How To Answer Reason For Leaving…

Anonymous

June 9,2023 at 3:10AM UTC

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How To Answer Reason For Leaving…

I have an interview coming up next week. My current employer is a start-up technology company in the Real Estate space so business has declined drastically and I’ve been able to keep my job even after 4 layoffs. Morale is at it’s lowest ever and we all see the writing on the wall that the company may not be in business by end of the year. Everyone I know is interviewing. When asked why I’m leaving, should I just be honest and say the company isn’t doing well financially and that’s why I’m considering leaving or should I say I’m feeling stagnant because at this time there’s really opportunities for advancement? I’d love everyone’s advice. Thank you!

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Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 9,2023 at 4:53AM UTC
I think you should say you're being proactive because there's a good chance you'll be laid off and that you've already survived 4 rounds of layoffs.
You can also add something to the effect that you're being very strategic in the companies that you're interviewing with so you don't wind up in that situation again and that's why you're so very interested in them.
If you're interviewing with a company in your space - or if anyone there as access to the internet - they can easily find out what's going on at your company.
I think if I looked that info up and you didn't mention potential layoffs it would be weird. It's all public knowledge, correct?
AnonymousJune 9,2023 at 11:50PM UTC
I agree with the two following comments, but I would also add that you are looking for something more aligned with your career goals and then state specific areas in the company's mission that would demonstrate why it is a better fit.
Joann S. LublinJune 11,2023 at 8:27PM UTC
I agree that you should be as positive as possible about why you're interviewing with this particular company and why your experience and credentials make a terrific fit. But you also should make clear you're looking for a fresh employer that's economically stable -- and then honestly describe your success at surviving four layoffs because you're highly valued where you work now. Let us know how things work out!
Michele TrinklerJune 12,2023 at 1:31PM UTC
I'm in the same boat for a healthcare startup. I've had 2 interviews and both asked the question. I explained that the company was a startup and was running out of series c funding and had lost their top revenue generating clients in 4Q22 which resulted in an 60% loss of gross revenue. The company plans to attempt to get series d funding, but at this stage of a startup that is a hard reach in the economy today. It did help that the company I work for told us how long they think we have until the series c funding is gone based on the budget. It's not a long runway.
surfnwriteJune 14,2023 at 12:07PM UTC
I'm looking for new opportunities to take my career in a different direction.