When asked why you left your job, it can be hard to choose the right answer and not lie. There are some tips to help you answer the question without scaring off recruiters. To avoid scaring recruiters away, you should frame your answer.
Answering a question regarding why you quit your job
If your interviewer asks you why you left your last job, you should be prepared with an honest answer. Don't lie or discuss negative aspects of the job you left. Be honest. It doesn't suffice to tell them you quit because of low wages or poor working conditions. They also want to understand why you quit involuntarily or were fired.
The interviewer must believe that you have genuine reasons for leaving your job. This means that you shouldn't state that your reason for leaving the job is because you love bees. This is a bad reason, especially if the job you are applying for matches your experience and skills. You must be able convincing the interviewer that you have genuine reasons for applying and that your skills are compatible with the job requirements.
Do not lie in interviews
It is obvious that lying during an interview can have negative consequences on future job offers or hiring history. The interviewer will see if you lie whether or not it was intended. It can also damage your reputation, especially in your industry. You may find it hard to get new jobs or make connections with people if you have a poor reputation. To increase your chances for landing a new job, it is better not to lie during interviews.
You can avoid lying in interviews by being honest about your weaknesses. Most people won’t admit they aren’t good at a specific skill. If they did, it would look like they were lying. However, you can tell people that you don't like working with others and prefer to ride alone. While it can be acceptable to use a small white lie, it isn't a good idea if you lie about your lackluster teamwork skills.
After leaving a position, it is important to prepare for a job interview
It is normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed after you leave your previous job. However, there are things that you can do. A positive attitude is key. Focus on the positive aspects and reasons you are excited about a new job. It is important to not get too emotional about your departure from your previous job.
Keep in mind that an interviewer is trying to assess your adaptability and ability to work with others. Employers are often attracted to inconsistencies. Avoid using harsh or negative language. It's possible to mention how much your skills have improved in your last job, but now, you want more responsibility. You may even consider taking a course for interview preparation, which will help you answer tricky questions like why you left.
To avoid scaring recruiters, frame your answer
You should have a prepared response in case you are asked why. While it's important to be honest, don't give an answer that reflects a lack of motivation or negative feelings. Instead, list at minimum three reasons why your job was terminated.
Interviewers don't want to hear you quit the job for a bad fit. They're looking for positive experiences and soft skills. If your answer sounds too negative or shows that you're not passionate about the job, you'll likely scare the recruiter away. So, it's important to be honest about your situation, but remember that your answer is the first impression a potential employer will get of you.