Hey! I have an interview on Monday for a customer service position. I am nervous about the question “why did you leave your last job”.

11 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 31,2024 at 1:15PM UTC

   Do not bad mouth the old job just say something like there was no room for growth , you were looking for new opportunity that would allow for growth do not say it was toxic and talk bad

2. Stephanie Branch LekowskiJune 10,2024 at 3:40PM UTC

   But isn't that "bad mouthing" or criticizing?

3. Louise ByrneMay 31,2024 at 1:41PM UTC

   I would keep the reason relatively generic… “felt like the time was right for a change of scenery and a new challenge”. Always avoid badmouthing previous workplaces, even if it is true and keep your answer short, no need to talk about it for more than 20 seconds!

4. Nadia Ibrahim-Taney, MS. MA. M.Ed.May 31,2024 at 2:25PM UTC

   This is definitely a good question to prepare a more structured response to! Talk about the things you were missing from your old job and how this new position is a better fit. So, it is recognizing there were faults with the past job and saying, "hey, I learned I need X,Y,Z to feel fulfilled and happy at work. I didn't have a position that gave me the things I need, and here is how I feel like this new position might be a better fit." I always find making connections between the past and future, even if a negative situation to be helpful in communicating your why and intentionality. Good luck!

5. AnonymousMay 31,2024 at 4:18PM UTC

   You can say I accomplished all I could at my last job and it’s time for a change.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 31,2024 at 5:13PM UTC

   So you already know to keep it positive. You don't say how long you were there, but something along the lines of "I feel like I've learned pretty much everything I can there - I'm looking for a new challenge - I like to learn new things."

   Whatever you decide you want your answer to be, I recommend you practice. When I was in my own last job search I used to practice in the car, in the shower. I promise you, it's going to sound a lot better the 20th time you say it. You can record yourself and edit your answer as you go.

   GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!

7. AlexisJune 1,2024 at 12:58PM UTC

   Practice for sure!

   I don't advise speaking ill about your last employer if you can avoid it.

   But by addressing that you left a toxic workplace, you can proactively offer an explanation and demonstrate your ability to navigate challenging situations.

   I'm a recruiter- if a candidate told me that they jumped ship because of a toxic workplace, I'd commend them.

   Best of luck to you with this mess. It must be so stressful.

8. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanJune 1,2024 at 5:30PM UTC

   "While I loved what I was doing in the position, I found that the company culture did not align with my personal convictions." or something along those lines. If they ask you to elaborate, just rinse and repeat (possibly from a slightly different angle) and then start asking questions of your own.

9. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanJune 3,2024 at 5:01PM UTC

   Which is why I suggested that she tailor her comfort.

10. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanJune 3,2024 at 6:51PM UTC

    Also, this is a great opportunity for the interviewee to discuss the things which they are looking for in workplace. “Well I can’t speak directly to what happened in my form of position, I can say that the things that I’m looking for in a new position include, yada yada yada“

11. AnonymousJune 9,2024 at 3:05PM UTC

    Here's what you say.

    I wanted to work for a company where there was the possibility of advancement and while I certainly learned a lot at XYZ I ultimately outgrew their small team and needed to find something new where I can advance my career and learn more. Since I love CS I also wanted a company where the customer base was more substantial like in your company (new company here) and that is why I am so interested in joining your team.