Reasons for leaving a job: How to tell the truth positively?
The question, 'Why did you leave your job?' is legendary in interviews, and most of the time, it is not an easy matter to handle, especially if the reasons are complex dilemmas. Unfortunately, it's not like being asked why you broke up with your ex on a first date; here, you don't really have the choice to skip that question unless you want to imply to your potential employers that you have something to hide and suggest they find it out themselves. Obviously, they can figure it out, but what they want is honesty, transparency, and more than that.
What exactly are employers seeking to uncover with this question?
Obviously, Employers ask this question to gain insight into several aspects:
Reason for Departure: They want to know if you left your previous job voluntarily or if there were circumstances beyond your control (like layoffs or company closure).
Workplace Dynamics: Your answer can provide clues about your relationships with colleagues, managers, and the work environment in general.
Career Goals: They are interested in understanding what motivates you and what you're looking for in your career trajectory. Your response can indicate whether the new role aligns with your aspirations.
Professionalism and Integrity: How you frame your departure can demonstrate your professionalism, honesty, and ability to handle challenges or conflicts in a mature manner.
Now, this is the harder part: how to answer the question and tell the truth without raising red flags to your potential employers if your reasons for leaving are considered sensitive matters. Being honest is crucial, but it's not always simple to uphold in every situation.
So, what truths are difficult to discuss and how to turn them into good reasons for leaving? Here are common dilemmas you may find yourself in.
Poor Leadership
Truth: “I had a bad boss”
Better approach: “While I enjoyed the work itself and valued the opportunities for growth, I faced challenges in my working relationship with my manager. There were differences in management styles and communication preferences that made it challenging to collaborate effectively. Despite my efforts to adapt and find common ground, it became clear that the working dynamic was not conducive to my professional growth and well-being. I ultimately made the decision to seek opportunities where I can thrive in a more supportive and collaborative environment."
Why it matters?
Although 'bad managers' rank as one of the top 8 reasons people leave jobs, according to LinkedIn's survey, and it's understandable given that even your interviewer may have experienced the situation, it's never a good idea to speak negatively about your previous boss.
In this approach, you acknowledge the challenging relationship with your manager while focusing on your efforts to adapt and find solutions. By framing your departure as a proactive step toward finding a better professional fit, you demonstrate maturity, self-awareness, and a commitment to your career growth
Conflict with Coworkers
Truth: "I left because I couldn't get along with my coworkers”
Better Approach: "While I enjoyed my role, I found that there were differences in communication styles between myself and some members of the team. I believe that moving to a new environment will allow me to work more effectively with a broader range of colleagues."
Why it matters?
It’s the same. Never blame your coworkers in front of potential employers. Even if you are telling the truth, hiring managers are experienced professionals who understand that there may be multiple perspectives. In this improved approach, you acknowledge the issue of communication styles without placing blame on yourself or your coworkers. By focusing on the importance of effective teamwork and your proactive decision to seek a better fit, you present yourself as a mature and adaptable professional. This approach highlights your commitment to finding a positive work environment where you can thrive and contribute effectively.
Lack of Advancement Opportunities:
Truth: “I left because there was no chance for me to move up. The company was holding me back.”
Better Approach: "I valued my time at my previous company and the experiences I gained, but I found myself seeking opportunities to learn leadership development and take on new projects outside of my current scope. In researching this position and speaking with members of your team, I'm impressed by the company's commitment to employee growth and professional development. Your dedication to mentorship programs, ongoing training initiatives, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration closely align with my own career goals. I'm particularly excited about the chance to [specific growth opportunity, e.g., lead cross-departmental projects, participate in leadership training programs], as I believe it will allow me to further develop my skills and contribute meaningfully to the organization's objectives.”
Why it matters?
It's better to provide concrete examples of the growth opportunities that were lacking in the previous role rather than just stating it in general. Hiring managers likely have experience with hundreds of interviews and candidates throughout their careers; they are probably not impressed with a copy-and-paste answer. Let's go a bit further and add your personal touch, explaining why you believe these opportunities are available in the new role. This means you demonstrate a clear understanding of your career trajectory and how the new position aligns with your goals. This level of specificity can help you stand out as a thoughtful and strategic professional.
Higher salary
Truth: ”I left because they weren't paying me enough.”
Better approach: “While I appreciated the experiences and growth opportunities at my previous job, I felt it was time to align my compensation with my skills and contributions. I'm excited about the potential to further develop my career and contribute to a new team where my efforts are recognized and rewarded appropriately.”
Why it matters?
“Leaving for better compensation" is a reason your potential employers could assume without you answering, as it is the top reason why people leave.
14% of business leaders say employees have left because they saw job postings with higher pay elsewhere. So yes, it happens all the time. But it's always a sensitive matter to mention when answering why you left your job in an interview.
Why? Because if it's not conveyed in a good way, the interviewer may feel like all you care about is money.
In this better approach, you mention the importance of fair compensation and benefits in the decision-making process and also a balance between personal financial goals and professional growth and contribution. For employers, this could position you as proactive and forward-thinking in their career advancement.
Take-home keywords
Move on attitude
Whatever happened in your last job is never as important as how you perform in your next opportunity. Focus on the present and future rather than dwelling on the past. While the interviewer may ask you why you left your job, what ultimately matters to them is how you contribute to their company. Therefore, avoid going into excessive detail about your reasons for leaving. Keep your answer focused and link it to how you are the best fit for the role they are seeking.
Stay positive
By reframing these potentially negative reasons for leaving into positive narratives that highlight your growth mindset, adaptability, and alignment with the prospective employer's values, you can present yourself as a forward-thinking candidate who is focused on future opportunities rather than dwelling on past challenges.
Keep professional tone
Throughout the discussion of your reasons for leaving a previous job, it's crucial to uphold a professional demeanor. Keeping your tone respectful and composed demonstrates your ability to handle sensitive topics with maturity and discretion. This professionalism enhances your credibility and reflects positively on your character, reinforcing employers' confidence in your suitability for the role.
Be “You”
While it's essential to maintain a professional tone and adhere to best practices when discussing your reasons for leaving a previous job, it's equally important to remain true to yourself. Authenticity builds trust and rapport with interviewers, allowing them to better understand your personality, values, and motivations. By expressing yourself genuinely and transparently, you can establish a connection with the interviewer and convey your unique qualities and strengths effectively.
Now that you have an idea of how to explain to potential employers why you left your job, are you actively looking for the next opportunity? Talk to our experts for career advice and meaningful jobs. Join our team!
