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
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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
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Although I had to stop answering individual questions (to preserve my sanity), as always your thoughts and stories are VERY welcome here.
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You can count on being asked this question. From serving on numerous selection committees, I feel certain that your interviewers are pondering the big WHY even now.
I think the best thing to do is to tell the truth and to follow up with why you think this particular organization (the one you’re interviewing with) is the right “fit” for you. One of the things we talk about in psychology is the right P-E (Person-Environment) fit, so your desire to find a job that best suits your personality and temperament is a legitimate reason for leaving the former job.
Nicely said, marlajayne. Thanks for adding to the discussion. Please feel free to add your voice of experience any time!
Thank you so much for this excellent piece of advice! I have decided to be truthful and your words strengthened my belief. I felt so reassured reading this.
I graduated only last year actually, so the previous job I left is also my first. I do admit I was naive and have not given serious thought to it when I accepted my first job offer. It seems the right path, to become and engineer because I have a degree in engineering.
Before resigning I have given ample thought to the decision and I made the decision when I realised I just couldn’t see myself in the same field 5 years from now. And yes, the “dream job” is in a totally different role from my previous job. Thank you so much again, Ronnie Ann. For your prompt and sincere advice. I will certainly tell you how the interview went!
Ah…you’re just starting out. Even better. How wonderful that you are wise enough to follow your heart so early in your career. Where were you when I needed that advice? (-;
This is just the first leg of your life adventure. Wherever this leads you – whether to this job or some other like it – it’s the right path when you are being true to yourself. All the best Linda!
I’ve just got to add this little tidbit. Some sage words of wisdom that have been influential in guiding my career decisions is that we start out thinking of a job as a way of making a living, but if you keep at it, sooner or later it becomes a way of making a life. There’s so much truth to that. What a person does, what she thinks about herself (defines herself), who her friends are, etc. form much of the fabric of her life. Not that there aren’t other things that go into a life, but what one does during the workweek is certainly part of it.
Plus, as I contemplate my weekend, I realize that the $$$ we make from some jobs enables us to do more (or less) of the fun things. Without a great job, could you have a fun shopping trip, go on vacation, or give to charitable causes?
Great comment, marlajayne. You are so right!
Job Interview Tips: Links to Some Down-to-Earth Advice from Work Coach « Work Coach // Aug 30, 2007 at 10:48 am
[...] Explaining Why You Left the Last Job So Soon [...]
I’m in somewhat of a similar situation as Linda but my profession is family medicine . I graduated from medical training in june 2007 and got my first job with in August 2007 . I’ve been completely miserable with the job to the point I’ve lost sleep (literally) and become depressed about it. I finally made up my mind to put in my notice to employer because I just wasn’t happy. I hate to admit it but part of the reason is the long hours and the so called light inpatient care that turned to be more than I bargained for. Also the working environment was getting a bit overbearing.
I’ve thought about ways to put my reason for leaving in a digestable answer and can’t seem to find one . Any advice?
Hi M.B.!
First, let me congratulate you on listening to your inner voice and respecting what it’s telling you. Some jobs just aren’t the right fit, even if on paper they seem so good!
Earlier in the comments section here, marlajayne wrote these words:
“I think the best thing to do is to tell the truth…One of the things we talk about in psychology is the right P-E (Person-Environment) fit, so your desire to find a job that best suits your personality and temperament is a legitimate reason for leaving the former job.”
I learn so much from the people who stop by and offer their sage advice. Of course, only you know the words that will feel right for you to say, but perhaps somewhere in the idea of personality-environment match is your truthful answer. You accepted this job in good faith and are very grateful to them for giving you the opportunity (etc. etc.), but you’ve come to realize that it just isn’t the right fit for you and in fact, it’s been making you miserable. And you know there is no way you can offer your patients (or the practice) what they deserve if you are so unhappy. Deciding to move on is best for you, your employer and your patients both in the short and long run.
