One of the common questions asked by interviewers is “Why did you leave your last job?” This question can take a number of variations, “What prompted you to leave your previous role?”, “Can you explain the reason for your departure from your last job?”, “Why are you no longer with your previous employer?”, “Tell us about the circumstances that led to your job transition.” This article shows the best ways to tackle this question and impress your interviewers.
Why do interviewers ask this question?
The question “Why did you leave your last job?” serves as a window into a candidate’s job history, work ethic, and compatibility with the potential employer. Interviewers want to understand the motivation behind leaving a previous position to gauge if the reasons align with the candidate’s career goals and the organization’s culture.
5 Tips for Answering for answering the interview question ‘Why did you leave your last job’
- Be Honest: Maintain transparency while framing your response.
- Stay Positive: Focus on the future and what you’re seeking in the new role.
- Highlight Growth: Emphasize how the change is aligned with your career development.
- Avoid Criticism: Refrain from negative comments about your previous employer.
- Relevance Matters: Link your answer to the new role’s responsibilities and challenges.
5 ways to answer the question based on a hypothetical scenario.
- Focus on Career Progression: “I’ve had a great journey at Facebook, where I’ve learned a lot and contributed to exciting projects. However, I’m ready for a new challenge that aligns with my long-term goals. Google’s innovative environment and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies really drew me in.”
- Seeking Innovation: “I’ve enjoyed my time at Facebook, but I’m now looking to join a company that thrives on pushing boundaries. Google’s reputation for innovation and its focus on creating products that impact people’s lives resonate with me.”
- Cultural Fit: “While I appreciate the experience I’ve gained at Facebook, I’ve realized that I’m drawn to a company culture that places a strong emphasis on collaboration and creativity. Google’s inclusive and dynamic work environment seems like a perfect match for my values.”
- New Challenges: “Working at Facebook has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m proud of my contributions there. Now, I’m excited about the prospect of tackling new challenges. Google’s diverse projects and opportunities to learn and grow are exactly what I’m seeking.”
- Impactful Work: “At Facebook, I’ve been fortunate to be part of impactful projects. Looking ahead, I’m eager to explore avenues where I can make an even greater contribution. Google’s global reach and its focus on solving complex problems are what intrigue me about this opportunity.”
