How to Answer: Why did you leave your last job?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Office Administrator job interview.
14. Why did you leave your last job?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to understand your motivations for changing jobs because they want to know if you are likely to stick with their company if they hire you.
Written by Jenna Cohen on March 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Answer this question honestly without providing too much detail or making disparaging comments about your previous employer.
Most companies do employment verification and will find out the reason you left from the company's perspective, so you should tell the interviewer the truth upfront. If you were let go from your last role, explain why. Maybe there was a mass layoff, and you were caught up in that. If your departure was due to performance or attendance, give the interviewer a brief explanation of why those issues happened and what has changed so that you will not repeat the same mistakes!
If you chose to leave your last role, tell the interviewer what your motivations were. If you relocated to a new city or had to reduce your hours to take care of a loved one, say that.
Written by Jenna Cohen on March 31st, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid speaking negatively about any of your prior employers! Even if you were let go, try to speak about it without anger or sadness. The interviewer wants to hire someone who is excited about joining their organization, not someone who is applying as a last resort.
Written by Jenna Cohen on March 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I didn't choose to leave my last job; I was laid off when my entire department was dissolved. I enjoyed working at ABC Company. I was friendly with my colleagues and pleasantly challenged by my work! I would have loved to stay with them longer, but now I am looking for another opportunity where I can continue to grow professionally and work with more great people."
Written by Jenna Cohen on March 31st, 2022