So, why did you leave your last job ?

By Lars B. Jensen on January 3rd, 2010

This is one of those tricky questions during the interview that sounds innocent but can make or break your chances in securing employment with the prospective company. Tread cautiously and select your words carefully before you reply. If you’re too honest, you’ll most likely risk alienating your prospective employer but on the other side, if you’re too vague it will look like you’re trying to hide something.

How should you proceed? Well, the ideal answer is "to be honest" but with a tinge of common sense. Choose a more diplomatic route rather than claiming that the work environment “sucked" or that your previous boss was a “bastard". Remember that your prospective employer will most likely call your old company for a reference and may talk directly with your old manager.

You have to be smart and not place your old company in a bad light so instead, talk about wanting to search for new challenges, find new inspiration, or even work in a exciting team environment. Focus on talking about personal and career opportunities in a new company. This way you turn the question into something positive and make yourself stand out as a positive individual who is easy to work and get along with rather than being a person who slams the door and burns his bridges on the way out.

In the case of a sabbatical, don’t talk about your time spent relaxing on the beach. Instead, mention anything you’re doing to further your career and any volunteer or charity work you’ve done in your spare time.

While you are required to talk and answer questions in an interview, you don’t have to say everything. It is important to be aware of the line between answering the questions and giving too much information. If you happen to let too much slip, try your best to move on and get back on track, focusing on the positive side of situations.

Lars B. Jensen

Lars has an unique background as an entrepreneur and a technology specialist with a strong passion for supporting small businesses.

He has years of experience in implementing HRM systems and developing Skill Assessment tools, eLearning and advertisement solutions. He was the technical force behind getting CareerCross running in their early days, and today he is the man behind JobDragon.

Originally from Denmark, Lars has lived in Japan since 2001. When he is not working, you often times find him riding his Harley on a remote mountain road or with a camera in his hand conducting workshops for photographers and aspiring models.