I would start first by writing these thoughts in a pretend letter of resignation and then letting your edits reflect your own truth as clearly and honestly as possible, not making it about any individuals you work with but rather the mis-match between you and the environment/required duties. The letter will help you clarify your own thoughts. Add any other pieces that flow from your fingers to help you think things through, even if you’d never really say them to your employer!
But I want to add a thought or two here, if I may – while also asking a few questions to help you think about it yourself. You say the things you mention are PART of the reason. Maybe one of the reasons it’s hard finding the “digestible answer” is that there’s a piece of you unsure of the whole picture. Clearly, there is something else going on here and it’s not my place to guess. (Maybe you already know but understandably chose not to share it in this forum.) I just want you to use this opportunity to stop and look at what you really want from your career if you aren’t quite sure at this moment.
Is it really family medicine? Is it really direct patient care? Is there another kind of family care environment (with different values, perhaps) where you’d feel more comfortable? Would you prefer research maybe? Or is there another field you’ve always wanted to try or something else deep down you might want to think about? Times like these are not failures or even mis-steps – they are keys to what we really want in life.
Of course, if you are lucky enough to be clear about what you want to do next…great! But if not, you might want to work with someone who can help you think about these things. It’s a perfect time. I’m sure there are career coaches in your area who can help, should you want to explore this further. (If this was way off track, please excuse. So hard when I know so little about your particular situation. Simply throwing these thoughts out for you or any other reader on the slim chance it might offer some additional personal insight during this transition.)
Whatever you decide to do next, M.B., I wish you much luck! Saying good-bye will be easy once you realize it’s best for everyone not to stay in a job that makes you miserable. Please let me know what happens, if you feel like sharing. And again, congratulations on listening to that wise inner voice we all need to learn to trust in more. It’s so freeing to let ourselves follow our hearts into jobs we truly love!
After over 15 years of service my employer decided to accept my resignation or terminate my employment. Of course I chose to resign. I was their top Project Manager, and after a customer complaint, which was my word against the word of the client, they decided to let me go. Now I’m having a hard time deciding the right words to use as a reason for leaving a company after 15 years.
Hi Edwin!
So sorry about this. I think this is something many people wonder about so I made it into a post. Here’s my best shot at answering your question:
Job Interview: Reason for Leaving Your Job After 15 Years
Good luck!
Ronnie Ann
Here is my predicament; I’d love to get your advice. I worked for Microsoft as a contractor for about a year. During my last contract, my manager told me they had an opening for a permanent employee and she wanted me to fill it. At the time I was a bit ambivalent, because I was very content in my contracting role. My primary issue was having to share a cramped windowless office, which made concentrating difficult when an officemate was talking, eating, or typing. (I have since learned I am part of the 20% of the population who have highly sensitive neurological systems. Elaine Aron, Ph.D. and others have written about this subject.)
Based on information my manager had shared with me, I thought as a permanent employee I would have my own office and even be able to work from home some of the time. So I went ahead an converted to become a permanent employee. Within days after my conversion, I discovered I would not have an office of my own. A couple of months later, after becoming increasingly depressed by the office situation, I asked to work from home one day a week. The request was denied by the Group Manager, who said it was a policy that someone needed to be there six months before they could even submit such a request. Mind you, I had already worked there six months if you included the period I had been a contractor. In addition, the policy was at the manager’s discretion. In fact, someone else on my floor who had started as a perm the same day I did had his own office and could work at home as much as he wanted, as long as he was available for meetings.
I explained my predicament in detail, and attempted to negotiate a solution (“let me work in a cubicle somewhere, or an open lab type environment”). An HR Manager was brought in, but said it was, in fact, up to the manager and he wanted to be consistent in his policies. My efforts failed. I resigned. I gave a month’s notice and did a great job of wrapping up my work and transferring my knowledge.
How do I articulate this in a “short and sweet” way? Most people I’ve encountered (like the Group Manager at Microsoft) aren’t familiar with the body of knowledge around highly-sensitive people (typically bright, creative, intuitive, highly conscientious), so I am reticent to mention it. And now that I’m aware of this trait (which I only learned about during this situation at Microsoft – though I had known of my “symptoms” for a long while), I can develop better strategies. But how do I explain leaving a high paid secure job because because I had started dropping into a deep depression being forced to work 40 hours a week in that shared cramped windowless office. Had the Group Manager (my polar opposite temperment wise) been even a wee bit sensitive to my needs, and willing to provide some reasonable accommodation, I’d still be there, doing work I loved.
