When quitting your job you need to develop an exit statement or leaving story to protect you from the emotions of a difficult job loss.
Even if you left your previous job of your own accord and it was your own decision, you should still make sure you can explain what happened when it comes to interviewing for jobs.
If there was a redundancy or downsizing that cost you your job, the danger in being reminded of it by an interview question is that the emotions can surface inappropriately leaving you thinking about the whys and wherefores rather than the question in hand.
Quitting Your Job
What you need then is an “Exit” statement to which allows you to express positively why you left (or are leaving) your last job.
This leaving story or exit statement needs to be phrased in such a way that it:
The ‘quitting your job’ story must be unemotional;
It must be based on facts;
It should be presented positively;
It does not criticise anyone.
The most effective quitting your job story doesn’t contain any negatives about the previous employment.
It should last for approximately 30 seconds and you must maintain eye contact throughout.
This exit statement or leaving story can also be tagged on to your “career overview” statement to pre-empt the difficult question altogether. The Career Overview is your answer to the ‘Tell me about yourself’ type of question and moving into something positive where you are describing your personal attributes positively helps to get past any difficult emotions.
Look out for:
Some thoughtless interviewers try to put pressure on by asking questions like:
- “Why did they get rid of you?”
- “Why did they make you redundant?”
- “If you were doing so well, why are you leaving?
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You can answer this question with confidence when you’ve prepared an exit statement or quitting your job story that states the facts in a positive light and leaves you in control.
Your quitting your job statement might go like this:
“Following a difficult year for the business, the directors decided to reduce the number of staff in the manufacturing division. A number of people including me were affected, but I understand the reasons for the decision and don’t regret my time working there. I learnt a lot and had some very good colleagues. I also know I have developed a good range of skills so I’m pleased to be here to discuss this job with you today.”
See how you can make a clear statement that satisfies the interviewer but also leaves it looking forward positively.
Try a similar statement that fits your situation and don’t worry if it sounds bland. The interviewer is less concerned about this than finding out whether you can do the job!
Peter Fisher is an expert Career Coach and counsellor. He is also Managing Director of Career Consulting Limited. For insights into his expert advice on the importance of preparation in the Career Change process visitcareer advice: critical success factors/a>.