Why did you leave your last Position?
By Michael R. Neece, CEO Interview Mastery
Describing why you left (or seeking to leave) your last position
is the one interviewer question that causes the most anxiety for
interviewees. The following article provides key strategies for
handling this most frequently asked interviewer questions "Why
did you leave your most recent position?" When you respond,
it is not enough to have an answer. Your answer must withstand
the light of suspicion and be believed.
Be Succinct
Describe the reasons for your departure directly and succinctly.
Stating that you and your boss had a personality conflict is not
believable. Do not go into great details unless they ask you for
the details. The longer you speak on the subject the more suspicious
the interviewer will become. For example: When first asked why
you left your former company you could succinctly state "My
company merged with another firm and the new management wanted
to bring in their own team. Prior to the merger I was a top producer
at the company and received consistently high performance reviews."
Provide Evidence
John could then say he is happy to provide references from his
former company to verify his top performance. Demonstrating a confident
willingness to provide references to support your reasons for leaving
is a powerful way to ensure you are believed.
Tell the Truth in Layers
If you are questioned further about the details, stay with the
facts of what happened, what you did, how you felt and what you
learned. Interviewers want to know that you were not the problem
and to understand how you handled yourself.
What Did You Learn
This is an opportunity to describe what you learned and how you
will handle things differently in the future. Describing what you
learned positively demonstrates that you are a life-long learner
and you look on the positive side of most scenarios.
Stay Positive
State the facts in a positive manner. Any negativity you express
will only reflect negatively on you. If you're angry about the
situation, you'll need to process that anger in another manner
before you interview. The interview is the last place to express
anger about anything.
Make no Assumptions
Do not speculate on the motives or feeling of the other people
involved in the events of your departure. Focus only on the facts
of what happened and what you did.
Eye Contact
Most of us instinctively sense deception. Look the interviewer
in the eyes when responding. This will convey your confidence,
communicate that this is the truth and that you have nothing to
hide.
Practice and Conquer Your Fear
Write out your response and practice saying it. First, practice
responding out loud to yourself, and then practice saying it to
another person. Ask a friend to practice interview you. Ask them
to ask you this question "Why did you leave your last company?" and
a couple other questions you fear most. Practice until you are
comfortable with the words you say and how you deliver them.
Source: Michael R. Neece, CEO Interview Mastery
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