How do you answer 'What was your reason for leaving your last job' in an interview or in a resignation letter

Answer 1

Well, it depends on the reason you left. If you were fired, you will have to explain why. I walked off of a job once. I don't word it like that, though. I simply say that I managed a big-box store that was forcing me to work 80-90 hours a week without proper compensation, and couldn't do it anymore. If it makes you feel better, when they call to check your work references, your past employers have to be very careful what they say about you. Many times, they will only give out what position you held and the dates you worked. This could play in your favor. You could always have a friend call your work references and see what they say, and how they say it. Remember, this friend will need to sound professional, and ask good questions, like "would you rehire this person?" "How was their quality of work?" to see if they answer those types of questions.

Answer 2

You could say that you were working toward a promotion and they kept hiring from outside the company. While you appreciate the need for new blood now and then to keep a company sharp, you also don't want to be stuck in a company that does not offer opportunity for advancement from within. This lets them know that while you are applying for the current position, you will be a hard worker who expects to be moved up in the ranks. End with the counter question "Does your company generally provide opportunities for advancement by promoting from within?" This will require an answer and may head off any follow up questions regarding your leaving the job. Any question you don't want a follow up question to, using the counter question technique after you have provided an answer will quite often steer the conversation in a direction you prefer or move it on to the next question. It also makes you appear interested in the company and engaged in the interview and helps you find out more about the company.

Answer 3

Use the truth. I quit one job and applied for another. When I went in and they asked why I quit - I told the truth, the interviewer looked at me, said I can't believe you stuck with a boss like that for so long, and then hired me on the spot.

In my case, I worked for 5 years for a travel agency. After three years, I threatened to quit and finally got a 25 cent pay raise (put me up to $5.25 an hour--year was 1990). Two more years went by and the boss announced she could not afford raises for anyone. She then went out and bought herself and her husband matching Cadillacs. I quit. I was immediately hired at this other company as the assistant to the president/owner. He started me at $8 an hour and by the time I went on maternity leave a little over two years later, I was making $10 an hour.

Answer 4

On a job application always say you left for advancement. In the interview go into more detail. Point out that the new job paid more or offered better long term career opportunities. Never criticize your old boss or company, it just makes you look bad.

Answer 5

Honesty is always best. However you can try to make it sound a bit better. For example, if you were fired for being too lazy to do your job, say that you were not happy with what you were doing because it was not challenging enough (bored). If you simply didn't like your job and quit, then say so and elaborate on what you are looking for. My usual response is that the job was a "term job" and finally ended as I had completed the task and was no longer needed.

Answer 6

one possible answer is to say you are seeking to advance in your field and that last position did not offer many opportunities for you to contribute your maximum. of course, you'll have to cite some examples of this. the point is to establish how much you'd benefit the company if they hire you. never mention anything negative. when asked what your worst habit is, tell them you're a perfectionist & will do the job over (& over) again if necessary, until it's perfect; or that you can't go home before a job is completed & therefore stay late to finish; or that you really hate to be late, so you're constantly running early. you get the idea. good luck!

Answer 7

Well, you can use honesty, up to a point. I've always said on my applications and interviews that I felt that it was time to move on to something better. It gives the employer the impression that you think the job you are applying for is a step up for you, and that makes them happy. Happy employers hire folks quicker!!

Answer 8

I always think the truth is the best choice. People will appreciate your honesty .
Anyway, you can tell you got a better offer, but never say you got bother or tired of your previous job.

Answer 9

whatever happened try to make it sound as casual as possible. just put quit for wahtever reason
resigned for wahtever reason..
or relieved of duties for whatever reason..
be honest, but try to keep the ugliness down to a minumum

Answer 10

I tell them I was seeking a more challenging position.