So, Why Are You Leaving Your Job?

You know the cardinal rule is to not say anything bad about your employer. But after that, what do you say?

The best place to start is with a list of the reasons you’re looking for a new position. The best time to do this is during your pre-interview homework. Write down as complete a list as you can. Next, scratch off anything that seems defamatory. The first thing that goes through the new boss’s head when she hears negative comments about your current employer is that you can’t conduct yourself with decorum. More importantly, she’ll figure you’ll badmouth her practice in the same way if you should ever leave.

Now, work with what’s left on your list. In order to put those reasons into the best possible light, rely on the acronym CLAMPS to find a context that helps explain the reason:

• The job wasn’t Challenging enough
• The Location was a problem
• There was no room for Advancement
• You couldn’t get into a Management track
• There was no Prestige associated with the job
• You didn’t think you could Succeed there

If your reason falls outside any of these explanations, it might be worth a second look to see if that reason is something you should keep to yourself.

Contact us for a confidential conversation about how to answer this question about your situation.