What’s The Best Answer – Reason For Leaving A Job?

It is a common question interviewers ask job applicants.

As much as you expect it, they watch your answer closely. Based on your reply, the interviewer would be able to make three deductions;

First, they want to know if the circumstances leading to quitting your last job also apply to their organization.

Second, they want to know if your former employers fired you as they see it as a bad sign.

Third, they want to know what you consider essential in a job and your career goals. 

Considering how sensitive the situation is, one might wonder, ‘what’s the best answer for a reason for leaving a job?’

One thing is knowing the reason; another is knowing how to express it that will sound acceptable to your interviewer.

Follow through as we explain practical tips on the best answer for a reason for leaving a job.

Presenting The Best Answer – Reason For Leaving A Job

Presenting the reason for leaving a job is as important as giving the best reasons.

Here are appropriate ways of expressing yourself.

Be Crystal Clear About Your Reasons For Leaving

Your reasons for leaving a job should be crystal clear.

It would be best if you examined all the reasons before thinking of showing up for the interview. 

Read also: How to Answer “What Was Most and Least Rewarding About Your Last Job?”

Be Precise

It is imperative to keep your answers precise. As much as you need to answer your interviewer fully, keep your answer in one or two sentences.

Then, point to the conversation after why you are the best person in the job.

Stay Optimistic

Even if bad experiences have made you aware of your decision to quit, finding an excellent way to express your desire to move forward is essential. Employers want to hire problem solvers who can deal with difficult situations.

Focus on the skills you have learned in your current role, the positive relationships you may have built with colleagues or the good relationships you have with clients or stakeholders.

Be Honest Without Being Too Detailed

It is important to remember that the company you are interviewing may contact your previous employer, so what you have told them should be consistent with what they will learn from those interviews.

If you are unemployed, be honest with yourself. For example, suppose your interviewer contacts your previous employer to confirm the first dates, salary range, or get a reference.

In that case, this may affect your chances of getting a refund if you provide different information.

Be Honest Without Going Into Unnecessary Details

Avoid using the word “dismiss” if you can

Explain what you learned from this situation

Guide the questioner as to why you are eligible for the position

You do not need to go into every detail in answering this question. If you find your current job unsatisfactory, there is always a way to share that without demeaning your former employer.

Keep your feedback focused and short, then return the conversation to why you are excited about the opportunities ahead.

Unfavorable Changed Company Policy

Company policy can change at any time. Maybe you were working in your dream company, but things weren’t the same after it merged with another company.

Or a new management team stepped in and completely changed the company culture.

Whatever the case, it’s a valid reason to leave a job.

Read also: How To Answer A Job Interview Question “What are You Passionate About”

Best Answers – Reason For Leaving A Job

There are good answers, and there are the best answers.

Let us consider some of the best reasons for leaving a job:

Search For Career Growth

The most common reason for leaving a job is the desire to move to a new level in your career.

Changing teams or departments can also be challenging if you want to grow in another direction.

Depending on how they establish companies, some may offer more growth opportunities than others.

Desire To Try Something New

It is not unusual to desire to try something new. Whether you want to return to school, change industries or get around what you work for. It is an excellent reason to quit your job.

A More Lucrative Opportunity

Having or desiring a more lucrative opportunity is a valid reason to leave a job. Maybe you want to quit your job because you have a better choice.

Whether that means that your work will improve, you will receive better pay or the company’s goal is better suited to your values, it makes sense to look for a new job environment when the opportunity arises.

Poor Answers – Reasons For Leaving A Job

Some answers given by an applicant on why they left their former job can raise brows and swing the interview out of their favor

Some of these answers include:

“I Dislike The Organisation”

Every company has pros and cons, including the one you negotiate. So take a moment to think about why you don’t like the company you work for, and use this to make a sound, clear answer.

“I Deserve More Pay”

Contemplate this notion as you interact with your interviewer as it can be misinterpreted. If you decide to address it, try to put it in a way that focuses on the main topic of motivation and your motivation to take on the challenging task that comes with great rewards.

Read also: How To Answer The Question, “What Have you been Doing Since Your Last Job”?

“I Dislike The Job Description”

It would be best to answer this based on the skills and opportunities you are looking for.

This reason for wanting to leave likely comes from dissatisfaction with the work you’re doing in your current role. Often, this means that you’re doing work that doesn’t fit your skills and abilities or isn’t challenging.

“I Dislike Their Working Schedule”

The way you frame this response is crucial. You don’t want to come across as someone who isn’t willing to work hard.

Instead, give an answer that positions you as a responsible and mature professional who knows how to manage your time.

If the hours and flexibility of your next job will play a significant role in your decision to accept an offer, this may be an excellent detail to share with your interviewer. 

Conclusion

Leaving a job for a new one is not out of place. However, you do not want to create a wrong impression of your former employees.

The interviewer interviewing you is very sensitive to such things because if you make that mistake, there is every likelihood you would also bring such a bad aura to the new job environment.

Be careful and thoughtful in giving the best answer for a reason for leaving a job.