“Making it fact-based and linking it to business performance takes the pressure off your individual performance,” Howe says. Try phrasing like, “Unfortunately, I was let go as part of a restructuring/layoff, as the company was not hitting its quarterly goals.” If you’ve been laid off, Howe says be upfront, and, like Hubbard mentioned earlier, focus on facts. From what I understand, that's an important part of your culture, and I’m eager to learn more.’ A savvy interviewer will piece the real story together and appreciate your diplomatic approach.” “For example, frame it not as ‘They micromanaged me,’ but as ‘For my growth, I needed an environment where there was more focus on delegation and empowerment. “If it’s your choice to move on, make it about your needs and interests, and link it to a gap that this new company can clearly fill,” she says. Howe recommends tying your transition out of a company to personal or career growth. That’s one thing I did not experience in my last job, and I’m anxious to find a place where I can exercise that.” Hubbard says a successful spin on a negative situation looks something like this: If your workplace was toxic because the boss kept stealing your ideas, and you're asked about your reasons for leaving, tell the hiring manager, “I’m looking for a position where my ideas are recognized and celebrated. What role did you play in that dynamic? Do you have the maturity to deal with difficult situations? Is that how you will talk about our colleagues, clients, and partners once you’re on board?” Creating the perfect answer Unfortunately, in an interview setting it tends to reflect more on you on your conflict resolution skills than on them. “Don’t play the victim or highlight how you were wronged. “Don’t badmouth your previous company, coworkers, or boss,” Howe says. To a hiring manager, your answer to this question is an indicator of how you’ll behave during times of conflict and when interacting with your future coworkers, which can make or break an interview. "Will you be happy here? Will we be able to deliver? What will it take to keep you? Or will you leave soon after you start?" Pro tips: what not to do when asked why you left a job Judy Howe, owner of digital product design and innovation company Punchcut, agrees with Hubbard: "Hiring managers are asking this to understand what might be frustrating to you and to gauge if that same situation might be replicated in the new company," she says. It’s a big turnoff, and I find myself thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, is this person going to ask something of me that I can’t give, because clearly something didn’t work out before.’” "As a hiring manager, I react very poorly to anyone talking negatively about their situation. “When I’ve left a toxic environment, I’ve never, ever, ever, ever mentioned that in a negative sense," Hubbard says. But why? How does putting a positive spin on a negative situation impact your relationship with a potential employer? Read more: The Complete Guide to Getting a Job (Whether You’re on Your First or Fifth) How to talk about your reasons for leaving a job when interviewing for a new role Spin the negative story And remember: Your positivity speaks volumes of your professionalism. She recommends sticking to the facts of the situation, not the feelings. Hubbard says you should be prepared to be honest, though, again, not as frank as you might like to be. Given that, brace yourself for a steely exit-if you quit, lot's of "I'm excited to explore what comes next," Hubbard says-and then, focus on what you’ll say to a hiring manager. Women have told me that they had to have a breakdown before they left.” I know this from women that I coach I know this from research. "Women have a really, really hard time leaving. “My experience is that it is very difficult for women to leave jobs, even when it’s toxic, even when they’re depressed and crying every day," Hubbard says. She says finding the positive can be difficult, especially if you're leaving a bad situation. Melinda Hubbard, who holds a doctorate in business administration, is a leadership coach and an assistant professor at Ball State University, part of their management and HR division. Whether you loved your company or you're leaving a toxic work environment, you want to frame the reason you’re leaving in a positive light. For both off-boarding and interviewing, how you’ll explain your decision-making process needs to be well thought out.įirst and foremost, it’s important to maintain good ties with your soon-to-be previous employer if you can. Explaining the reasons for leaving your job can be tricky.
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