Hi Liz!
It’s late now and I may not be able to answer this for a day or two (want to give it some thought), but just need to tell you I totally get where you’re coming from and will do my best to answer. Meanwhile, just know that this IT free-lancer shares your sensitivity big-time! At least you’ve helped me know why I feel like jumping out of my skin in an environment others find totally comfortable. Thanks.
More soon!
Ronnie Ann
Ronnie Ann,
I look forward to “hearing” your input. I’ve been contemplating starting my own business, and each interview I go on pushes me a little further in that direction. Your feedback is validating, and I really appreciate it.
By the way, when I shared my story about Microsoft with one of my brothers ( an attorney who works primarily from home), he shared with me that he also is highly sensitive – and was told so by a psychologist back when he was in college. Needless to say, this was validating as well.
Highly sensitive people are frequently free-lancers or self-employed. Perhaps I just need to commit to that as well and push forward. I see my biggest obstacle as being comfortable asking people for money. I’m a “happy helper” sort of person – I’d be far more comfortable in a village-like barter economy, than having to come up with fees for my services. Any suggestions or guidance around that are welcomed as well.
Regards,
Liz
Hi Liz!
Thanks for your patience. So sorry you had to go through all this! As I mentioned before, I am a kindred spirit both in IT and in being noise-sensitive – and I really understand where you’re coming from.
In fact, the day after I read your comment, the man who sits next to me (I’m currently sharing an office with THREE others) was playing some music really softly – being very considerate – but there was a drumbeat I kept hearing loudly enough to draw my attention, even though most people would not have heard it. But I did – and it was distracting me. I know you can relate.
Unfortunately, even as a free-lancer, as in my current case, you never know where you might wind up. And this office is waaaay quieter than the one I had 2 months ago, which drove me up a wall!! More on that soon.
To get to your first question first…when you interview, I would not mention the phrase “highly-sensitive person”. It’s a big red flag against you. The trick when answering interview questions is to be as positive as possible and as honest as possible – and then get on to discussing your strengths as quickly as possible.
If you choose to do contract work again or free-lance again (a much easier transition, I think), your best bet is negotiating your needs up front. Non-employees have less of a chance of getting their own office in most cases, but unlike your last experience, many places can at least find you privacy if you don’t mind some small cubbyhole off in the boonies. Plus, you can discuss working from home on occasion as part of the negotiation. It’s something I always try to get included if at all possible. (In fact, I have it now.)
And the good thing about not taking a permanent gig as your next move is it provides a wonderful excuse as to why you left the last job…you can simply say you realized you are much happier as a contractor or free-lancer. Many people are and this makes total sense to an interviewer.
If you do decide to try for a full-time job, one approach is to tell them that you liked the work itself and hated leaving, but the conditions wound up being something other than you expected. Then add something about why this job is an even better fit – and then stop.
If they ask you what about the conditions didn’t work for you, you have nothing to lose by being honest. Again, no need to bring up a “condition”, but since you won’t settle for less now, no harm explaining as sincerely and matter-of-factly as possible that you need your own space when you work, even if it is a tiny space no one else wants! (Smile here.) Also tell them, as an alternative if that’s not possible, you could work from home one or two days a week. Then you just stop, look the person in the eyes, and politely ask “Is this at all possible? I really think I could do well here and hope it’s something you’d be open to.”
If they say no…you wouldn’t be happy there any way. You might as well find out now.
But I would definitely explore the urge to have your own free-lance business. That’s how I do it. You say ” I see my biggest obstacle as being comfortable asking people for money. I’m a “happy helper” sort of person”. My question to you is…why don’t you see yourself happily helping yourself?
