How to Answer 'Reason for Leaving' in Interviews

You or someone you know may have just been laid off. If that is the case, I want to offer you two things. First, my condolences. Second (and more helpfully), some advice. Here is what you need to keep in mind when explaining your layoff in job interviews: First, understand why a hiring manager will want to know about your layoff. The truth of this is that when companies do layoffs, they often use it as an opportunity let go of the people they view as low performers. When you are applying for a job after a layoff, you will be confronted with the hiring manager’s fears that you were laid off due to low performance. Rather than getting angry or defensive, understand that you have an opportunity to handle this fear in a way that helps you. The first part of addressing the hiring manager’s fear is being able to explain what happened without embarrassment or appearing as if you have something to hide. This is crucial. They are asking you their “tough question” about their “secret fear” and your ability to respond calmly and confidently will matter just as much as the actual content of your answer. Next comes the content. This is the actual story of “what happened?”. If your entire team or division was cut, this is the strongest story. Be clear about that and say “my entire team was cut”. Point them to a news story that verifies your claim if you can. If you were cut as a small percentage of the team, you have a harder job. Your key steps are: - In a single sentence, state the truth — ”I was laid off as a part of a larger layoff within project X.” - Give a plausible, non-performance reason why you were laid off. This can be anything that makes sense in your job. For example, a software engineer might say “My specialty on the team was X and now that feature will be in maintenance mode.” The key is to give the hiring manager a narrative about the cut that is based on company needs or broader circumstances rather than on your performance. - Transition the topic to a positive, forward-looking statement about what you will contribute. “While I liked company X, this gives me a chance to learn new thing Y at your company. I love to learn (grow, contribute, etc.) and so I’m excited about this new opportunity with you.” Bring the conversation back to what you bring to the company. - Never badmouth your old boss or company. An interview is not the place for grievances and no one wants to hire an angry person. Just like dating, no one wants to start something with someone who isn’t over their ex. You have to appear to be a great future colleague rather than one with baggage. Please share your own layoff experiences or your perspectives as hiring managers. We are in a period of layoffs right now and it is important that those who face layoffs feel as prepared as possible to start looking for their next role.

Do you struggle with talking about gaps or layoffs in your interview? Most do (I did, too) and there is no shame ...in either scenario. The next time you're preparing for an interview, try this approach: Ask yourself -- 1// What were you working on or toward in that role (or role prior to your gap) 2// What stakes were at play? What were you up against? 3// Simply state the reason for your gap/the layoff that occurred (short and sweet) 4// What did it teach you? 5// How has this new understanding prepared your or clarified your experience as an asset for the next company you're targeting? Everyone loves a comeback-kid. Make your layoff or gap work FOR you.

“I’m leaving my current job due to the toxic environment, but I don’t know how I’ll bring this up in interviews.” I get this or a variation of this pretty often. Some people already know they’re not supposed to talk negatively about their former employers in interviews, but saying things were fine doesn’t sit right with them either. Which is totally understandable. It’s tough to speak nicely about a place that didn’t treat you nicely. But thankfully, you don’t have to do that. I’m not saying to spill all their bad practices and toxicity to the next interviewer. But you also don’t have to pretend it was a fabulous experience if it wasn’t. Just remember to be diplomatic. Focus on what you’re looking for in the next job versus complaining about what was wrong at the last one. For example: “The environment wasn’t a good fit for me due to the company culture, which motivated me to pursue other opportunities that align more closely with my expectations.” “Due to multiple rounds of layoffs, the culture shifted a lot in the past 6 months, and it’s no longer the place I signed up for.” “I’m thankful for everything I learned at XYZ Corp, however, the change in values and culture made me pursue other opportunities.” This way, you’re being honest but still professional. My only note is not to use these examples stand-alone because doing so will prompt the interviewer to ask probing questions. So, keep your reason for departure in one sentence, then focus on why you chose their organization. e.g., “Due to multiple rounds of layoffs, the culture shifted a lot in the past 6 months, and it’s no longer the place I signed up for. Your company seems like a great place for me to grow due to [reason 1] and [reason 2] and I’m excited to explore this opportunity.” Good luck!