Traditionally, this phrase is heard at the interview, and only in a rare case does the job seeker miss this question. Looking for a job in Kuwait for Indians is connected with an HR interview. But, of course, you can not be shy and tell everything frankly. Why be polite?
On the other hand, with some revelations, you risk bringing the employee from the personnel department of a reasonable frame of mind. There is even a whole series of truthful answers that will not contribute to your successful employment.
How you shouldn’t behave
“Drain the negativity.”
HR people often annoy a candidate’s negative comments about a previous employer:
According to human resources officials, the job seeker takes advantage of the fact that the party he is talking about cannot speak up for himself.
The potential employee demonstrates excessive emotionality multiplied by inflated self-esteem.
The potential employer projectively transfers this kind of negativity onto himself and has every reason to believe that the employee will begin to say the same things about him in the future.
Even if you left your last job as if you had left the battlefield, it would be strange, at least, to hear similar feedback about most of your previous jobs.
“Too much work.”
When you say that, an HR person will think about it and interpret the phrase in two ways. One: he was unable to cope. Therefore, he was incompetent. The second: failed to convince management to hire an assistant.
“Uninteresting job.”
And why did you work there? If you held on to it for a while, something about it appealed to you. What if you don’t find any job interesting? With that answer, you must be prepared for a conversation about “my interesting job.” If you are unconvincing in your other narrative, there’s a good chance that an HR person will put you on the “black” list.
“By choice.”
It’s not the best way to answer either. This wording characterizes the candidate as a “closed” person because instead of talking about the reasons for leaving, he answers about the form of dismissal.
Phrases with “not.”
Any answers containing the particle “not” indicate a negative experience with the job duties. The words “little,” “far,” “bad,” and “failed” should not be used, as they serve as sure signs to the human resources professional: “attention – danger!”
Among the optimal responses, the following two lead the way:
“Outgrew my company.”
Candidates often explain their transition by the project nature of the work, and the arguments look convincing. But in this case, additional statements are likely to be required to support the ability of the applicant to work in the company for an extended period if this is what is expected of him optimally. For example, suppose the potential employee can provide references or coordinates of their immediate supervisor from a previous job to confirm loyalty and an amicable parting of the ways with the company.
“Desire to earn more.”
Of course, no one is saying that these two phrases are the code phrases or are always the best fit. But you have to remember that when answering a question like this, it’s better to use the words “more,” “develop,” and “improve” instead of phrases with “not.” An example of an answer is: “I would like to improve my financial situation. At my previous job, I practically reached the maximum in my field of work for this company, so I want to find an employer who will use my knowledge and skills and who will be able to assess their merits. And for me, in turn, new horizons for development can open up. On the one hand, the essence of the answer has not changed much – little pay, no prospects. But the “tirade” sounds much more positive and is perceived by the employer differently.
It is best to refrain from solid emotions and focus on the content of the answer. It is essential to show how your knowledge, skills, and abilities are related to expectations from the new job and what you lacked at your last place.
For example, if you worked as an ordinary specialist, but are applying for a management position, explain that your previous employer did not use your organizational abilities or skills. However, you hope you can develop them in the new place.
Be forward-thinking in answering the interviewer’s question about the reasons for your resignation. In addition to the brief explanation of “I moved to another city,” try to go further and elaborate.
Take the opportunity to show the employer your interest in the company and your motivation to get the job. Please explain how the company culture, values, and focus are relevant to you and why they align with your career plans, experience, skills, and strengths.
Do not speak disparagingly or negatively about your past employment. Instead, focus solely on presenting yourself as a suitable candidate for the vacant position.
According to surveys, the No. 1 reason for voluntary resignation conflicts with your employer. If you speak negatively about your previous boss in an interview, the potential employer will assume that you will behave the same way with him if you decide to quit. No one wants to ruin their reputation, and your interviewer is likely no exception.
Express your enthusiasm and willingness to gain new experience and learn new skills. Focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Convince the potential employer that you are a professional and a worthy candidate for the position. last
Ten examples of answers to the interview question, “Why did you leave your previous job?”
“To be honest, I wasn’t going to change jobs, but an acquaintance told me about a job opening. I was interested in the position and, in general, the company. What you offer your employees sounds intriguing and promising, and the position itself is perfect for me and matches my experience and qualifications.”
Such a response is very flattering to the employer, but it’s important not to go overboard with the praise and compliments. The most important thing is to emphasize that the vacancy brought you to the job market.
“Times were tough for the firm, and the employer had to downsize most employees. I was also affected by downsizing. So now I am actively looking for a new job.”
The answer is truthful, based on facts, and devoid of negativity and excessive emotionality.
“I decided it was time for me to work in my specialty. It’s time to consolidate the knowledge and learn new professional skills. I want to develop in this direction and become a specialist in my business.”
The employer should appreciate your enthusiasm and desire to develop.
“I quit my previous job to spend more time with my father and care for him. But now, circumstances have changed, and I’m ready to return to work. That’s exactly what I need right now.”
Although it is not advisable to be overly frank and share personal things during an interview, this is a case where such an explanation is appropriate and acceptable.
“I quit my job to find a job closer to home. After all, I had to spend about three hours commuting daily.”
“My former boss, with whom we worked together for over 15 years, retired. I decided it was the right time for a change – it was time to move on.”
“My previous job did not provide opportunities for further career advancement.”
“After working at the company for two years, I realized I still needed something different. I want a company that values teamwork.”
“The vacant position fits my needs, professional experience, and skills. In my last job, unfortunately, I couldn’t use my full potential.”
“I liked my previous job, but unfortunately, I couldn’t dream of any career advancement: the firm is small and very narrowly focused.”
What to answer if you were fired
First, your answer should always be positive: you should not criticize or blame your former employer or yourself.
Second, briefly explain the reason for the termination and move on with the conversation.
One answer might be:
“I needed the job, I got the position, but I didn’t fully figure out if it was right for me.
After 2.5 months, I was convinced that the department head and I had completely different views.
Now, I carefully study the vacancy’s requirements, always ensuring I know what my job duties will include and assessing whether or not the job is right for me.
So, before our interview, I thoroughly researched all the information I could find about your company and its management style. I ensured my skills fully meet your requirements, and this job is exactly what I need.”
As a small summary, let’s highlight the five recommendations you need to stick to when you answer the interviewer’s question about quitting your previous job:
- Be honest.
- Please keep it simple: don’t go into too much detail, and don’t talk about personal things.
- Stay positive.
- Demonstrate to the employer your personal growth and desire to develop.
- Don’t forget to highlight your skills and experience.