Dear Work Coach:
I have an interview question I hope you can help me with it. I left my engineering job about 3 months ago. The reason is that I discovered I prefer people to numbers, and thus, I left to seek a new job. I believe successful people do not continue to do things that do not interest them. They move out of their comfort zone (and believe me, it was very comfortable at my old job). I had excellent working relationships at my old company and have made firm friends there. We parted on very amicable grounds.
Thing is, I left after working for only 7 months and I do not know how to answer the dreaded “Why did you leave your previous job?”. I have an interview next week for my dream job and I really need help!
Thank you so much for even reading this!
Linda
***
Hi Linda!
Thanks for the great question. I especially love when I can give someone good news.
First, I want to say that I applaud your decision to move on to something that interests you. Too many people stay in a job that bores them or one they hate because of fear or inertia. The self-awareness and initiative you show is something any new employer would admire – at least anyone you’d want to work for.
Now here’s the good news. Assuming that your whole career hasn’t been short stints like that and assuming from your words “dream job” that the new job is in a completely different field and/or role (one that you have thought about and really want), all you have to do is tell the interviewer the truth.
There comes a time in any career when we know it’s time to look for something new and that’s just what you did. Any good interviewer looking to fill a people-oriented job will get your reasoning immediately! They’ll probably even nod their head and smile with deep understanding.
Of course, make sure you let them know you thought long and hard about this and that you certainly felt bad about leaving such a great bunch of people (no need to even emphasize the duration), but you feel very excited by the chance to finally work with people and not just numbers! Your sincerity will show. Just be prepared to explain why you know this job is so right for you. (That advice goes for job interviews in general, no matter what your background or history.)
Good luck, Linda. Please let me know how it goes. I’m excited for you!
Ronnie Ann
****
New Work Coach Cafe Policy:
Although I had to stop answering individual questions (to preserve my sanity), as always your thoughts and stories are VERY welcome here.
****
vvv
Hi again JoJO!
I’m so glad you’re taking this in stride and have a good support system. Also happy the Sarno book is resonating with you – and with your back.
As you know, I love it!
Mostly just told you about the HIPAA stuff for any future jobs. Who knows…one day you may be a HIPAA trainer.
I always think these things come in handy later in one way or another.
All the best to you, JoJo! Please stay in touch.
Ronnie Ann
I honestly don’t think I will ever work in the medical community again, not here anyways, the community is too small & they all know each other.
Thank you for your time & interest. You’re awesome to care for people like you.
Take care. JoJo
Thanks for the kind words, JoJo. And I do understand about small communities. I came from one!
But also – and I know I run the risk of sounding like an old codger – time passes, things change, people move on, and stuff that once seemed so big turns into nothing more than interesting stories with no lasting resonance. And one never knows where they eventually wind up. (But I totally get you won’t be looking there soon!
)
Good luck, JoJo.
Ronnie Ann