We all have our least favorite interview question. The one from prospective employers or hiring managers that can make the candidate re-anticipate on giving the “right” answers. your truth delivered with well-spoken words.
From the dreaded questions such as: “Could you briefly describe me about yourself?” to “why should we hire you?” (do check out my past article: Answering Daunting Interview Question ), then comes the other uncanny and inevitable one: “why did you leave your last job?”. Worry not as you will see helpful hints for addressing the situation and further help you to get over the hurdle.
No matter your previous employment experiences, you should always avoid defaming a previous employer during the interview process. Indeed, always explain the truth in order to stay away from future ruckus. However, convey it clearly and professionally;
If you’re currently working, the hiring managers in your new company are obviously going to be curious about why you’re willing to make a switch or a move. Instead of talking about the possible deficiencies of your current position, do address the opportunities that you see in the current job/opportunity. Room for growth, new challenges, additional responsibilities, or perhaps a geographic preference is all examples of perfectly reasonable explanations that put a positive spin on your job search.
Reductions of employees are common occurrences in today’s situation, especially with the impact of the current Covid19 pandemic. Instead of using the term laid off, however, be sure to explain the situation clearly by focusing on the dismissal as a company-wide initiative that is frankly out of your control. Be direct and as it is. Let the interviewer know your prior employer had a company-wide reduction, or was going through a restructuring and furthermore, terminates the recent employees that unfortunately, yourself included. You’ll therefore lessen any fears and will be ready to move on to talking about the substance of your application in no time.
If the reason for leaving your previous company involving a sudden resignation (with no current employment yet), you may need to approach your answer smartly. Any hiring managers will want to know just why you have resigned, and if the cause of it may possibly a displeasing experience on your end or perhaps of a more personal reason (family matters, health, etc.). This is to gain the causality and to ensure they won’t be facing a similar situation a few months down the road. Make sure to address the reasons clearly, professionally, and why you think the current opening is different. If possible, be sure to provide references from the previous job to show that your performance was stellar and that you left on good terms.
In addition to not bad-mouthing a prior employer, this should also include honesty and integrity in your responses. Be frank, make the best of the situation to avoid drawing the conversation out, and then spend the rest of your interview wooing the potential employer with your skills and experience that would make you just the right fit.
