10 common reasons for leaving your job (and how to explain it)

Almost every professional leaves a job at some point in their life. Often, the employee is the one who chooses to leave, perhaps to pursue a more promising opportunity elsewhere. Other times, it's the result of layoffs, restructuring, or termination. Whatever the case may be, if you're looking for a new job, you should be ready to talk about why you left your previous employer. 

To help you discuss this sensitive topic with prospective employers, we've created this guide with sample responses and tips. Study it carefully to improve your odds of landing a new job.

Why do employers ask why you left a job?

When employers ask why you left your previous job, they may be trying to gauge your career goals, professional values, and ideal work environment. It also helps them determine whether your personality will fit with the company culture and other members of the organization. Say, for example, that a disagreement with your supervisor motivated you to quit. A prospective employer might wonder what the disagreement was about and whether such a circumstance could arise if you worked for them.

"When employers ask why you left your previous job, they may be trying to gauge your career goals, professional values, and ideal work environment. It also helps them determine whether your personality will fit with the company culture and other members of the organization."

10 common reasons for leaving a job (with sample responses)

The reasons for leaving a job are as varied as the personalities in the workforce, but some are more common than others. Below are 10 of the most common reasons for leaving a job, along with examples of what you might tell an employer should they ask:

You had personal or family obligations

Personal and family obligations, such as the need to move or support a family member through illness, are some of the best reasons for leaving a job. Otherwise, you'd have a near-impossible time of balancing your work life and personal life. 

Sample interview answer: "I recently relocated from another state and am excited to apply what I learned in my past role to this job. I'm confident that my skills and qualifications are a perfect fit for your team."

You're seeking a higher salary

Compensation is one of the most important aspects of your employment. If you feel that you aren't earning enough, you're well within your rights to find a better opportunity elsewhere, especially if your credentials support your claim to a higher salary.

Sample interview answer: "I just received my project management certification, and I'm looking to advance to a role that pays what this qualification typically demands. I see that your company supports continuous professional development with fair compensation, and I'm excited to apply what I've learned to this job."

You're seeking career advancement

Often, staying at a job means giving up the opportunity for advancement. Perhaps the company doesn't have the room or resources to promote its employees, or it tends to hire externally instead of promoting from within. In either case, your desire to assume more responsibility and take on a bigger role is an excellent justification for finding new work.

Sample interview answer: "I want to apply my talents, experience, and qualifications to an advanced role with more responsibilities and a greater impact on the organization. When I saw the listing for this position, I felt that your company's goals perfectly aligned with my professional goals."

You're seeking professional development

A company that offers professional development stands a better chance of retaining its talent because ongoing learning helps engage employees with their work. If your current opportunities for professional development are scarce, you may feel disconnected from your profession and wish to work in a more supportive environment.

Sample interview answer: "I'm highly motivated and have been interested in learning new technology skills; however, my employer currently doesn't have any plans for professional development. I'm excited to be applying for this job because I think your professional development and skill training programs will help me develop the knowledge I need to advance in my career."

You were burned out

Burnout is often the result of environmental or managerial factors, such as ineffective workload management, lack of recognition, unfair treatment, value misalignment, and a feeling of lacking control. 

Sample interview response: "During the pandemic, my company went through many changes, with some leading to unrealistic expectations. With the continuous downsizing and lack of support, I started to feel burnt out. I'm excited to explore this opportunity, as the role aligns with my goals and professional values."

You want a more flexible schedule

An increasing number of workers want flexibility in their scheduling, with an overwhelming 98% wanting to work remotely at least part of the time. Flexible work is good for both employees and employers, so more companies now offer it. Some companies are resistant, however, so they may have a difficult time retaining talent.

Sample interview question: "After my company went remote during the pandemic, I developed a highly productive schedule and work routine at home. The company decided to move back to the office entirely, and I don't feel that move would be effective for my performance. I love that your company offers flexible scheduling and is more supportive of a gradual transition back to in-person work."

You want to change careers

Whether you're following your heart or leveraging a new credential, a career change is a big decision. It takes not only courage but a serious time commitment to work your way into a profession you may not have any experience in. Conveying the passion that informed your decision can help the interviewer understand your motivation.

Sample interview answer: "After completing my Master of Science in mathematics, I felt that my knowledge and talents would be put to better use in the education field. I've always wanted to help younger generations develop the love for numbers that my teachers instilled in me, and now I have the theoretical knowledge to pursue that goal." 

The company restructured

If your company restructures and keeps its workforce, you may find that your role isn't what you're used to. You could end up performing entirely different tasks or having to meet standards you aren't accustomed to. In that instance, you may want to look for a workplace where you can perform the kind of role you want.

Sample interview answer: "After restructuring, the company downsized and eliminated many of its departments, so many employees took on new roles. I think I'm a better asset in my original role, so I'm looking for a similar position with another company."

You got laid off

Leaving your job may not have been your choice, as in the case of a layoff. A variety of factors could have motivated your employer to lay off its employees, such as restructuring, a merger or acquisition, an economic downturn, or poor company performance. Fortunately, interviewers usually understand that being laid off doesn't necessarily indicate fault on your part.

Sample interview answer: "My company made major budget cuts during the pandemic that unfortunately resulted in the phase-out of my department."

You got fired

Sometimes, jobs don't work out. If termination is the reason that you left your last job, you should be careful when crafting your response. Be honest and try to convey your capacity for growth.

Sample interview answer: "Unfortunately, my last job wasn't the right fit for me. After a few discussions with my employer, we decided it was best to part ways. Since then, I've taken time to make improvements to my work-life balance, and I'm motivated to further develop my expertise in this role."

How to explain your reason for leaving a job

When you're looking for work, you may have to provide a reason for leaving a job on your application or during an interview. Many people find this challenging because they believe it could jeopardize their chances of landing the position they want. With the following tips, you can answer the question while presenting yourself in the best light:

Provide a clear explanation

Be clear about your reasons for looking for a new job. Talk about your personal values, career goals, and the things you feel are important to your professional growth. If you're trying to find a higher salary, clarify why your skills and qualifications deserve better compensation.

Be honest and stick to the facts

Honesty is the best approach when it comes to explaining why you left a job. If your leaving was amenable, detail your motivation for seeking other employment. If you were fired, say why, stick to the facts without getting emotional, and discuss how you're making improvements. This gives the interviewer a better idea of how you handle setbacks while demonstrating your capacity for self-reflection.

Speak positively about your career move

Stay positive and never speak negatively about your previous employer. Even if you quit because of burnout, a toxic office culture, or an inability to fit in with your colleagues, avoid discussing your feelings on the matter. Instead, stay objective, showcase your best traits, and shift the focus back to how you can be an asset in the position you're interviewing for.

If you're ready for a career change, use CareerBuilder resources to help you on your journey. One of the best ways to streamline the job hunt is to set up email alerts so you get notifications for the roles you want without having to devote time to an active search. You can use that extra time to practice your interviewing techniques so you can wow your next potential employer.

More tips on finding and thriving in your next job

Getting fired is a sensitive topic that may require a delicate approach. If you think you'll need to explain a firing in an interview, make sure you know how to handle the question.

The potential for burnout lies in every workplace, but you can do your part to prevent it. Setting boundaries in the workplace is one way to stave off the variables that may cause you to feel burned out.