This is a common interview question that has the potential to have a negative affect on your interview. Even if you are currently employed, your interviewer may ask you about your motivation for seeking a new position. Often, employers ask this question to try and define your motivation. However, more often than not, they are fishing to see if you will reveal your “dirt” or will speak negatively about a former employer so that they can gauge what kind of an employee you will be.
As with all interview questions, the key to answering this question is to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you be ready to take the focus off the past and shine on your future in your next interview.
Don’t ever talk negatively about a former employer, no matter how much you think you were in the right. When you talk down a previous company or boss, it automatically leads the interviewer to think you are a difficult, problem employee.
Do show the interviewer that you have researched their company and have a solid reason that you want to work for them. Demonstrate your knowledge of and enthusiasm for the company with an answer such as, “The opportunity to work for the aerospace industry’s leading propulsion engineering company on the new P229 engine was an opportunity that I had to pursue.”
Don’t give the impression that you are hard to please. When you give answers such as ‘I was not being challenged’, ‘I was being underutilized’, or ‘I was bored’ make you sound like someone who may also leave their company as soon as the going gets tough.
Do stay positive. Talk about what you really liked at your former employer and express that you can’t wait to be involved in that area with this new employer. Explain in the interview that you discovered you really enjoy and excel at a skill that you know you can expand upon in the new job. Working as part of a team, helping people, working independently, and managing projects are all examples of what you use in this answer.
Showing posts with label why did you leave your last job. Show all posts
Showing posts with label why did you leave your last job. Show all posts
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Why Did you Leave your Last Job? How to Navigate This Interview Question.
One of my favorite sayings is “luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” Success in an interview is measured by being prepared for all questions that may be asked. Don’t be thrown off-track by this popular question. The key to answering this question effectively is to remain brief, be positive, and don’t provide unnecessary details.
Interviewers ask this question so that they can understand your motivations and try to gain insight into how you handle conflict. You would be amazed at some of the things candidates have told me in response to this question. The answer to this one question can serve as a giant red warning sign that says “DO NOT HIRE.” Here are some situations you may be facing and how to deal with each one:
If you were fired
This situation can be tricky. You could answer that you made a mutual decision to take your career in a new direction. However, honesty is always the best policy. Take responsibility for the situation, explain what you learned from the experience, and express that the issue will not happen again. Don’t feel compelled go into details. Never try to blame your former employer; you will always come across as though you were the problem.
If you were laid off
Being laid off is seldom viewed as a negative toward the candidate. When stating your reason, explain that you were part of large-scale reduction in force. Provide a general reason for the lay-off such as the company was downsizing, outsourcing, or business slowed down. Do not come across as bitter or angry. Express appreciation for your former company, talk about what you learned in your previous position, and convey enthusiasm for your future opportunities and challenges.
If you did not get along with your boss or coworkers
Never speak negatively about a boss, coworker or the company in an interview. Do not feel the need to explain the situation and who was right or wrong. No matter the circumstances, if you are the one complaining you will come across as a problem employee who is difficult to manage.
When the situation was uncomfortable, it is best to offer a brief answer such as “I was looking to use my skills and experience in an environment where I could make a positive impact.” Unless pressed for further details, it is best to leave it at that.
If you were unhappy with your career direction
Career satisfaction comes from many angles – being challenged, continued growth, adequate pay, and appreciation. However, if you complain about any of these issues, you may come across as easily bored and unmotivated. Talk about how you want to continue to grow and develop your career and how you feel your skills and knowledge can benefit their company. Show that you are self-aware and motivated to succeed by talking about how your skills were not a fit in your previous employer and then state how you feel you fit into the company for which you are interviewing.
If your life circumstances changed
Our personal lives inevitably impact our work. However, you don’t want the interviewer to feel as though your job will be negatively impacted by your personal life. Briefly explain how you left your last job to raise a family, but be sure focus on how you feel you can contribute and bring value to the organization.
Interviewers ask this question so that they can understand your motivations and try to gain insight into how you handle conflict. You would be amazed at some of the things candidates have told me in response to this question. The answer to this one question can serve as a giant red warning sign that says “DO NOT HIRE.” Here are some situations you may be facing and how to deal with each one:
If you were fired
This situation can be tricky. You could answer that you made a mutual decision to take your career in a new direction. However, honesty is always the best policy. Take responsibility for the situation, explain what you learned from the experience, and express that the issue will not happen again. Don’t feel compelled go into details. Never try to blame your former employer; you will always come across as though you were the problem.
If you were laid off
Being laid off is seldom viewed as a negative toward the candidate. When stating your reason, explain that you were part of large-scale reduction in force. Provide a general reason for the lay-off such as the company was downsizing, outsourcing, or business slowed down. Do not come across as bitter or angry. Express appreciation for your former company, talk about what you learned in your previous position, and convey enthusiasm for your future opportunities and challenges.
If you did not get along with your boss or coworkers
Never speak negatively about a boss, coworker or the company in an interview. Do not feel the need to explain the situation and who was right or wrong. No matter the circumstances, if you are the one complaining you will come across as a problem employee who is difficult to manage.
When the situation was uncomfortable, it is best to offer a brief answer such as “I was looking to use my skills and experience in an environment where I could make a positive impact.” Unless pressed for further details, it is best to leave it at that.
If you were unhappy with your career direction
Career satisfaction comes from many angles – being challenged, continued growth, adequate pay, and appreciation. However, if you complain about any of these issues, you may come across as easily bored and unmotivated. Talk about how you want to continue to grow and develop your career and how you feel your skills and knowledge can benefit their company. Show that you are self-aware and motivated to succeed by talking about how your skills were not a fit in your previous employer and then state how you feel you fit into the company for which you are interviewing.
If your life circumstances changed
Our personal lives inevitably impact our work. However, you don’t want the interviewer to feel as though your job will be negatively impacted by your personal life. Briefly explain how you left your last job to raise a family, but be sure focus on how you feel you can contribute and bring value to the organization.
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