How to answer, “Why did you leave your last job?”

Preparing for an interview? One of the most common interview questions you should learn how to answer is, “Why are you leaving your current job?”  

This question is always on the interviewer’s shortlist for a number of reasons. It reveals a lot about your relationships with your colleagues, your ideal work environment, along with your values and career goals. However, answering it is not so straightforward depending on your circumstances.

Whether you were let go, or left willingly, your response to this question can determine whether you ace the interview and move on to next steps. Keep reading for tips on how to give a great answer, no matter your circumstances.  

General tips

Keep it professional

Telling a hiring manager that you hated your previous boss is a surefire way to remove yourself from the running. While your reasons for leaving might be emotional, it’s best to strike a neutral tone and show respect for your former or current employer.

Couch your response in positives

Avoid coming across overly negative by starting and concluding on a positive note. For example:

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with excellent colleagues and supportive superiors. However, I realized I didn’t feel challenged enough in my last role. I’m excited by the possibility of expanding my skillset and taking on new responsibilities.” 

Avoid answers involving money or benefits

You could be seeking a higher salary or more time off. But in your response, try to focus more on reasons that will benefit the company and your career growth. Examples include:  

• “I'm looking for a company more aligned with my values.”
• “I feel as though I’ve outgrown my current role and am ready to take on more responsibility.”
• “I’d like to work in a more collaborative environment.”
• “I’m hoping to a achieve better work-life balance.”

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How to answer why you are leaving your current job if you quit or are considering quitting

If you’re in this boat, you should already have a reason for leaving in mind. Use the general tips above to create the best response.  

But what if you’re a passive candidate, meaning you’re not currently looking for a job but have been contacted by a recruiter for the role?  

If this new opportunity is appealing to you, consider what gap it fills compared to your current job. Maybe the position is a promotion or in an industry you’re especially interested in. Focus on the potential benefits of leaving your current role in favor of the one you’re interviewing for.

How to answer why you left your last job if you were laid off

If you were impacted by layoffs, you may bristle at the thought of answering this question. However, employers understand that layoffs are not always indicative of poor performance.  

If the question comes up, it’s best to remain honest. Share that you were laid off, along with a brief explanation, ensuring you remain respectful of the company. You can always strengthen your candidacy by quantifying your achievements at your precious job.  

Additionally, listing former coworkers as references can reassure potential employers you left on good terms.

Example response: 

“Unfortunately, I was impacted by layoffs at my last company due to budget constraints. However, I’m grateful for the skills I developed and the relationships I built there.  

For example, I conducted thorough financial analyses, which resulted in a 15% decrease in expenses, which I understand is a key skill for this role. I’m excited to potentially leverage that experience in this opportunity.”

How to answer why you left your last job if you were fired

Terminations are never easy, but they happen—employers know that. The good news is that your response to this question can positively impact on how they view your termination.

It’s important to reframe this obstacle as an opportunity. Be honest about why you were let go, followed by a brief explanation. Then, share what you learned about that experience and reinforce why you think you’re a good fit for the role.  

Example answer:

“Unfortunately, I was let go when my manager realized they needed someone more advanced to help meet the team’s objectives.  

However, since then, I’ve developed my skills by working on freelance projects and taking various online courses. For example, now I can confidently use coding for financial models with tools like Python and Java.”

Remember, your tone here is crucial. While it’s natural to feel insecure, remaining confident and upbeat will go a long way in showing your resilience.

What’s next?

For more interview tips, check out our advice page and ensure you’re prepared for any question that comes your way.

And if you’re on the hunt for new opportunities, browse our job listings. We partner with thousands of top employers looking for professionals like you. Submit your resume to get notified of new positions aligned with your qualifications.