How to explain why you left a job (with examples)

There are many reasons hiring managers ask why you’re leaving your job. For one, hiring managers want to see if your answer aligns with what else you’ve revealed during your interview. For example, if you say you’re leaving to make more money, but later say that you’re not salary-motivated, an employer might infer that you have a tendency to stretch the truth.

 

Of course, a hiring manager is also asking to see if you’re a culture fit for the job. If you say you left a company because the schedule was inflexible, but the position for which you’re applying doesn’t offer more flexibility, you may not be a fit for this exact job.

 

Finally, interviewers are often looking for red flags when they ask this question. Someone saying they left their job because their boss was a jerk could be an indicator that they are difficult to work with, or, at the very least, overly direct in their communication style.

 

If you’re not leaving your job to escape a bad manager or company, you have little to fear. 

 

In this case, you might say, “I really like the company I’m with, but they know I’m looking to pivot my career in a different direction, and they don’t have any relevant openings.” This answer sends the message that you’ve addressed your career aspirations to your employer, which shows a potential employer that you are communicative and transparent.

 

If you’re leaving your position because you feel like the environment is toxic or you can’t be yourself at work, find a way to answer honestly without coming across as negative. Instead of pointing out what you hate about your current company, consider framing your answer as, “My goals and the company’s goals weren’t aligned.” It’s honest, but vague enough to be safe. Prepare an anecdote about a difference you had with your employer in case the interviewer presses you on the topic, and be sure to communicate that you and your boss maintain a civil, respectful relationship.

Being “laid off” is often based on business cycles and financial trends. Whether you’ve been laid off after three months or 30 years, the same principles still apply.

 

Be factual: One consultant in the Glassdoor Community Bowl recommended acknowledging the reasons behind the layoff and moving on. Stick to the basics, like: “Due to a company restructuring in [Month, Year], my role as [X] was eliminated.” If you have a phone or video interview, practice explaining those details in a mirror to make sure your facial expressions and body language look relaxed while explaining your layoff. 

 

Remember, there’s no reason to stress. Layoffs are an unfortunate reality beyond your control, and most hiring managers will be understanding of that.

 

If you’ve been fired from a job, you need to review exactly what you can and can’t say per your arrangement with your former employer. Check with the HR department to see how the company will represent the situation and what policies it may have in place for disclosing any information. Be careful not to violate any exit agreement or non-disclosure agreement terms.

 

Next, be honest, while staying focused on the positives. For example, instead of saying “I was fired,” try a softer phrase such as “I was let go” or “The company and I decided to part ways.” Consider a follow-up like:

 

• “Unfortunately, I couldn’t live and breathe the product line, and it made it difficult for me to translate the value to new customers. I now understand that wasn’t the right fit for me, and what I’m really interested in is XYZ.”
• “I did not have the right skill set to succeed in that kind of role, so now I’m considering opportunities that would play better to my strengths, such as XYZ.”

 

Whatever the issue, you’ll feel more confident in your interview if you practice your responses. At a minimum, you should be able to explain the problem, highlight what you’ve learned, and assure the hiring manager that it won’t affect your work moving forward. For in-person interviews, pay extra attention to your hand gestures and body language.

No matter what you do, don’t speak ill of your previous company or boss — if you do, the interviewer might question your loyalty as an employee. That includes statements like:

 

• My boss was crazy
• It was a toxic work environment
• The clients were a nightmare
• The hours were too long
• The pay was terrible 

 

When you go negative in a job interview, the interviewer may conclude that you’ll describe future employers in the same way. Prove that you can leave with strong relationships and a good attitude. 

Sometimes the motivation for leaving a job is easy to explain; other times, the explanation may require more finesse. Don’t worry: There are constructive ways to frame even the “bad reasons” for leaving a job.

Good reasons for leaving a job

• Relocation: “My partner got an incredible job offer in Denver, and while I enjoy my current job, I want to move with her to allow her to explore this new opportunity.”
• Following your passion: “I’ve always wanted to join an innovative, early-stage startup like this one, so when I saw you had a relevant role opening up, I knew I had to apply!”
• Upward mobility: “After five years and a couple of promotions at my current company, I’ve realized that my future growth opportunities are limited. I’m hoping to find a new job that will help me develop new skills and move into a management position.”
• Transitioning roles: “I’ve worked in sales for some time now, but I’ve realized in the last year that what I’m most interested in is marketing. I’m looking for a company that will help support this career transition.”
• Culture fit: “Working at a Fortune 500 company has given me incredible experience, but it’s also made me realize that I prefer to work at a smaller organization where I can have more of a direct impact.”

Bad reasons for leaving a job

• Insults or complaints: “My boss is a control freak.”
  • Instead, say: I’m drawn to your company’s reputation for mentorship and leadership development.
• Boredom: “I get antsy any time I stay at a company for more than a couple of years.”
  • Instead, say: I’m ready to take on new responsibilities and hone my skills in [X].”
• Want an easier job: “I’m looking forward to a job where I won’t have to work so hard all the time.” 
  • Instead, say: I’m really impressed by your company’s commitment to prioritizing work life balance and mental health.”
• Ethical concerns: “I want to get out before my company gets in trouble with regulators.”
  • Instead, say, “I want to be part of an organization that abides by the same high ethical standards that I hold myself to. 
• Poor performance: “I missed quota, so I’m trying to find a new job before they let me go.”
  • Instead, say, “After working in [X capacity], I’ve learned that more skills and passion are better suited to [Y jobs].