Best Interview Answer: Why Did You Leave Your Previous Job?

As you prepare for your interview, am sure you are wondering what kind of questions the interviewer is going to ask you.

You have been working somewhere else before so be sure to expect a question aiming for your reasons as to why you left your previous place of employment. What the employer is trying to figure out is whether it was for your performance or integrity that you no longer work there.

It is good to be prepared to tackle this interview question in the best way so you are able to get the job..

Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?

Your reasons for leaving a job can help your potential employer determine your ideal candidature for the job. He/she is probably looking for these things:

• Did you leave for a good reason?
• Did you leave voluntarily?
• Did you leave on good terms?
• What are your work values?

Is there a good way to express reasons to these questions skillfully so you remain positive? Well, yes and here is how

How to best answer why you left your previous job in an interview

Employers are very tricky when interviewing candidates therefore this question may never be direct as you would expect. You need to be intelligent about the answer you are going to give for this interview question.

Why are you looking for a new Job?-

• This you have indicated on your CV but the interviewer wants you to expound on your reason.  Now, remember that you need to be very careful with your answer because it will determine how the employer is going to perceive you from then on.
• Explain to the interviewer that you are leaving because this new position is your dream job.  Mention that you are okay with your current position, but the current company you’re interviewing with has been your dream company.Avoid talking about any negative reason that will cost you your chance of landing a job. Never talk ill of your previous employers.

Why did you leave position X?-

• While answering this interview question, try to be honest but avoid negativity. Speaking badly about your supervisors, managers, colleagues, or the company will not put you in good light.You may speak negatively about your boss and maybe the interviewer has a close relationship with him or her.  Do you think they will hire you? Obviously not.Instead, you can point out that you were frustrated by the lack of opportunities to expand your career.Give a short and clear answer!

ALSO READ >>> How To Write A Cover Letter For A Job Application

Why did you leave your most recent position?-

• To answer the question in a job interview, explain the unavoidable circumstances that led to your departure while emphasizing on what you like about working with your previous employer.
• For example, maybe the job was an internship after you graduated from college. Talk about how it had fewer responsibilities but you are now ready for a challenging position with more responsibilities.
• Keep the focus on the new position you’re interviewing for as you explain why you left your former job. Highlight the examples of how you successfully used the related key skills for the new position during your previous employment.If your boss fired you, don’t discuss the nasty incidences that happened. Acknowledge and highlight lessons you learned from the experience. By doing this you are assuring the employer that you would not be a risky candidate if hired.

In conclusion…
Either you left voluntarily, laid off, or, fired from a previous job, your reasons for not working there anymore say a lot about you regarding your fitness for the new role you seek for in one of the latest jobs available in Kenya. Preparation is key if you want the job.

If you are feeling stuck about doing the interview, contact a professional interview coach now to help improve your situation.

All the best in you interview.