How to explain your reasons for leaving a job and still get hired

 

We show you how to answer one of the trickiest questions that might come up in your interview: Why did you leave your previous job?

It’s one of the most feared questions in an interview: Why did you leave your last job?
But it doesn’t have to be something to worry about. We’ll help you through that potential interview minefield and show you how you can not only answer the question, but also use it to your advantage. The interviewer might be seeing if they can trip you up. You’re going to show them you can smash through any obstacle.

Not quite at the interview stage yet? Search all our open careers and find your perfect fit.

Why do interviewers ask why you left your last job?

An interviewer will want to know why you’re leaving (or have left) your previous role for a number of reasons.

Do you have a good reason for leaving your job?
If you left without good cause, or just because you were in a bad mood that day, your interviewer might doubt they can trust you and suspect you’ll do something similar to them.

Were you fired?
If so, your interviewer will want to know whether this was for bad performance, behavioral issues or something out of your control like a business restructure.

Did you burn any bridges?
If you still speak to your old manager, or better yet have them as a reference, it shows you were good at your job and didn’t leave by flipping your desk and smashing your computer.

Do your values match theirs?
If you left for ambitious reasons like a greater challenge or more responsibilities, that shows your values are good and can benefit your new employers. If you left because you were bored or felt underappreciated, you might need to word it in a smart way to show you’re not difficult to work with.

How do you explain your reasons for leaving a job?

There are three main reasons for leaving a job, and some of them are easier to explain than others.

1. You’re leaving for career progression

This reason is perhaps the one interviewers are happiest to hear. If you’re leaving your job to further your career, you can explain how your previous role has helped you develop the skills you need to take that next step, and how excited you are to show what you’re capable of in this new position.

It also plays into one of the key rules of a job interview: you’re looking to move into something better, not leave something bad.

This positive outlook shows you’re ambitious without bad mouthing any previous employer. It tells people that you’re confident and up for a challenge, ready to develop and learn new skills and capable of moving up, instead of sideways.

2. You left your last job with nowhere to go

This reason is a little tougher to talk about, but it can still be done in a positive way. Many people will leave their jobs with nowhere else lined up, and there could be several contributing factors as to why. You might not have fit into your old employer’s way of working, your values might not have aligned, or you might have left for personal reasons such as your family moving away.

Whatever it is, you can explain in a way that shows you in a good light:
• You knew you were capable of doing more than your old job allowed.
• You knew you would find something better with the skills you possess.
• You hold your values dearly and were unwilling to let them go for the sake of your work.

All these answers show you to be confident and capable. Even if the real reason you left is because your boss was driving you insane, you can say that you were looking for a better cultural fit where your strengths could be put to better use.

Don’t interview angry. Interview smart.

3. You were fired

Maybe the most challenging reason to explain in an interview is that you were fired. It’s happened to the best of us, and it’s never easy to show a sudden career change like that on your CV.

However, you can approach it creatively.

Being fired isn’t always a bad thing. It can take you out of a situation that wasn’t right for you and give you an opportunity to find somewhere you can thrive. Make sure you mention everything you learned at your old job, talking about how the experience helped you and showed you what you really wanted in your career.

Keep your answer positive. You were fired because the business and you were moving in different ways, and now you’re moving in a better direction.

See our guide: how to explain being fired

10 GOOD reasons for leaving a job

Whatever your reason for leaving, there’s a way to make it work in your favor. Try using one of our examples the next time you interview for a role. You’ll see how easy it is to turn a potentially negative situation into a positive outcome.

Example 1. This job was too good to ignore

“It’s not so much about why I’m leaving my current role; it’s more that this is a role I couldn’t ignore. I’ve loved my time at <current company> and learned so much about <examples of what you’ve learned>, but now I’m ready to put those skills to use in a new challenge. When I saw this role, I knew now was the time for me to step up and prove what I was capable of.”

Why it works:
You show that you’re ambitious. You’ve studied the job posting and know you have what it takes to make it your own. You’re not bad-mouthing your former employers, and you are subtly praising your potential new ones.

Example 2. I’ve achieved all I can and I’m ready for a new challenge

“In my current role, I’ve achieved all that has been asked of me. I’ve won the business new work, earned them more money and hit all my KPIs. There’s nothing left for me to prove, and I’m ready to take on a new challenge. This role represents new opportunities for me to test myself, using the skills I’ve learned in my current job to step up to the plate and do even more.”