When you ask for what you deserve, you are offering yourself at a fair price to a company who is getting a superior worker. Do you know what some companies pay for consultants??? You can price yourself fairly and still make really good money. If you can, check around and find out what consulting firms charge employers for consultants that do similar work. They pay consultants in some cases more than double what I make, and I still do REALLY well!
Trust me Liz…after you do it a few times, it gets easier. My first time, I asked for the advice of people I knew, and then when the time came, I looked the person straight in the eyes and asked for more than I ever imagined…and she said YES! After that I actually chose to lower my rates, which turned out to be a smart move because I got lots more work in other areas at the same place by being affordable – even though what they considered affordable was still more than I ever earned before!
And oh…back to the issue of sensitivity…even though earphones annoy me, I’ve found certain music – especially gentle new age stuff I’d never consider in my personal time – helps me stay relatively sane when the noise is too much. It kind of provides what psychologist call “white noise”. And I also do deep breathing and meditation exercises.
But in the end, your best ally here is YOU – and learning to put yourself and your needs into the negotiations. You deserve to work in conditions that work for you!
Oh…and one last point…not that I think you’ll need to go this way ever again…for anyone who has a physical condition that a doctor would vouch for, under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) companies have to make “reasonable accommodations” to such conditions for their employees. Even Microsoft!
I wish you all the best, Liz. Please let us know what you decide and how it turns out.
Ronnie Ann
Ronnie Ann,
Thank you for your thoughtful response.
(1) I have a great written recommendation from the manager who hired me at Microsoft, and in it she expresses that she understands my reason for leaving “to return to contract work” – which was my expectation. I guess I had become clear that in all but very special situations, I prefer contracting to permanent positions. As you pointed out, contracting and free-lancing leave more room for negotiating the conditions.
(2) Over the past two weeks I interviewed for two permanent roles (I know, why?). It was good practice on how to talk about why I left Microsoft. I did a poor job in the first interview, but I did far better in the second. I explained that when I accepted the permanent position at Microsoft I expected (based on what had been shared with me) the working conditions would be better, but they actually were worse – in both roles I ended up having to work in a shared 7 x 11 windowless office, but at least as a contractor I was allowed to work from home some of the time.
By the way, the average prison cell is bigger than 7 x 11!!
In any case, the interviews led me to long even more for working as a free-lancer. At this point in my life, I crave the independence and self-direction. So I’ve now committed to getting my own business off the ground.
(3) In regard to charging people, your point is well taken. I would certainly want to pay someone (or barter with them) if they helped me. I will do some meditation and visualizations around this. And I expect practice will lead to the most improvement – in terms of my comfort.
Interestingly, a while back I talked with a woman who had started a business working with small law firms on improving their financial performance. She related the story of how she and her business partner first did brown bag lunches at various firms — and basically got no business. The more they increased their fees, the more business they got!!
(4) Being “Highly-Sensitive” (I prefer to just call it being sensitive!
) is not a medical condition; it is just a personality trait within the spectrum of what is “normal.” It is not a disease or disorder. I actually explored the official accommodation path at Microsoft, but it required a medical condition.
In explaining being sensitive, I like to compare it to being left-handed. This always reminds me of Inge, a close family friend who had escaped from East Germany, sharing with me the story of how she wasn’t “allowed” to be left-handed in school.
Maybe someday, in expanding the concept of diversity from a legal definition to a cultural norm, people will be respected across a much wider continuum. I won’t hold my breath, for I doubt it will happen in my lifetime. In the meantime, those of us with “minority” traits will probably be happiest journeying along more unconventional paths – and certainly outside the heartless (literally and figuratively) entities known as corporations.
(5) Now and then, I’ll post updates of my journey.
Thank you!!!!!!!!!
Regards,
Liz
Oh Liz!!! This is a wonderful comment. You seem like an amazing person with much to offer anyone lucky enough to create an accommodating work environment!
As for medical/biological conditions versus personality traits – I understand. Glad you at least explored the possibilities. Mostly I was writing that for others with medical conditions who might benefit. But sometimes I do think the line is much closer than it appears in our need-to-label-precisely and judge world. Why not make room for diversity of needs? A flexible work environment has been shown to promote productivity.
