What to Say When Asked Why You Left Your Job

Job applications ask for a lot of basic information such as your legal name and telephone number. However, there are a few data fields that can hurt you if you don't provide the right information. If a potential employer asks you to write a reason for leaving each job, think about your answer carefully. The wrong answer could hurt your chances of getting an interview.

If you were let go from your last job due to a layoff, don't write "terminated" as your reason for leaving. Yes, your employer technically terminated you, but it wasn't because of anything you did wrong. Employers conduct layoffs when they need to save money or restructure their businesses, leaving many talented people out of work through no fault of their own. Write something like "company layoff" as your reason for leaving. Don't go into too much detail here, as a potential employer doesn't need to know about your previous employer's financial troubles.

Your reason for leaving should always be framed in a positive light. If you left your last job to take on a position with more responsibilities, write "Left to pursue leadership position" or "Resigned to focus on developing management skills." This shows potential employers you're committed to building a strong career. It also shows you didn't just quit your job because you had a conflict with your boss or didn't like one of your job duties.

If you've done a lot of temporary or seasonal work, put "temporary contract ended" or "seasonal job ended" on your job applications. Again, this shows employers that you aren't a job hopper. You filled a temporary or seasonal position for a specified amount of time, and now you're ready to look for a full-time or part-time position. This reason for leaving is very common among applicants just graduating from college.

If you worked in a toxic work environment, you need to be diplomatic when you give a reason for leaving. Telling the truth doesn't cast you in a very positive light, and it can hurt your chances of being interviewed by the hiring manager. If you don't have another legitimate reason for leaving such as job restructuring, say you're looking for a new challenge. Don't say anything negative about your employer or your colleagues.

Your reason for leaving a job may not seem important, but hiring managers take this information into consideration when deciding if you deserve an interview. Make a good impression by giving reasons that put you in a positive light and make it clear you're ready to move on to the next stage of your career. If you were terminated due to performance issues, try to come up with another legitimate reason for leaving.

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