I thank you for your advise. I will see that next time when i take an interview I would be prepared for these questions, hope it all goes well for me. I will intimate you about the results next time.

It’s good that you were in your job for 2.5 years! That helps to show that you can be a reliable employee.

But, you need to have answers to these questions ready because probably almost every interviewer will ask them. Think about the answers to those questions – really think. Then, write down your answers – get help from friends if you need it. And then practice answering those questions until you can do it smoothly. You don’t have to memorize the answers, but you DO have to know what you are going to say and say it confidently.

For help on answering those questions, read these articles:
* Reason for Leaving Your Job After 15 Years – a good read, even if you were there for 2.5 rather than 15 years
* How Employers View You Being Fired – a good read, even if you weren’t fired.
* Answering the “Why do you want to work here” question.
* Explaining why you left the last job so soon.

Good luck!
Susan

I am now 26yr old and I have a situation now that I have left the previous employer where I worked for about 2.5 years and now I want to join a new company. In every Interview I face they used to ask me “why did u quit your previous job” and “why do u want to work for us ” It doesn’t get anything on to my mind why they ask so. I also feel nervous about the interview that whether I could aswer to their questions or not or what question they would ask me. Please help me with what i have to say when they ask me so. Also I want to know what should be the attitude of mine when I face interview and the tone of my voice when I aswer to their questions.

BTW…I’ve worked for huge companies that I wanted to leave. But also important to make sure you’ve explored all possibilities in other divisions or departments.

Good luck, EES!

I’m so sorry you got brought into an unsure, still unwritten job situation. Not your fault, but must have been very difficult. Sometimes these things are blessings in disguise, because they really do help you think about what you do and don’t want. And that’s a good thing for the rest of your career.

In interviews, I’d stay away from any mention of toxicity and turn to the truth about the job itself. “They were in the process of writing the new job description while recruiting me, so I did not realize just how high-level it was until I had been there a few months.” All you have to add is that you did your best anyway, but it just wasn’t the right fit; but it helped you better define the kind of job you do want for yourself. And then add some well-thought-out words about why this job is such a great fit for you and your skills. Or something like that.

Good luck!

The OTHER issue, which I am not sure I should let potential employers know, is that there was a toxic work environment in my department. After I was hired, several other members of my department cam to me independently to warn me to “watch my back” and about the personality of the head of the department. I know this will sound like sour grapes but it was a very real issue.

How to address, at the interview of even before? I am concerned that it may look odd on my resume… should I say anything about the reason for leaving in my cover letter?

Thanks for your guidance!

Part of what you said could open up a few questions. See Talking About Former Employers in Interviews But the rest sounds good and clearly shows you are being honest and moving forward with a positive attitude.

In the future, you can add a reason why this particular job is what you’re looking for; that helps a lot. But hopefully, you’ll get good news and won’t have to worry about how to interview for a long time!

Good luck, EES! Please let us know what happens.

Here are her words:

“Thank you for your advice. After actively looking and praying, I managed to get
a new job. Hope this job will be a lot better than all my previous jobs

Thanks again and will keep reading your articles from time to time.”

I am so glad you let us know, Mave. I wish you much happiness and success in your new job. Each one is a fresh beginning. You are always welcome here.

I was just posed this question a few days ago. I am not sure I even remember my answer as I was prob mumbly and nervous, But it’s pretty much me feeling like I don’t matter at my current position and looking for a place to grow and know my contributions count and are appreciated. (Would that be a BAD thing to Say, I mean it’s the TRUTH yet im not sure if thats NEG talking employer)