How to Explain to an Employer Why You Quit a Job
In a competitive job market, how you answer tough questions plays a pivotal role in landing a job. While some answers, such as those about strengths and weaknesses, may not put you in jeopardy, others may hurt your chances. One such answer is why you left your previous job. This is especially true if you quit your last job for a spontaneous or combative reason. Explaining why you quit your last job correctly will help alleviate your interviewer's concerns.
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Instructions
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Explain why you left your previous job in a brief manner. Do not speak negatively about your former employer or manager. Be as succinct as possible unless you are required to elaborate. Offer as many generalities as necessary without sharing any specifics unless asked to offer details.
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Clearly outline what you learned from the situation. For example, if you left impulsively or with little or no notice, explain that you have since improved how you communicate your needs and job expectations. By not casting blame on others, you show responsibility and introspection, and you will give the appearance of someone who genuinely wants to improve his job skills and career.
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Tell the truth about why you quit because most prospective employers will check references. While some former employers may be reluctant to offer details, others will not. Give both sides of the story and show not only your weakness in the situation but the positive steps you have taken to correct the flaw that led to your resignation, such as setting clear expectations or improving your communication skills.
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Spin the negative into a positive. Rather than stating that you were burned out, explain that you hold yourself to a high standard that may not have been realistic. Rather than only stating the deficiencies in your previous manager, explain that the two of you had different work styles. For instance, some bosses prefer to heavily control employees' work while some employees like to work more independently. These different personal styles can lead to dissatisfaction and underutilization of skills and talents, leading to resignations.
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Tell your prospective employer that your resignation stemmed from your desire for a job that's more suited to your talents, skills and passion for your specific field. This can be particularly effective if you apply for a company involved in benevolence projects or green initiatives. Explain that you wanted to make a difference instead of merely collecting a paycheck.
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Focus your answer on the positive aspects of the prospective job. State that you are looking for a career with a company with an extremely high potential. Research the company and offer some specific initiatives that demonstrate that you have earnestly studied the situation and see the added value of the new opportunity.
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Tips & Warnings
Be prepared for this issue. Script out an outline about what you want to say.
Avoid disclosing illegal actions by your former employer even if it directly led to your resignation. Your prospective employers will assume that you will do the same to another company if you resign.
If you quit to take care of an ill family member, explain how your previous employer allowed you to use the Family and Medical Leave Act, but you expected that your time off would extend beyond the provisions, so you felt the right course of action was to resign and allow your company to hire your replacement. This shows that you understand your rights but place a high value of your employer's needs as well.
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