Did your previous job end badly? Here's how to explain it during a job interview.
Articles for candidates
Have you ever had a bad experience leaving a job? Leaving a job doesn’t always go smoothly. Perhaps you were fired or were so frustrated that you simply walked away. It is not pleasant to remember such an event, and you might prefer not to think about it at all.
But what comes next? How can you manage difficult questions or potential consequences from your previous job when looking for a new one?
This article suggests a few steps to help you make the best of such a situation.
Leaving a Job Is Not Easy
If you see yourself leaving a job under less than ideal circumstances, you are not alone. Research has shown that nearly a third of employees have left a job without another one in line.
Interestingly enough, the majority of these people believe that this ultimately yielded a better result for them.
Confused About Whether You Should Put It on Your CV?
About 60% of people who have been fired or left out of frustration say that they would not put that job on their resume or talk about it during a job interview.
However, many career experts believe that it is wise to include the job on your resume rather than leaving it blank. Unexplained gaps on resumes are a negative point, and you do not have to provide the exact reason for leaving your previous job. Many employers believe that it is better to be open about a previous job than to risk finding out about it themselves.
You must add it to your CV, even if you know you will receive a bad evaluation for it.
Discussing with Potential Employers
During a job interview, it is necessary to be open, but do not make the entire conversation about how you left your previous job.
Your answer to ‘Why did you leave your last job?’ does not need to focus on explaining the circumstances of your departure. If you must, mention it as proof that you give everything for something you believe in, such as the job you are applying for.
However, if specifically asked about the events that led to your departure, be careful not to be too negative towards your former employer. Keep it simple and tell the story without bias.
Moreover, you should note that staying in your previous job for a long time is a positive sign for employers, regardless of what led to your departure. It also suggests that your overall performance was generally good and that something unusual must have happened to cause you to leave or be fired.
Radiating Positivity
The key to turning a potential stumbling block during your job interview into something positive is to focus on how the experience has helped you grow.
Use this as an opportunity to show that you acknowledge how the situation could have been avoided or improved, perhaps through a better conflict resolution process. Demonstrate that you have reflected on the experience, learned from it, and taken concrete steps to prevent it from happening again.
Keep It Honest and Short
Whether it is during your application or a job interview, it is important not to dwell too much on a job where you had a bad experience upon leaving.
Employers today understand better than a few years ago that people leave jobs that don’t suit them. Misrepresenting the situation can be even worse, since the real reasons for your departure can easily be uncovered through reference checks.
If an employer asks, honestly explain the less-than-ideal circumstances, without excessive explanation or justification. Focus on your other, more positive achievements and on what you aspire to in the new position.
The ability to identify a problem and propose possible solutions is a valuable skill that employers appreciate, so showing that you have learned from the experience can be beneficial.
Practice this approach and prepare your answers for possible questions. This can boost your self-confidence and increase your chances of getting your next job.