Job Interview Questions:

[happily single]

I am searching for a new job and have an interview scheduled. I've been with my employer for 10 years and I work in a very small State, where my boss is pretty well known. I'm leaving for numerous reasons, including his total disrespect for anyone. What is the best way, without bashing him, to answer when a new employer asks why I'm leaving? I've told a potential employer "It's just time to leave..." and "I'm sure you know (boss's name) and it's just time...

Is there anything else I should be doing?

 

[Jennasis]

I am searching for a new job and have an interview scheduled. I've been with my employer for 10 years and I work in a very small State, where my boss is pretty well known. I'm leaving for numerous reasons, including his total disrespect for anyone. What is the best way, without bashing him, to answer when a new employer asks why I'm leaving? I've told a potential employer "It's just time to leave..." and "I'm sure you know (boss's name) and it's just time...

Is there anything else I should be doing?

NEVER EVER bring up your old boss. At all. Huge red flag to a potential new employer. In fact, your answer should have nothing to do with why you are leaving you old job, but rather what you hope to achieve in your new job...

Q: Why are you leaving your old job?

A: I am looking for a new challenge/more growth opportunity/work closer to home/need hours to be more flexible or different....etc

Good luck!

 

[Boo'sMom]

I agree, never mention your former/current boss

 

[FireDancer]

I agree, never mention your former/current boss

Yes. Even if you boss was a modern day Hitler it will come across as not playing well with others. I left a job before because the boss was terrible, short sighted, and controlling but that isn't what I told my new employer. I found another reason. For me it was that I was ready to move back to Ohio from Florida even though that was only part of the reason.

A good standby reason is that after (fill in blank) years you feel you would like a new challenge. If the new company is larger or has more levels a company with more opportunity and more room to grow is a good reason.

Remember that the interview is as much about selling yourself to your new employer as anything else and how you answer a question can be just as (if not more) important as the actual answer.

 

[anniemae]

I agree with the others. Always speak about your former boss/job in a positive light IF it comes up (I learned a lot in my former position, I have been lucky to have been employed at xyz for 10 years, My 10 years at xyz have been allowed me to gain valuable experience and skills etc).

Say you are leaving because you are seeking a new challange, more growth potential etc.

 

[cocodog]

Yep: what everyone else has said )

 

[Disney Doll]

Find the one thing that's different about the new company from the old company and that's why you're looking to leave.

For example:

"After working at ABC Company, I am quite experienced at making ABC widgets. Now I'd like to learn more about DEF Company and your DEF widgets".

"I feel like I would have a better work/life balance working at DEF Company and the experience I have gained from ABC Company in widget-making will enable me to make a valuable contribution to DEF Company".