About The Author
Jonathan DeBoard
Jonathan is Co-Founder, COO, Relationship Counselor (LPC), Photographer, Web Designer, and Free Lance Writer for The Fabulous Woman Magazine. Jonathan is a licensed professional counselor with a rich and diverse background. Having spent 20 years on Active Duty in the Army serving as a Special Staff Officer and Counselor, he has advised General Officers on personnel and morale issues and was considered an expert on those concerns. He has also traveled around the world, including a tour in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. In addition, he received extensive training as a Job Search Consultant then traveled coast to coast, coaching executives to successfully gain new employment.
A gifted speaker and skilled communicator, he is comfortable either one-on-one, with small groups or even speaking/teaching to a large group. He has a Master's in Counseling Psychology from the University of Central Texas. In addition to his freelance work, he currently brings his vast military and therapeutic experience together to assist veterans and their families. Jonathan enjoys photography, creative writing, and traveling.
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For Jonathan DeBoard
Career Counseling Tips
Layoff Anxiety?
Posted May 2009
Jonathan DeBoard
Career Counseling Tips
Main Page
For Jonathan DeBoard
Career Counseling Tips
Layoff Anxiety?
Posted May 2009
Jonathan DeBoard
Career Counseling Tips
Main Page
Advice for Tough Questions"Why did you leave your last position?"
by Jonathan DeBoard
Posted September 6th, 2009
It is very normal for us to get nervous when asked, "Why did you leave your last position?" What a prospective employer dreads to hear is, "I took $215 from petty cash, but since they didn't pay me my bonus this year, it's only fair! Right?" Oh my!!!!!!
In this job market, a lot of people are being "terminated," so don't feel especially nervous about it. Legally, all a previous employer can say when asked by a prospective employer is a verification of your employment dates. Anything more than that becomes blacklisting, which is, of course, illegal. What will be difficult for you is a reference for your time there. DON'T USE THE CURRENT SUPERVISOR. If you are on good terms with a previous supervisor, use them. If not, use someone else in the organization who is both on the same level as your supervisor and is also aware of your performance.
This is what I would suggest. When asked why you left, tell them, "There was a change of supervisors and they wanted their own people. Eventually I was let go." Say it rather matter-of-factly, like it was no big deal. If they directly ask if you were fired, you can say, "Like so many others in this economic climate, my leaving wasn't my choice." If they already found out you were fired and they ask why, you definitely don't want to get into the dirt and roll around in it for them.
What then? Here's another important rule: NEVER say anything bad about your previous employer and NEVER say something bad about yourself. The more information you give, the worse things may become for you. Short, sweet, and honest is the best advice. You want to get away from this uncomfortable series of questions and get back to letting them know how great and wonderful you are.
Should they ask the question and you provide an answer, they may remain silent. If they do, don't add a thing! Remain relaxed and friendly. Eventually they will either ask another follow-on question or change topics. Remember, this is their interview. If they want to sit there and say nothing after you answer their question, then that is what they will do.
Some job candidates like to put their "reasons for leaving" on the resume. I have just one word for that: huh? The purpose of the resume is to market yourself, not raise more questions.