How to Explain Why I Resigned to a Future Employer
If you resigned from your previous job before seeking new employment, an employment gap will appear on your resume. Resignations may also make it appear that you quit because of a workplace conflict, which could hurt your eligibility as a job candidate. Reasons for resigning vary from person to person, but some general steps apply to most situations.
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Instructions
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Give the interviewer general reasons why you resigned from your previous job, and only if asked. An interviewer may spot a job resignation as a negative on your resume, so try not to get into too much detail if asked this question. A general reply might be, "I quit so I could concentrate on finding new and rewarding employment." The interviewer may move on to a different topic if he's satisfied with this response.
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Prepare for follow up questions. If you told the prospective employer that your previous job wasn't rewarding enough, he may want to know why. You could tell him the management structure of the company had changed, or that you felt you had accomplished all you could with the company and needed further challenges. Keep replies positive.
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Back up your responses with proof by providing references. If you left your previous job because of a management change, back up your claim with references who can vouch for this change. Remember that many employers, if hiring someone on an executive level, will often check your employment history.
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Tips & Warnings
You will almost certainly need job references from your previous employer, and leaving on a good note will help your job prospects. Even if you left your previous employment because of negative circumstances, don't use that as a reason when handing in your resignation notice.
