Job interview question?

Question

Here's an interesting job interview question that I was asked which I felt totally unprepared for.

I had a job interview yesterday and I was asked as to why I left my old job (in reality, I was accidentally rude to a couple of people while working under a lot of pressure from school and such).

I told the guy that "I wasn't my best, I wasn't feeling well and that's when I parted from my job which gave me better opportunities." For the record, I'm not rude at all in real life; I was just under a lot of pressure from the job and from school.

The guy asked me what my former manager would say if he called him so I said the usual; "Polite, willing to please, etc." Then here's the kicker. To paraphrase the interviewer, he said "Well, then, if you were so good, then why did he let you go?" I was shocked speechless for about a second or so.

But he did say this "Or would you rather not talk about it." Of course, I opted not to talk about it. Do you think I might have the job?

I was taught by career counselors and such to not go into detail about mistakes that have costed me employment with any company.

I was also told that my mistake is no big deal; lots of people get terminated for bigger reasons (i.e. drinking on the job, stealing, etc).

The day I got terminated; I was working in fast food, showed up to work feeling INCREDIBLY lethargic and I succumbed to the pressure of the job during "rush" (a.k.a lunch time). However, the manager and I parted on GOOD terms. He figured I couldn't work well under extreme pressure and wanted to place me elsewhere in the company but he couldn't do it.

Answer 1

I had probably 4 job interviews in my whole life and I always got the job, main reason was because our job was at high demand all the time..but when I'm asked why I left the other job, i would just say.. to seek for better opportunity for professional growth. With the question, why did he let u go...answer should be... "he was aware that i have reached my full potential in the department i work at and and he's unable to provide me a way to develop further...and i also explained to him my situation." When u go for an interview...(i've done it too before) the interviewer has a set of questions to assess ur skills and knowledge as well as ur attitude for the job... dont think they are out to get u....

Answer 2

I get asked that question all the time, when I interview from time to time. Currently, I have a great job but I always keep my options open for a higher paying job.

But there is no right answer to this question. Potential employers ask this to see what situations prompted you to move on, and that's all.

When I get asked why I left my last job, my answer is basically: I wanted an oppurtunity to grow, to expand in my profession (I am a web developer). My position at the last job was so-to-speak, a dead-end position where promotions and whatnot was not feasible.

Its best to be honest as possibile because the potential MIGHT call you ex-supervisor and if they say something other then what you reported then it makes you a liar, and that kills any chances of getting the job.


IN RESPONSE TO YOUR "Additional Details" COMMENT:
I rarely listen to the recruiters and whatnot because they get paid if you get the job, the last thing you want to do is lie (even a small lie like this) and then look like a fool in front of the employer. Be honest, tell them certain situations happened which made you realize that working for that company wasn't the best thing for you. List situations like, uncomfortable working conditions, no respect for employtees, etc...

Answer 3

You might have the job as there is no big wrong on your part :)

Answer 4

sometimes...its good to bend the truth...hell flat out lie....dont trip..as long as youre HONEST when you get the job..but...dont mess off..the job BEFORE you get it....sometimes you can be TOO HONEST...and all they need is a REASON,...to NOT hire you...TRUST ME...