I’m thrilled to read that your process has helped you realize what you really want for yourself. Yay! I have no doubt you’ll find interesting solutions. Yes…please do feel free to share as you go along and, if the urge strikes, even send me a guest post. I think many would be interested.
Best of luck! It’s been a delight “meeting” you. I look forward to your updates.
Peace out and in,
Ronnie Ann
Ronnie Ann,
The feelings are mutual. Thanks for having created the site. I’ll be in touch.
In Peace & Joy,
Liz
Hi Ronnie Ann,
I got myself into a predicament & need your advice. I worked at a nursing home until yesterday (I was fired). I work in the office & took care of paperwork & setting up appointments. I was given access to both the office manger’s & the administrator’s passwords for my job. We were recommended to read patient charts to keep abreast of things. I only work part time & on my days off I would read patient records, which is accessible online (kind of a dumb setup if you ask me). Anyway, I didn’t know that reading patient records is a serious offense & I was fired. How do I answer why I was fired from my previous job?
I hate that I’m going to have this stigma attached to me, but I honestly had no clue that this was against the health regulations (we were encouraged to read records). I had no previous training in the medical field & some of my current training went by the wayside because I was only part time & the initially hired me to work the weekend.
You were a great help to me last time & I hope you can help me again. I’m sorry to bother you since, you’re limiting your responses. Any advice would be extremely grateful. I can’t seem to find any help online.
JoJo
Hi JoJo!
I’m so sorry you are going through this. And yes…I really can’t answer all the e-mails and comments I get any more.
But I do feel bad for you and so I’ll share a few thoughts. First, this is a lesson you will remember a long time and that’s a good thing in case you ever work in a hospital or health facility again. And don’t worry…the stigma will go away.
There is a Federal law called HIPAA that, among other things, protects the privacy of our health records. Most major systems are available online now, JoJo, but the protection is that you need a password to get in. And quite honestly, you should have been given your own password with limited access. These records are private and no one except people directly concerned with treatment should be reading them. I would be appalled if I thought just anyone was reading my records! (I just want you to really understand what happened here.)
No question this company didn’t handle security as well as they could have. But considering the position you had there, reading private personal records while off duty is not ok. If you really get that and learn from it, I think this is a lesson that will serve you well for the rest of your career.
BUT…all that said…I don’t want you to beat yourself up or feel bad. We all make mistakes (especially ones we weren’t properly advised about, as in your case); and we all move on. I’ve screwed up so many times I can’t count it on my fingers!
Maybe someone else wants to chime in here, but for me the best way to handle this is by really knowing in your heart you are a good employee and will do your best for your next employer. In the interview, all I would say is something like “I made a mistake and I learned from it.” (Being honest without going into details helps when they do reference checking. A good employer will like that you didn’t lie.) Then just quickly move on to explain that you believe mistakes happen and the best thing we can do is learn from them and then work extra hard never to let it happen again. Maybe even give them another example in a job or elsewhere where you turned a mistake into something really good.
You’ll be ok JoJo. Don’t hold anger or resentment. Least of all toward yourself. Brush yourself off and find the next job. Each mistake makes us stronger. Just show the most positive, pleasant side of yourself when you interview and you’ll get another chance.
Good luck!
Ronnie Ann
Thank you for the encouragement Ronnie Ann. I have a great support system here at home & now you too.
Basically, HIPPA training was very poor, mainly done in a group setting. I was not giving HIPPA laws in writing nor was I instructed on what can or cannot be done. What should’ve been common sense, wasn’t to me. Especially since the records were accessed thru the internet.
I am not letting this fester in me. Coincidentally, I am learning about repressed feelings (partly thanks to you – Dr. Sarno’s book) & how we mask them w/back pain. I have been feeling pretty good despite all that’s happened to me (no back pain!).
Anyway, thanks for the advice & kind words.
JoJo
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
Job Interview Anger: 5 Ways Interviewers Make Job Seekers REALLY Angry | Work Coach Cafe // Jul 11, 2010 at 4:31 pm
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