Reason for Leaving Your Job? How to Answer This Interview Question Right

 

reason-for-leaving

I was asked the same interview prep question three times last week. They all more or less went like this:

“I have a simple question. I was let go from my job this week. The reason was because:

A) I had a conflict with my boss that came to a head.

Or

B) I was a whistleblower on a wrong practice my department was doing and instead of fixing it they let me go.

Or

C) My department was moved to Cincinnati and I could have gone, but I’m sick of doing this job.

What do I say for my “reason for leaving (RFL)” my job?”

A simple question. Yes. Simple to ask.

Not so simple to answer.

Can you see why?

Everyone’s situation is different.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all reason-for-leaving answer.

These are the unique points you need to consider when practicing your reason for leaving:

  • Were you there a long time or a short time?
  • Is this really the only time you had a conflict with your boss or has it been ongoing?
  • Will they give or not give you a good reference?
  • Are you looking to stay in the same field or do a career change?

It’s these answers that help us devise a RFL.

The “Reason for Leaving” answer has to make sense for your situation.

For instance, you cannot say you left because you want a career change when you’re interviewing for the same job.

Constructing a truthful, diplomatic and sensical RFL is a real thing a job seeker must do to advance in the interview process.

You can’t just wing it and expect someone like me to give you a one-sized-fits-all answer.

To learn how to come up with a unique answer that will work for you and get you to the next stage in the interview, get your copy of our interview prep training and eBook to be sure you don’t waste another interview opportunity by not being prepared:

https://chameleonresumes.com/interview-bundle

You will love being prepared for this question – the one you hope they don’t ask, but you knoooowwww they will ask.

Be ready and move forward,

Lisa

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About Chameleon Resumes

The Chameleon Resumes team, led by CEO Lisa Rangel, stands out as the premier executive resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, and job landing consultancy. As the only firm hired by LinkedIn and recognized by Forbes in this space, we bring unparalleled expertise to your career advancement journey. Our proprietary 4-Stage META Job Landing System™ is the culmination of decades of corporate and executive recruiting and executive resume writing experience. This proven methodology is designed to position you strategically for your next 6- or 7-figure role, ensuring you stand out in a competitive job market.

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