In the Interview: Explaining Why You Left a Job
- Prepare to answer the question, “Why did you leave your last job?” or “Why are you interested in leaving your current position?”
- Ensure your answer includes a relatable reasonwhy you left (but not one that has to do with personality issues).
- Give the prospective employer an answer to their desire to know if you quit or if you were fired.
- If you left on good terms, consider asking your previous supervisor to be a reference.
- Think about whether you want to list the reason why you left your job on your résumé — evaluate the pros and cons and then decide.
- Consider listing the reason why you left your job in your cover letter. (It’s not a requirement to do so, but employers will want to know at some point!)
- Don’t lie about the reason why you left your job. Your prospective employer may find out the real reason with a quick phone call.
- Never be negative about your previous employer when asked why you left your position. Don’t criticize your previous supervisor or co-workers.
- Think of a positive way to frame your reason for leaving a company, even if it was negative. Instead of “My boss didn’t provide me with clear expectations of what he wanted,” consider “I didn’t have a clear understanding of expectations for my job performance, and I know now that is what I need to be successful.”
- Focus on “I” statements and tie them into what you know about the company and the opportunities it offers. If this is your dream job, say so!
What to Wear (and What Not to Wear) to a Job Interview
- Carefully consider what you wear to a job interview. People will judge you by the clothes you choose.
- Dress appropriatelyfor the interview — don’t overdress or underdress or it might signal to a prospective employer that you don’t understand the company culture.
- Research the company before your interview to determine what is appropriate to wear to the interview. If you have a contact inside the company, ask what you should wear.
- Even if your first interview is a virtual interview (telephone or video), you should still “dress for the interview.”
- If you’re currently employed while you’re interviewing for a new position, think through how you will dress for an interview if the interview attire is significantly different from what you normally wear to work.
- If you need to change for an interview, find somewhere to change that will give you access to a full-length mirror so you can double-check every detail of your appearance.
- Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to change clothes before the interview and still get to your appointment a few minutes early.
- If you’re still not sure how to dress, “Dress One Step Higher.” If you know what someone in the position, you’re applying for normally wears to work, elevate it one notch.
- Don’t dress too casually. It’s generally better to overdress slightly than to underdress.
- Avoid anything too bright or flashy. You want to be remembered for your interview answers, not your interview attire.Int