Why it works:
You show how much you’ve already done and how you’re ready to do even more. You might be bored at your current job, but you don’t say that. Instead you say you’re ready to push on and achieve great goals.

Example 3. I believe I can offer more to you than them

“I’ve enjoyed my time in my current role, but I believe the job description for this role better aligns with my skills and values. I’m capable of doing more than my current role requires, and this job would give me the room to grow.”

Why it works:
You demonstrate that you’re ready for the next step. You understand how your values match and how well you could work with the potential employer.

Example 4. The company was struggling

“Unfortunately, my old company lost one of its biggest clients and had to make structural changes. I was one of the last people in through the door, so I was also one of the first out. My former manager was sad to see me go, as they believed I would have been of huge benefit to the business in different circumstances.”

Why it works:
Your job loss was for business reasons, not personal ones. You’re still in touch with your former employer, which shows you build good relationships.

Example 5. Management changes

“A change in management meant my role was no longer best suited to my strengths. They brought in new people to deliver the kind of work they wanted. Ultimately, this taught me where my true passions lie, and when I saw your job ad I knew I could better express them here.”

Why it works:
You don’t sound negative or defensive. You explain the situation in a straightforward way.

Example 6. Relocation

“The business announced it would be merging with another company, meaning its head office would move to a new location. My family lives here, and I knew that leaving them behind wouldn’t be good for my professional or personal life. I chose to pursue a job I could thrive in closer to home.”

Why it works:
You care about your family and put your mental health before corporate restructures. This shows you have strong values.

Example 7. Our values are better aligned

“Looking at your website and the work you produce, I can see that our values are very closely aligned. My current company sees things in a different way than me, and I would love the chance to work somewhere I can be truly proud of.”

Why it works:
Values matter. Companies are more keen than ever to promote their beliefs and hire people who share them.

Example 8. Family reasons

“My partner was offered an exciting role in a new area, and I chose to move with them to support their career goals. Unfortunately this meant I could no longer work for my old company, so I am looking to bring all my knowledge and experience to a role in the area I now call home.”

Why it works:
Family comes first. This shows you’re loyal and committed, two traits any good employer would be happy to bring on board.

Example 9. It’s the right job at the right time

“I believe this role has come about at the perfect time for me. I’ve loved every second at my current company, but having worked there for a number of years, I know I need to step up in order to advance my career. I don’t want to wait around for the chance to come - I want to chase what I know is best for me.”

Why it works:
You’re not happy to sit and hope for the best. You’re pursuing the right job, which shows ambition and determination.

Example 10. You want better pay (but be careful)

“I’m motivated by achieving the best results for my clients, something I had a great track-record of doing at my previous role. I’m also motivated by career growth, and being compensated fairly for the work I do.”

Why it works:
We all want to be paid more money. This shows people that you are willing to work for it. However, make sure money isn’t the only thing you talk about. Hiring managers will want to see your passion for the job and a commitment to the cause. If money is your only motivation, it might look like you’d be willing to jump ship if a better offer came along.

How NOT to explain your reasons for leaving a job

There are a few reasons for leaving a job that an interviewer just doesn’t want to hear (no matter how true they might be). If any of these are why you left your job, it might be best not to mention them. Use a more positive reason such as career progression or a new challenge, and leave the manager hate behind.

Bad example #1: You hate your boss

Lots of us have worked for people we just don’t like, but that hatred will only hold you back at an interview. Instead, say you’re looking to work somewhere that better fits with your values. It’s the same thing, just done in a smarter way.

Bad example #2: You’re bored

If we were all being honest, boredom would be the reason behind many job switches. But saying it out loud is a lot worse than just thinking it. Instead, say you’re looking for an exciting new opportunity.

Bad example #3: You thought the company was rubbish

Worked somewhere terrible? Join the club. But it sounds a bit unprofessional to slam your old employers in an interview. You never know, the interviewer might have friends who work there, so don’t burn any bridges you might still need to cross.

10 Awesome Outdoor Jobs

 

Because you know that even the cushiest office simply can’t compete with the open sky.

Outdoor jobs attract a certain kind of person, one who is immune to flashy, trendy workplace stuff. A regular ol' job can offer you a swanky office with all the latest perks—from state-of-the-art cappuccino machines to nap pods to free lunch—but if you're the kind of person who gets itchy at the thought of a cubicle or office, none of that fancy stuff will matter.

