This is the most common question that every interviewer asks: "How to explain reasons for leaving a job?" or "Why are you leaving your previous company?" This question may seem simple, but it's not, and that's the moment when most candidates ruin their chances in the interview. At that time of answering, some candidates are nervous, some bitching about their previous company and some candidates stretch that topic so long that this interviewer gets bored.

However, the truth is that this question presents a golden opportunity to demonstrate your intelligence, maturity, and professionalism. If you give the right answer, you will be moving forward compared to other candidates.

In this article, you learn how to explain the reason step-by-step for leaving a job with smartness and honesty. It helps to build trust between the candidate and the interviewer.

Why Does The Interviewer Ask This Question?

When an interviewer asks this question, it is not for curiosity, but also many specific things behind this and judges accordingly to the candidate.

  • Check your maturity level - you blame your previous company, or think professionally about this check by a recruiter.
  • Find out Red Flags - are the checks you run from problems or left out from anywhere? And are you fit for this team?
  • Identify your future planning - it makes sure that you make decisions after thinking and understanding the respective area.
  • Test your honesty - it ensures that what you are speaking is believable or not.

Common & Acceptable Reasons for Leaving a Job

Better career growth - you may ask that in your previous company, you did not have any or minimal growth. And with minimal chances of promotion. For my better growth and promotion, I chose your company. Because I hear a lot about your company, and as we all know, it's a well-established and growing company.

Better salary/package - I want to move forward with financial growth. I want to be financially strong and independent after gaining enough experience in that work. In my previous company, they did not offer me a good package according to my skills.

Relocation - for some reason, I have to change my location or city. So, for this reason, I have to change my job and want to join them.

Learn new skills - I want to work in a different field, through which I can learn new skills and work. As I have a dynamic personality and always have Curiosity to learn new things by showing my interest.

Personal/family reasons - I shift here because of a personal or family issue. My family permanently shifted here because of this, so I have to change my job.

The company has shut down, and employees were laid off - The company ceased its operation last month due to some official reasons, and that's why employees were laid off. So that's my reason to join this company.

Better work culture - I am in search of a good and healthy work environment where I can feel free to do my work with better efficiency and help in the growth of the organisation. By enjoying my work without any pressure, I did it effectively, as I promised.

How To Frame Your Answer The Right Way

Understand the right way to frame your answer by following this formula.

Follow this simple 3-step formula.

STEP 1 - Always show or present yourself positively. First of all, ask about anything positive about your previous company or job role. By this, you show maturity and gratefulness, which helps to impress a recruiter.

STEP2 - Give a genuine reason for leaving jobs and clearly ask why you are leaving-opportunity, growth, learning, anything, but keep in mind say the truth, whatever it is.

STEP3- Connect with your new job and show that this job gives you what you want, so that the interviewer gets impressed and the interview becomes interesting.

Ready-To-Use Sample Answers

These are sample answers for your real interview. By following it and practising it, you can give a smooth answer.

Situation 1 — No Growth

I learn lot of things from my previous company or work, and I am very much thankful for it and feel grateful. And I must say I am gaining so much experience there, which I highlight. But I felt after 2 years that I had to face new challenges and responsibilities, which helped me with my further growth, which is not fulfilled or available there. Then talk about your company. Here is a role that gives me direction for my growth that I want and find.

Situation 2 — If there has been a layoff.

My previous company eliminated some positions due to financial reasons, and in this, I have included my position that was laid off. I learn so much from there, but now I want a stable job and a growing company where I can contribute to further development.

Situation 3 — Better opportunity:

I like my previous job. But this new job gives me a better opportunity than my previous job. It will give me a chance to build expertise in my field, and it looks like the best platform for my future growth, which is why I made this decision to leave my job.

Conclusion

Explaining the reason for leaving a job is not rocket science -just a little preparation helps you to answer this question. Always remember the interviewer is not your enemy; he just wants to ensure that you are the right person to fit their job. They just need you to deliver your answer confidently, be honest and positively frame your answer; that's it.

FAQs — How To Explain Your Reasons for Leaving a Job

Q1. Should I tell the real reason for leaving my job?

Yes, it is always better to tell the real reason, but in a positive light. You should not show negativity in your answer, and it should not be the fault of the boss or the company either. You should present the real reason in a professional manner that also showcases your maturity level.

Q2. What if I were fired from my last job?

In such cases, it is better to remain calm and give a brief answer to the question. You should not show any signs of anger or aggression in your answer, as it may not go in your favour. You should also not show signs of depression, either, as that may also not be taken well by the interviewer.

Q3. Is "for a better salary" a good reason?

Instead of "just for money," say, "I was looking for a job that better suits my skills and offers room for growth."

Q4. What if I have changed many jobs?

Give reasons for changing jobs, which should be logical and sound good. This will show the interviewer that you are stable, not erratic.

Q5. How long should my answer be?

Your answer should be 3-4 sentences max. The less you say, the better, so always go for a short, confident, and clear answer.