Why did you leave your previous job?
The interviewer asks this question to see if you left your previous job because you gave notice, you were fired, or laid off. The CIA will find out this information in your background investigation, but they want to hear your reason why. Based on your response, the interviewer can determine if you might be challenging to work with or if you will be a good fit for the team.
If you say you were fired or laid off, they will want to know why and what you learned from the experience. If you gave notice, the interviewer wants to hear why you chose to leave. If you left because you wanted to further your career or pursue a job with the CIA, the interviewer will see that you are motivated and inspired by professional growth. Describe why you left your previous job.
You want to avoid speaking negatively of your previous coworkers or supervisor. If you did not get along with someone at your last job, which is why you left, it is better to say there was an internal conflict without mentioning anyone's name. It might come up that you had a dispute with someone from your previous job during the background investigation, so you need to be truthful.
"I left my previous job to pursue my master's degree. I wanted to fast-track my degree and could not do it working 50 hours a week while attending the program. I left on good terms after giving two weeks' notice and am still in contact with my former supervisor and coworkers."
"I left my previous job after having an issue with the new supervisor. I disagreed with his leadership skills and the direction he was taking the company. I felt my skills and expertise would be put to better use working with the CIA, so I gave notice and started the application process with your agency."
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