Not Sure How to Answer, “Why Did You Leave That Company?” Ask Yogesh Sood
Dear Yogesh,
There are times when things don’t work out the way they should. There are jobs, relationships, and even friendships that sometimes fail. So, in a scenario where one has quit his job because of the toxic work environment, how can he tell his story in his next job interview?
For example, one may be asked in the next job interview “Why did you leave that company?”. If you take my example, I would say it was because of the toxic environment that I had to face in the company. It was a decision based on my mental, professional, and physical health. But it feels a little odd to say something like this.
What do you suggest?
Regards
Rahul
Dear Rahul,
First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your career shift. Which was in your case, a little too difficult to make. It takes real courage to recognize the real problems and take the step to step away and take care of yourself. The co-author of the book Simple Truths of Leadership, Randy Conley, says:
“I’d encourage you to be honest in a respectful way that doesn’t disparage your former employer or boss. I’ve conducted hundreds of interviews and have heard the good, bad, and ugly from people sharing reasons for leaving a past employer. The people who impressed me the most have been those whose integrity shined through in the way they explained their departure.
“A good way to get the message across is by using ‘I’ language to take ownership of your decision to leave, while clearly and diplomatically explaining that there was a misalignment between your values and theirs or the culture didn’t provide the type of environment in which you could flourish.”
I don’t think there is a better answer than this. Taking ownership of what actually happened and the charge of your reputation, which, this answer can make or break in your next company, is something that you should pay attention to.
I would also like to add that it will be good for both you and the next employer if you made short notes on what you really want from the work culture and what is that you envision in your next organization. Also, it will be good if you add what you learned from the past experience and how you reflect upon it. Also, what you might do differently in the future should you run into a similar situation.
Your experience made you aware of what you don’t want in your next working environment, so how exactly can you use that experience to define what you do want? And, if you have realized where the loopholes were from your end, where can you apply that knowledge to strengthen the new relationships coming your way.
This will help keep things on the lighter side. Having a positive vision of your future can give a clear picture to your employer in assessing culture fit for your next potential opportunities.
I wish you all the best for your next career chapter.
Regards,
Yogesh Sood
The above is an adaptation of a blog written by Madeleine Homan Blanchard on MARCH 5, 2022