Why are you leaving your current job? Why did you leave your previous job?
Jacobs is known for asking this question in interviews and it may require a bit of practice to get the answer right. If you're leaving your current role on a high note, keep your response brief and discuss your desire for a role that will allow for growth while you utilize your best skills.
You should be honest if you're leaving due to termination or a bad situation, but be careful not to speak negatively about your managers or coworkers. If you made a mistake, own it and describe your plan to avoid a similar outcome. The goal is to briefly explain and end your response on a positive note.
"I am leaving my current job because the company I work for is not in a position to offer advancement opportunities at this time. My manager and I agree that I am ready for my next opportunity and I want to make sure I continue to grow my skills even if that requires me to work elsewhere.
I like my current company and the teams I work with, but Jacobs has a fantastic reputation and multiple avenues for professional growth. I am confident that taking this next important step in my career is the right decision and I look forward to learning from the talented professionals here at Jacobs if hired."
"I was terminated from my previous role. I managed a project that failed and the client threatened to end their relationship with our company if action wasn't taken. The project was in an area I was not familiar with and the budget was much larger than my previous projects. We were short-staffed, and I took the assignment willingly. While the root cause of the failure was multifaceted and several causes were out of my control, I failed to mitigate risk properly and did not communicate the issues promptly. Ultimately, it made sense for me to take responsibility for the failure.
I took a two-month break before applying to new roles. I reflected on the situation and brainstormed ways to avoid a similar result in the future. I also read a great project management book and watched videos to improve my skills. I decided to target new roles that fit my experience level well. The project manager role here at Jacobs is in direct alignment with my area of expertise and the types and sizes of projects I have had success in managing. I feel confident I have the skills to execute the responsibilities outlined in the job description effectively."
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