3M Mock Interview
Practice 33 3M interview questions covering innovation, technical problem-solving, and collaboration.
Question 21 of 33
I see you stayed with your previous companies less than five years. Talk to me about that.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Experienced
Community Answers
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
For many employers, your number of years of experience is flexible, so long as you have the equivalent experience and can perform the position with confidence. Also, they are interested in improving their employee retention rates and want to make sure you don't plan on salary hopping or quitting the moment another opportunity comes along. So, share the twists and turns of your career journey, maintaining a focus on furthering your career goals and development.
Align yourself with their values, and where you hope to further your career with them. As they share on their careers site, "Choosing where to grow your career is an important part of your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company you choose supports and nurtures you in return. 3Mers love working here and on average, stay with the company for 10 years."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"I learned a lot from my current job, and when we initially interviewed, I felt like it was going to be a long-term fit. But what they considered career growth was different from what I envisioned. I did get promoted into a leadership position, but the advancement opportunities beyond that were rather limited. I am very driven to continue to grow and learn and advance my skills. So, although I am grateful for everything I learned and the workplace relationships I built, I decided, on good terms, to further my career elsewhere. Also, I was outperforming colleagues who had 12 years of experience, and now, once I leave, they'll have more opportunities to advance at a rate more suitable for them. To me, it's all about drive and the ability to be a quick study. I have all of these qualities and more."
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