There are plenty of outdoor careers that require you to spend the bulk—if not the entirety—of your workday in the fresh air, far from the glare of fluorescent lighting.

Using Monster data, we found 10 outdoor jobs that let you get back to nature.

10 Awesome Outdoor Jobs

1. Environmental Scientist
2. Farm Worker
3. Forest and Conservation Worker
4. Forest and Wildland Fighter
5. Landscape Architect
6. Logging Worker
7. Mason
8. Recreation Worker
9. Survey Technician
10. Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist

1. Environmental Scientist

What you'd do: Environmental science offers a vast array of outdoor careers, but all jobs under that umbrella seek to learn about and eliminate hazards that affect the health of the planet and its inhabitants. Additionally, environmental scientists work with policymakers and industries to reduce waste. They spend some time in the laboratory but are otherwise outside to collect data.
What you need: A bachelor's degree is the starting point.
What you'd make: The median salary for an environmental scientist is around $72,000 per year.

Find environmental scientist jobs on Monster.

2. Farm Worker

What you'd do: If you're more suited to life on the farm than the concrete jungle of corporate America, check out a career in agriculture, which is full of various outdoor jobs to choose from. Farm workers maintain farms, crops, and animal stock, and typically work with machinery when not doing manual labor.
What you'd need: No formal education is required; on-the-job training is typically provided.
What you'd make: The median pay for a farm worker is $13.50 per hour.

Find farm worker jobs on Monster.

3. Forest and Conservation Worker

What you'd do: If you've ever been referred to as a tree-hugger, consider becoming a forest and conservation worker. They help maintain, improve and protect forests. Among their duties, they take inventory of trees, checking to see if any are diseased and need to be removed, and also plant and transport seedlings.
What you need: People in this position must have a high-school diploma and complete on-the-job training.
What you'd make: The median pay for a forest/conservation worker is $18 per hour.

Find forest and conservation worker jobs on Monster.

4. Forest and Wildland Firefighter

What you'd do: Not for the faint of heart, wildland firefighters are on the frontlines of extinguishing forest fires for state, federal, and local governments. They also and predict hazardous weather conditions to help prevent future fires.
What you need: Previous work as a volunteer firefighter, a degree in fire science, or EMT certification can increase your chances of getting hired in this highly competitive field.
What you'd make: The median salary for a firefighter is $43,761 per year.

Find forest and wildland firefighter jobs on Monster.

5. Landscape Architect

What you'd do: Much like a structural architect drafts plans for buildings and homes, a landscape architect designs outdoor spaces for public and private areas. While they spend some time inside designing models and meeting with clients, their work often involves being outside on job sites.
What you need: A bachelor's degree and an internship or residency as on-the-job training.
What you'd make: The median salary for a landscape architect is $63,583 per year.

Find landscape architect jobs on Monster.

6. Logging Worker

What you'd do: Logging workers harvest trees as raw material for industrial and consumer goods. Their job is physically demanding, and they work in isolated areas and in all weather conditions. A flannel plaid shirt is not required, but it will certainly help you look the part.
What you need: This position requires a high-school diploma or equivalency, plus on-the-job training.
What you'd make: The median pay for a logging worker is $17 per hour.

Find logging jobs on Monster.

7. Mason

What you'd do: Masons are like construction workers that specialize in building and fixing outdoor structures—from porch steps to skyscrapers—using bricks, concrete and natural and manmade stones.
What you'd need: Typically, masonry requires a high school diploma, plus an apprenticeship.
What you'd make: The median pay for a mason is $21 per hour.

Find masonry jobs on Monster.

8. Recreation Worker

What you'd do: Fun is pretty much built in to this job title and description. Recreation workers lead outdoor activities at camps, recreation centers, parks, and nursing and residential care facilities. (Yes, you get paid to have fun.)
What you need: Recreation workers need a high-school diploma or equivalency, with short on-the-job training.
What you'd make: The median pay for a recreation worker is $13.50 per hour.

Find recreation worker jobs on Monster.

9. Survey Technician

What you'd do: Ever wonder how maps are so accurate, with every curve of the land and bend of a river? That would be the responsibility of survey technicians. They measure the earth and its many features, gathering data that eventually gets used to create topographical maps.
What you need: Surveying technicians require a high-school diploma or equivalency, plus on-the-job training.
What you'd make: The median pay for a survey technician is $20.35 per hour.

Find survey technician jobs on Monster.

10. Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist

What you'd do: Prefer animals to people? There's a whole field of outdoor jobs just for you. Zoologists study the physiology of animals, their behavior and how they interact with their habitats as well as with other species. They can work in an office or a laboratory, but often spend a significant amount of time in the field collecting data (because animals generally prefer the outdoors, just like you).
What you need: A bachelor's degree is required.
What you'd make: The median salary for a wildlife biologist is $56,380 per year.

Find zoology jobs and wildlife biologist jobs on Monster.

Get Out There

You'll have an easier time trading desk lamps for natural sunlight if you give cast a wide net during your job search. Need some help with that? Get started by creating a free profile on Monster, and we can connect you with recruiters in your field. You can also sign up to be alerted whenever outdoor jobs you're interested in become available.

Tough interview questions to expect and how to answer

 

Prepare for these 10 tough interview questions before you arrive ​and you'll leave the interview feeling confident that you had the right answers.

Nerves can get the better of you when the interviewer throws tough interview questions your way. But don't sweat it, we’ve rounded up the 10 toughest interview questions and answers that will get you to the next round of interviews.

1. Tell me about yourself.

This is often the first question posed during an interview and it's the perfect opportunity for you to tout your professional accomplishments -- not to tell your life history. Your response should be a quick rundown of your qualifications and experience. Talk about your education, work history, recent career experience and future goals.

Example answer: "I graduated from University X and since then, I have been working in public relations with an agency where I have generated millions of PR hits for my clients. While I've enjoyed working on the agency side, I'm looking to expand my horizons with a corporate PR role."

2. Why did you leave your last job?

This is your chance to talk about your career goals, not to badmouth a former boss or give a laundry list of reasons for your exit. Instead, focus on the skills you learned in your previous role and how you are ready to flex those muscles in a new position.

Example answer: "While [company X] provided me a tremendous amount of experience for which I am grateful, it isn’t an ideal fit for me creatively. My experiences have taught me what to look for in my next role so it would be a better fit.”

3. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Let the employer know that you're stable and you want to be with this company for the long haul. Keep your aspirations of owning a company, retiring at 40 or being married with five children to yourself.

Example answer: "I want to secure a civil engineering position with a national firm that concentrates on retail development. Ideally, I would like to work for a young company, such as this one, so I can get in on the ground floor and take advantage of all the opportunities a growing firm has to offer."

4. What are your weaknesses?

The key to answering this age-old question is not to respond literally. Your future employer most likely won't care if your weak spot is that you can't cook, nor do they want to hear generic responses, such as “I’m too detail oriented" or "I work too hard." Instead, identify areas in your work where you can improve, and determine how they can be assets to a future employer. If you didn't have the opportunity to develop certain skills at your previous job, explain how eager you are to gain those skills in a new position.

Example answer: "In my last position, I didn’t have an opportunity to develop my public-speaking skills. I'd really like to work in a place that will help me become a dependable presenter.”

5. Why were you laid off?

This is one of the harder questions to answer, but the best way to tackle it is to answer as honestly as possible.

Example answer: "As I'm sure you're aware, mergers and acquisitions in the corporate world can produce unpredictable consequences; unfortunately my company felt the effects of it; I was part of a staff reduction as the result of a reorganization. I am confident, however, that it had nothing to do with my job performance, as exemplified by my accomplishments. For example..."

6. Tell me about the worst boss you ever had.

Never paint a negative picture of your previous managers. A potential boss will anticipate that you'll talk about him or her in the same manner somewhere down the line.

Example answer: "While I’ve learned valuable lessons under each of my prior managers, there are some who pushed me to be my best more than others, and I've learned which management styles I thrive under."

7. How would others describe you?

You should always ask for feedback from your colleagues and supervisors in order to gauge your performance; this way, you can honestly answer the question based on their comments. Keep track of the feedback so you can easily share it with prospective employers, if asked. Doing so will also help you identify strengths and weaknesses.

Example answer: "My former colleagues have said that I'm easy to do business with and that I always hit the ground running with new projects. I have more specific feedback with me, if you'd like to take a look at it."

8. What can you offer me that another candidate can't?

Take this opportunity to address your record of getting things done. Delve into details from your resume and portfolio, and show them your unique value and how you'd be an asset.

Example answer: "I'm the best person for the job. I know there are other candidates who could fill this position, but my passion for excellence sets me apart. I’m committed to always producing the best results. For example..."

