This topic of conversation allows the interviewer to determine what kind of the employee you are. A bad employee will always have a very troubled employment track record that can be easily spotted on a CV or in a resume. Anyone with a bad job history will naturally want to cover this up. The employer will want to find out if you had any problems on your last job. If you did experience any problems, think of a way to explain it away without being negative.
It would be negligent of the interviewer not to ask a few probing questions in order to find out someone's true track history. The procedure should be a mere formality because if they were suspicious of you, they would not have called you in for an interview.
- Why did you leave your last job?
The biggest sign of a troublemaker is when someone speaks badly of his or her former boss or company during an interview. An interview is not the place to vent past frustrations. Rather, the best way to answer this question is to stay positive and talk about your desire for growth opportunities. This will paint you as a proactive, motivated employee who enjoys responsibility and challenges. Interviewers have a soft spot for applicants who actively seek responsibility.
Here are some guidelines to answering this question, depending on your circumstances:
• IF YOU WERE FIRED:
Be honest, but quick about explaining it. Don't get into the political details. Instead explain what you learned from the experience and how it makes you an even stronger employee today. It's not a good idea to lie about your termination. When the interviewer calls your references, he or she will most likely find out you were fired anyway. So be honest, and explain what you learned. Tell the interviewer that the former problem (if personal) will not affect your work.
• IF YOU WERE LAID OFF:
This is not nearly as stigmatic as it once was. Don't be apologetic or act defeated. If a company goes bankrupt or had massive layoffs, simply explain, "Because of the economy, the company decided to eliminate six departments, including mine."
• IF YOU QUIT:
Again, be honest and stay positive. State that the work being offered wasn't challenging enough, that you are seeking higher levels of responsibility or simply that you are ready to make the next step on your career ladder. Always try to say that the job for which you are interviewing is the ideal next step.
Common reasons for leaving are: general company layoff, the job was temporary, you moved home to a new area, the company went out of business, there was no room for advancement or you wanted a job that would better use your skills.
- I see that you have changed jobs a lot. How long you would stay in this job?
You should state that you are looking for a long-term opportunity where you can learn and develop. You could then ask them briefly if this applies to the job being discussed. Otherwise save it for when it's your turn to ask questions.
- Why did you join your previous company? Did they live up to your expectations? Why are you leaving now?
Always be positive about your reasons for joining and leaving a company. Be very careful that you do not say anything negative about your present or past employers. If you do, the new company will wonder what you will say about them when you leave. You might want to stress that you are looking for a new challenge and that you feel that the company who is interviewing you meets this requirement.
- What would you like to avoid in your next job?
You need to be positive here and say that there is nothing in particular that you would like to avoid.
- Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities?
Show how you have progressed throughout your life and how you have accepted and taken on responsibility for the actions of yourself and others. If you have not really had many work related responsibilities you can mention other responsibilities you have had outside work.
- Why haven't you found a new position before now?
Finding a job is easy; finding the right job is more difficult. Stress that you are being selective, and are looking for the right "fit."
- Had you thought of leaving your present position before? If so, what do you think held you there?
Explain that your job is no longer challenging and that you feel your talents are best used elsewhere.
- What do you think of your boss?
Be as positive as you can, even if you don't really believe it. Everyone has their good points, so think of these when answering this question.
- Would you describe a situation in which your work was criticised?
Be as positive as you can and emphasise what you learned from the situation. Say that you welcome constructive criticism because it allows you to improve.
- What other types of jobs or companies are you considering?
Keep your answer related to this company's field, but don't give out specific company names.
- Why are you leaving your present job?
Refine your answer based on your comfort level and honesty. Give a 'group' answer if possible, for example, "our department is being consolidated or eliminated." Don't relate any personal reasons which may work against you.
- How do you feel about leaving all of your benefits?
Say that you are "concerned but not panicked" about this. You may want to say that you realise this to be a small price for a greater long-term benefit.
- Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment.
Say something like, "I think it would be one in which people are treated as fairly as possible."
- How would you evaluate your present firm?
"It's an excellent company that afforded me many fine experiences in the past."
- Why do you want to work for us?
Don't talk about what you want, but first talk about their needs. You can say things like, "I would like to be part of a specific company project" or "I would like to solve a particular company problem" or "I know that I can make a definite contribution to specific company goals."
- What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Relate past experiences that show you've had success in solving previous employer problems that may be similar to those of this prospective employer.
- What about the job offered do you find the most and least attractive?
List three or four (only) attractive factors and just one minor unattractive factor.
- Why should we hire you?
You should always answer "Because of my knowledge, experience, abilities and skills."
- What do you look for in a job?
Here you can list your highest priorities such as, "An opportunity to use my skills, to perform well, be recognised, be valued…" etc.
- Please give me your definition of....
Keep it brief and try to give an action- or results-oriented definition. Give your best definition and stop there. Don't be tempted to add further versions unless asked to.
- How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
You should say, "Not long at all. I expect only a brief period of adjustment to the learning curve."
- How long would you stay with us?
Something along the lines of, "As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing, etc." would be suitable.