Renae The Career Coach

In this video I will show you how to answer the interview question “why are you leaving your job” which can also be phrased, “Why did you leave your last job” Whether you were fired, let go, or just simply didn’t like where you’re working, you can still answer this question in the interview tactfully. Why did you leave your job is a question that is pretty much always asked in the interview because the company you’re interviewing with wants to make sure you’re not going to leave them quickly. 

Two things to always remember when answering the question, why did you leave your last job, be POSITIVE and HONEST. I’ll help you know how to explain this so when you’re asked why did you leave your previous job you can give a positive answer. 

3 things you should not do when answering the question, why did you leave your last job is:

1. Don’t throw anyone under the bus- don’t vent about your past company, manager, or coworkers.

2. Don’t say, “because I want a new job”

3. Don’t say you want to make more money - that makes it seem like you’re just in it for the paycheck. 

Make sure when answering the question, why are you looking to leave your current company, mention why you're looking to leave and how the company you're applying for aligns with what you're looking for. I will share 4 very simple examples to follow when answering the question, why are you looking to leave your current job. Some of these examples include:

-You're interested in the company (your interviewing for) work and projects and would love to be a part of it.

-Your values are no longer aligned with the company mission and feel like this company would be a great fit. 

-You're looking for a more collaborative work environment and feel like this company's mission aligns with your values

-You want to be challenged and are looking for a role where you can continue to grow. 

-The team’s leadership was going in a different direction and I feel like this role better aligns with my personal values. 

-You feel like I've grown as much as I can in this company and am looking for a better career trajectory.

Whether you were fired or let go from your last job; you did not like working there; you want to make more money; or you just feel like it’s time to branch out and challenge yourself more, you will know how to answer the interview question, why did you leave your last job, following these templates will help you give an honest and positive answer.