth and contribution. For employers, this could position you as proactive and forward-thinking in their career advancement.
Take-home keywords
Move on attitude
Whatever happened in your last job is never as important as how you perform in your next opportunity. Focus on the present and future rather than dwelling on the past. While the interviewer may ask you why you left your job, what ultimately matters to them is how you contribute to their company. Therefore, avoid going into excessive detail about your reasons for leaving. Keep your answer focused and link it to how you are the best fit for the role they are seeking.
Stay positive
By reframing these potentially negative reasons for leaving into positive narratives that highlight your growth mindset, adaptability, and alignment with the prospective employer's values, you can present yourself as a forward-thinking candidate who is focused on future opportunities rather than dwelling on past challenges.
Keep professional tone
Throughout the discussion of your reasons for leaving a previous job, it's crucial to uphold a professional demeanor. Keeping your tone respectful and composed demonstrates your ability to handle sensitive topics with maturity and discretion. This professionalism enhances your credibility and reflects positively on your character, reinforcing employers' confidence in your suitability for the role.
Be “You”
While it's essential to maintain a professional tone and adhere to best practices when discussing your reasons for leaving a previous job, it's equally important to remain true to yourself. Authenticity builds trust and rapport with interviewers, allowing them to better understand your personality, values, and motivations. By expressing yourself genuinely and transparently, you can establish a connection with the interviewer and convey your unique qualities and strengths effectively.
Now that you have an idea of how to explain to potential employers why you left your job, are you actively looking for the next opportunity? Talk to our experts for career advice and meaningful jobs. Join our team!
