Explaining why you left last job is easier if you’re prepared

Question: I left my job because the head manager I reported to was intolerable. I tried to focus just on the work, but that didn’t help. I don’t mean to sound bitter, but there is a high turnover rate in that department.

How do I explain this in interviews? I already had one interview, and the interviewer kept coming back to my reason for leaving. I think she may have thought that I was fired, which is not true. (My boss even asked me if I would reconsider when I told him I was leaving.) — Gil

Answer: As you attempt to start over, justifying an early departure presents an unwelcome but surmountable obstacle. Recognize, however, that there are two issues to consider — first, understanding the dynamics so you can avoid similar situations in the future, and then, effectively addressing your reasons for leaving.

Avoid the temptation to skip over the first issue. Analyze the situation with the benefit of hindsight. Can you identify any actions you might have taken to address the intolerable situation? Was this manager truly a tyrant to steer clear of, or possibly a personality type that you weren’t equipped to deal with? Review the scenario with a mentor, a career coach or an objective confidante to uncover any angles you may have missed. In selecting your next work environment, watch for warning signs that may save you from a painful replay.

Questions about why you left your previous position will naturally surface, so your analysis and understanding will help you become more confident in your description. Denying or avoiding the concerns of a potential employer will only create suspicion. Conversely, divulging every ugly detail is more than most employers want to know and could sabotage forthcoming offers.

Prepare a succinct response to the question, “Why did you leave your previous employer?” Depending on your interpretation of what happened, you may want to relay that this was an unusually difficult situation and one that is unlikely to be repeated with your next employer, that you learned from and handled the situation professionally and that you believe you are exceptionally well-suited to the existing opening.

Practice giving your response in your own words until you feel comfortable addressing any related inquiries. Also prepare to speak about your talents and accomplishments, so that you can gracefully redirect the conversation to the many assets you would bring to the position. Your goal in the interview is to move toward future-focused and results-oriented statements that keep the spotlight on your strengths as they relate to the needs of the employer.

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