Interviews
How do I answer why I left my last job?
Be accurate, professional and concise. Explain the relevant reason and bring the conversation back to what you want to contribute next.
By Instant Hire Global · · 1 min read
AI-assisted educational guide. Examples are illustrative and should be adapted to your real experience. About our guides
The short answer
Be accurate, professional and concise. Explain the relevant reason and bring the conversation back to what you want to contribute next.
Try this next
Prepare a neutral explanation without criticising colleagues.
Work through the task using your own situation. Note what you can already demonstrate and what you still need to check. If an instruction in the vacancy or your workplace changes the approach, use that instruction.
A practical example
A fixed-term contract ending can be explained directly before discussing the kind of ongoing role you seek.
This is an illustration, not a claim about your experience. Replace it with an example you can support, and explain the details in your own words.
Turn preparation into a conversation
Practise with prompts rather than memorising a speech. A useful answer lets the interviewer understand your responsibility, your reasoning and the outcome. Where a task has rules about tools or assistance, follow them.
- Use a real example and protect confidential details.
- Explain your contribution rather than the team’s work alone.
- Prepare a relevant follow-up question.
Further reading
Practical guidance, not a guarantee of employment. Check current vacancy instructions and applicable local requirements.