Be Prepared to Answer Why You Left Your Previous Position

A job interview is essentially an investigation, and hiring managers analyze every word you say for clues about your personality and behavior in the workplace. When they inevitably ask why you left your last job, make sure your answer strengthens your candidacy and doesn't bring up information you prefer to leave in the past. Prepare tactful responses that keep the job interview focused on your positive experiences so that you can avoid awkward discussions.

1. You Didn't Leave Voluntarily

Hiring managers don't want to recruit someone other employers view as a liability, but you shouldn't sabotage your chances by lying about being fired or laid off. Employers understand that many businesses have to let go of good employees for financial reasons. Briefly explain that you were downsized, and remove any doubts about your job performance by offering to provide references from past supervisors.

If you were fired for disciplinary reasons, stick to the bare facts in your job interview, and emphasize what you learned from the experience. Blaming co-workers and adopting a defensive attitude shows your lack of personal responsibility, while a neutral statement can demonstrate maturity. For example: "I was confident about the initial job duties, but after my department was restructured, it was clear that my new role didn't fit my strengths. I want a position that lets me focus on what I do best."

2. You Want a Better Offer

It's natural to want a higher salary or job title, but you don't want to come across as self-centered in your job interview. Show employers that the company's success is your top priority by stressing your dedication to career growth. Instead of griping about a dead-end position, say "I enjoyed my work, but I reached the highest level of responsibility available to me and no longer felt challenged. I believe I can better serve a company that pushes me to grow." This statement complements your target employer and conveys your willingness to stay with the company as it evolves.

3. You Hated the Job

Shameless complaining can instantly kill a job interview. Whether you felt overqualified or didn't get along with your boss, bury those negative opinions. Staying on good terms with past employers and co-workers can improve your reputation with hiring managers, so be positive about your experience. A good response downplays why you left the job and explains how your target position offers career growth. For example: "After re-evaluating my priorities and skills, I realized I prefer the varied work and artistic flexibility of a creative role over an administrative job."

Hiring managers are curious about your motives for applying because they don't want an employee whose behavior disrupts the business. A new hire is an investment, so employers want to know that you're loyal, hard-working, respectful toward colleagues and enthusiastic about making a contribution. Whether you're on good or bad terms with your last employer, practice you answer before a job interview to avoid statements that make you appear desperate, negative or self-serving.

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