Answer this common interview question with confidence.

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but if you go prepared, you're more likely to feel confident and show that self-assurance to the hiring manager. The best way to do that is to practice common interview questions so you're less likely to be taken off guard by a curve ball. 

In this article, we're looking at how to answer “why did you leave your last job?” and why interviewers ask this in the first place. 

Why do interviewers ask, “Why did you leave your last job?”

Depending on your answer, interviewers can tell a lot about your motivations and what's important to you. It gives them a bit of insight into your personality and your professional drivers. 

  • Will you fit into the team? 

  • Will you be able to achieve what you've set out to achieve? 

  • Did you leave on bad terms? 

Your response to “Why did you leave your last job?” will help them answer all of these questions and more and evaluate whether you'd be a good fit for their business. 

Top tips for how to answer “Why did you leave your last job?”

There are many reasons people choose to move on – maybe they had enough of a toxic workplace, wanted more money, were seeking career progression, or any one of a hundred other reasons. Remember, though, the interview isn't the place to air your dirty laundry. 

These are our top tips to keep your answers professional: 

  • Be positive: Speaking negatively about your current employer or colleagues reflects badly on you, and the interviewer will visualize you trash-talking their business just as easily. 
  • Keep it snappy: This isn't a question where extensive detail is necessary. You can keep your answer to a few brief sentences. Focus on one main reason that you've decided to move on. 
  • Align with the vacancy: Try to show how your reason for leaving makes you a great fit for the vacant position. 

Top 7 answers to “Why did you leave your last job?”

Without further ado, let's explore some of the best answers to “Why did you leave your last job?”.

1. To advance my career

This is a great answer, as it shows ambition. 

For example: 

“While I've enjoyed my time at ABC Corp, I feel that I'm ready to move into a more senior leadership position, and unfortunately, there are just no opportunities on the horizon in my current role. Rather than waiting for people to retire, I've decided to look elsewhere as I know I have the skills and knowledge to take on more responsibility. This role offers that step up, but as it's in the same industry that I've worked in for the last eight years, I have the background and knowledge to ensure a smooth transition.”

2. For a better work-life balance 

Many companies these days are keen to promote work-life balance, understanding that their employees work better if they're happy and rested. 

For example: 

“I love what I do, but I'm currently working very long days and have a two-hour commute on top. I see this role as the perfect opportunity to continue in the career I love but with the added benefit of a much shorter commute. With your flexible working arrangements, I'd have more time to work out at the gym and cook, both of which help me to wind down and recharge after a busy day. With more energy, I'm sure I can deliver even better results than I've done at ABC Corp.

3. To change career or sector

If you choose this answer to “Why did you leave your last job?”, make sure you highlight your transferable skills and knowledge so that the interviewer can see that you're still a good fit. 

For example: 

“I've worked in retail sales for ten years now, but my heart's not really in it anymore. I've thought long and hard about what I'd like to do next, and it involves using many of the same skills. I love meeting new people, helping them to make decisions, and taking on challenges. I've also recently completed an online course in business development, which has cemented my decision to move on. I'm confident that I have the skills and drive to succeed in this new career, as I'll be able to build on my previous experience.”

4. To relocate

This is a perfectly valid reason to leave a role and doesn't reflect badly on you or your previous employer. 

For example: 

“We've decided to relocate to Texas to be closer to our family. While I'll be sad to leave my current role and my colleagues, I know that it's the right decision. I'll be bringing years of experience in logistics and supply and am capable of adapting really quickly to new people and processes. So, I'm sure I'll settle in and start contributing quickly. I'll just need to get used to your weather!”

5. To find a company more aligned with my personal values 

Companies often publish their values online – it helps themto attract candidates who share their values. 

For example:

“I've been thinking a lot about the climate emergency, which, to be honest, I hadn't considered much until fairly recently. I've been making small changes in my life to reduce my carbon footprint and have also started volunteering at a rewilding project. Another step I'd like to take is to work for a company that's more aligned with my personal values, and I was really encouraged to read about your commitment to sustainability. It's important to me, at this stage in my life, to live my values, and from my research, ABC Corp seems like a great company to work for from that perspective.”

6. To find a role that fits around my other obligations

Similar to the work-life balance question, a change of hours or location can make all the difference between happy, productive employees and exhausted, burnt-out ones. 

For example:

“I've recently become a caregiver for my elderly mother, so I need to find a role that I can fit around my caring responsibilities. Unfortunately that flexibility just wasn't there at my previous job. While I'm happy to look after my mom, I also need to get out of the house and do something stimulating. As this is a part-time role, it seems to offer the best of both worlds.”

7. For a better salary

Obviously, this is one of the top reasons that people leave jobs – but you'll need to frame your answer as more than just a cash grab. 

For example:

“I've developed so many new skills since I started working at ABC Corp and gained a lot of industry insight as well. Having realized that I'm now looking for a role where the compensation and benefits package more accurately reflect what I'm capable of now.”

How not to answer, “Why did you leave your last job?”

The overall trick is to keep your response positive, reflecting well on both you and your previous employer. Therefore, you'll want to avoid answers like these if possible (and if you can't, at least put a forward-looking spin on it): 

  • “I was fired.”

  • “I hate my boss.”

  • “They don't pay me enough.”

  • “It had a toxic culture.”

A clear and confident answer is sure to impress

We've given you plenty of options, so you know how to answer “Why did you leave your job?” with confidence and professionalism. Get out there and smash that interview!

If you're not landing as many interviews as you hoped, have you considered getting an expert eye on your resume? Send it for a free resume review by the experts at TopResume, and you'll soon have a resume that gives you as much confidence as your interview prep. 

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