9. If you could choose any company to work for, where would you go?

Never say that you would choose any company other than the one where you are interviewing. Talk about the job for which you are being interviewed.

Example answer: "I wouldn't have applied for this position if I didn't sincerely want to work with your organization." Continue with specific examples of why you respect the company and why you'd be a good fit.

10.Would you be willing to take a salary cut?

Salary can be a delicate topic, which is why you should proceed with caution — but answer honestly so as not to waste anyone’s time.

Example answer: "I understand that the salary range for this position is [$XX - $XX]. Like most people, I was hoping to earn a higher salary, but I would regret it if I passed up such a golden opportunity to work for a company I admire because of this. That’s why I would be open to negotiating a lower starting salary but hope to revisit the subject in a few months after I've proved myself to you."

Are cover letters necessary? (When to send a cover letter)

They were once an essential part of a job application, but do you still need to send a cover letter to land the role? We tell you all you need to know.

It wasn’t too long ago that a job application consisted of two key components: your resume and a cover letter. But now many employers don’t ask for a cover letter at all.

We look at why, and show you how a good cover letter (in the right circumstances) can still help you stand out from the rest of the pack.

Why are cover letters becoming less popular?

A cover letter used to be the main way for you to show an employer what you were all about. It was a place for your personality to shine, adding extra details to the things you’d state on your resume and letting the hiring manager understand what made you tick.

But now in many cases, the hiring manager isn’t the first person to see your job application.

Instead, it will go through the machines.

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are computer programs that scan your resume for keywords and phrases, matching them up to what the job description asks for. They won’t care about your personality (until they invent a robot that can feel), meaning a cover letter will be wasted.

Do cover letters matter anymore?

This really depends on what kind of role you’re applying for. In larger industries, the chances are your application will go through an ATS, in which case a cover letter may never be read.

But if you’re applying for a smaller company, your application will probably be read by a hiring manager who will appreciate getting to know you. Even if they do use an ATS, your application will eventually be picked up by a human, and having a cover letter included could be the thing that makes all the difference.

Remember, the aim of the game with any job application is to stand out.

An applicant whose resume ticks all the boxes, but shows no personality, is less likely to get an interview than someone who does both.

Should I write a cover letter even if I’m not asked for one?

In short, yes. Even if it’s only a quick introduction, a well-written cover letter could be the thing that gets you the job. Hiring managers may be expecting a cover letter even if they haven’t requested it, and applications that don’t have one included might slip to the back of the line.

Why are cover letters important?

A cover letter can do things your resume cannot. Here are just a few of them:

1. Fill in the gaps

A resume is basically a list of your key career achievements, but it doesn’t give away much detail. This is where your cover letter comes in, adding color to your career picture and showing the recruiter that there’s a human behind the job history.

2. Be specific

Use your cover letter to offer specific examples of how you meet the job specification. If it asks for a hard-working team leader, describe a situation where you’ve been a hard-working team leader in the past.

3. Show your human side

A cover letter can be a great chance to show off your personality. The way you write and the information you share will tell the hiring manager what kind of person you are. Be sure to double-check the job description to make sure you sound like the kind of person they’re after.

When NOT to write a cover letter

There are a few situations when you absolutely should not send a cover letter, no matter how good we think they are.

1. The job ad specifically tells you not to

If you’ve been told not to send a cover letter, you should probably listen. Ignoring this advice makes it look like you haven’t paid attention and could annoy the hiring manager.

2. There’s no way of including one

If you’re applying for a job through an internal system, there might be no option to add a cover letter. They won’t expect you to email one separately, or fax it, or post it. Just don’t bother.

3. You’ve already included all that information

On some application programs, you’ll need to fill in certain information that would normally sit in your cover letter. In these cases, sending a cover letter would be unnecessary.

How can a cover letter give you the edge?

A good cover letter helps your application stand out. When it’s personalised and tailored toward a specific job, it shows you’ve paid attention and put the time in to get your application right.

Picture the scene: you’re hiring someone for a job and there are two applications in front of you. One is a good resume, showing examples of similar roles in the past.

The second is also a good resume, but this one comes with a well-written cover letter that highlights the person’s personality and gives details behind their experience.

Which applicant would you choose?

How do you write a good cover letter?

If you’re ready to apply, read our top tips on how to write a cover letter with some free examples for you to use. Make sure you understand the kind of vibe the company is looking for, and write your cover letter in a style they’ll enjoy.

You’ll be picking up interviews in no time.