I resigned from my job 9 months ago.

18 Comments

1. Deb HillNovember 28,2023 at 1:18PM UTC

   Hi

   Maybe something like:

   You had grown significantly in the role in 2 yrs, taking on new responsibilities such as xxxx and successfully adapting to the changing organisation. You enjoyed this growth but didn't feel there was much more opportunity in that new organisational layout and are excited to take what you learnt an apply it to somewhere new.

   Be prepared for follow up questions such as what did you learn and what challenges but this should be a excellent opportunity to expand on your soft skills. Always place the former company in a positive light whatever you say.

   Debbie

2. AnonymousNovember 28,2023 at 1:22PM UTC

   Just say you are looking for growth opportunities that align with your future goals / career aspirations. Then move into talking about the kind of work you want to do (or want to do more of) in your next position.

3. AnonymousNovember 28,2023 at 2:28PM UTC

   There are plenty of recruiters on IG that post all tryes of questions that the hiring managers may ask , they word it in a more professional way. I have significantly improved on my interviews bc of them, check out IG @apowermood she gives great tips and many more. Good luck

4. Anne KrookNovember 28,2023 at 4:55PM UTC

   You can say that the duties changed away from the areas in which you most want to grow, and that the new duties did not challenge you

5. AnonymousNovember 28,2023 at 5:54PM UTC

   This is a lazy interview question, that unfortunately gets asked all the time.

   Aside from you admitting you were fired for cause, the answer provides the interviewer with very little information and there’s not much follow up that can come from it. Whatever was happening at your old company is irrelevant & none of their business. Of course, you still need to provide and answer.
   In your case there’s nothing wrong with honesty, but keeping it brief.
   -There was significant organizational shift/employee turnover within my department and the role no longer aligned with my experience. Which can lead you into answering the next lazy question they like to ask, “why do you want to work here?”
   -I saw this role posted and based on the job description and qualifications I thought this role more closely aligned to my expertise and it seems to have the advancement opportunities I’m looking for.

6. AnonymousNovember 30,2023 at 2:55PM UTC

   Yes, short and honest answer for leaving: there were no opportunities for advancement.

7. AnonymousNovember 29,2023 at 8:01PM UTC

   Perhaps honesty is the best policy. Something like lack of growth and recognition and wanting to spend 100% of my time seeking a new employer that can offer both vs staying there and not being happy.

8. AnonymousNovember 30,2023 at 1:40PM UTC

   I just wanted you to know you're not alone. This is currently happening to me and it's because employers think dry promotions are ok. My employer completely rewrote my JD and gave me a new title, and when I asked about pay increase, they said there was none. I said then I'm not signing, what do you suggest? And the only solution now is severance. I don't want to leave, but I'm also not ok with being taken advantage of. Truth is, it's scary, but we have to advocate for ourselves, because no one else will do it for us.

9. Stephanie Branch LekowskiNovember 30,2023 at 3:01PM UTC

   Very true ?!

10. AnonymousNovember 30,2023 at 1:48PM UTC

    Don’t complain about the last job or any managers etc

    you can say , it wasn’t it a good fit, you want to grow , their were no opportunities for growth, the company structure does not allow for growth put in your own words or even google it keep it brief and concise and move on

11. Gail A GemberlingNovember 30,2023 at 2:00PM UTC

    I would just say that the JD changed and it was no longer the type of challenge you had anticipated. This leaves you as an employee who likes a challenge but doesn't want to be taken advantage of. I would not bad mouth anyone or anything about the former company.

12. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterNovember 30,2023 at 2:09PM UTC

    I realize I'm two days late answering - but this was just pushed to me this morning.

    So. I hope you knocked it out of the park and feel amazing about the new opportunity - like they are upfront and not likely to bait and switch like your last job.

    And for anyone else wondering the same/similar thing going into an interview...always practice framing this question about you going forward (i.e., what's in it for the interviewing company; not telling tales about the old company) So something like, "There were opportunities for me to expand my experience in (Whatever it is you do) and I wanted the freedom to do that without any conflict of interest" or "As the job duties changed significantly from my area of expertise I decided to dedicate my time to aligning with organizations closer to my skill set."

    These are very generic examples, but hopefully you get the gist of what I'm aiming toward -- show the new company how you'll fill their needs and focus less on what happened before.

13. Patricia CrookNovember 30,2023 at 3:38PM UTC

    Just saw this in my news feed/email. I would suggest to not be too open or critical as this may make them think you are burning a bridge. You can be civil and mature in saying you are looking for better opportunities.

14. AnonymousNovember 30,2023 at 4:09PM UTC

    The fact you're having difficulties landing a job for 9 months.
    I suggest you 100% completely lie!

    Perhaps say you had to temporarily relocate to care for a non FMLA relative or something of that sort and that now you're ready to focus on your career again.

    Cus 9 months is a very long time and if you say the truth it comes off like you were very impulsive.

    Also, be prepared to answer how you've kept your skills relevant in the meantime.

    Either way good luck and if it's over 12 months of unemployment you may need to begin to consider getting a slightly lesser job title that'll be willing to give you the chance to stay within the same job field.

    IMO once you've exceeded 4-6 mo of interviewing phase and still no luck. Either your resume is not appealing or your responses to questions are turning them off.

15. AnonymousNovember 30,2023 at 4:27PM UTC

    Watch Andrew Lacivita videos. He provides very sound counsel on the interview process, inclusive of various scenarios, such as yours. His technique and counsel is very good and if you follow, you will have no problems landing a job. No one is perfect and things happen on jobs so any human interviewing you would understand and some may even empathize with your situation. BUT watch those youtubes and see what counsel Andrew provides. I wish you all the best and understand your situation as I have been there myself. A better job is coming your way.

16. AnonymousNovember 30,2023 at 6:32PM UTC

    Don’t be honest with what you listed. I would find a positive response to give. You were seeking a new opportunity , job that aligned with your interests, ..etc. focus on what you were looking for and not running from. Good luck!

17. AnonymousDecember 1,2023 at 1:23AM UTC

    I agree. Honesty always wins.

18. AndreaDecember 1,2023 at 1:23AM UTC

    9 months is a long time where you might have done so many things that can be relevant and useful for the new position, perhaps even more than your last professional experience!

    I would recommend not to give so much detail on your reasons to leave but what were you envisioning for yourself when you made that decision. Focus on how this time off has up-skilled you and expanded you into a more flexible and valuable candidate.

    All the best!