Why did you leave?
Why did you leave your job?
Why did you leave your job?
During your career and when changing jobs, you will have to answer to this question in a job application, stated as “reason for leaving” and during an interview, stated “why are you leaving your current job?” or “why did you leave X job?”
The average person changes jobs 12 times in their lifetime (2019); the average employee stays with their employer for 4.1 years (2020); 29% of people have completely changed fields since starting their first job after college.*
Reasons for leaving your job provide information about the kind of change you were seeking: a change of environment or working conditions (part-time vs full-time; in person vs remote), advancement (moving to a coordinator, supervisor, or manager position), changing industries, other.
Employers want to understand: your career goals, if you were fired, and if you are a good fit for the current position.
Reflect on your job changes and prepare your answers for the most recent transitions.
What would you say in a job application for “Reason for leaving”:
the company went out of business or merged with another company, company restructuring
looking for a new challenge (a higher role or a different career path)
a position within a company that provided career growth opportunities
left due to relocation
sabbatical for childcare or eldercare
returned to school to pursue a certification, finished bachelor degree, pursued a master program
wanted to work in a different industry that was a better fit for my interests
my values did not align with the company culture
was let go due to (explain reason)
For a job application the above reasons will be sufficient. During an interview, you will state the reason and provide a short answer with additional details and refocus on your interest in the current position being offered. It’s important that you answer the question in a positive way, focusing in what you learned, what you contributed, and the relationships you built while there.
Be honest, your potential employer may contact your prior employer.
Focus on:
opportunity for growth
a position that does not exist with your current employer
a better fit (more innovative, more teamwork, different project, international programs)
Stay positive and always return the conversation to your interest for the current position and the reasons why you are a great fit.
*source: Zipping. Average number of jobs in a lifetime (2022).
Related:
If you need help developing your answers, I can assist you.
Contact me and we can work together. Let’s get started!
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