As of: March 2, 2024, 12:00 p.m
By: Anna Katharina Kuesters
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It often helps to be honest in an interview.
If you have to explain why you quit your last job, it's best to stick to the truth.
In an interview, almost everyone presents themselves as a little better and more successful than they actually are.
This is completely normal and also good, because ultimately the other person has to be convinced of their own abilities, ideally in the end.
However, one question from a potential employer can really trip you up: Why did you quit your last job?
If you don't have a suitable answer or remain too vague, you won't leave a good impression.
It is better to think about a good and honest answer when preparing for the interview.
Applicants should speak openly about the last termination
It helps to be honest during the interview.
(Symbolic image) © Bartek Szewczy/Imago
Application coaches agree: Honesty also lasts the longest when it comes to the question of termination.
The career portal Monster
advises
dealing with your previous termination openly and confidently if your future employer asks you about it.
Even if the termination was due to an unresolvable conflict, applicants should not hide this: It then helps to explain the conflict objectively and reflect on how and why a solution was not reached.
Don't say bad words about your old employer
What every applicant should avoid, however, are complaints about their previous employer.
This is usually poorly received and has no effect at all at this point.
Ultimately, the new employer cannot change anything about the old employer's possible misconduct.
The whole thing leaves a bad aftertaste and can have a negative impact on the application process.
According to the
Hasselbach law firm,
it is forbidden to lie to your new employer about the reason for termination.
If it later turns out that you lied about the reason for termination, the new employer can even challenge the newly concluded employment contract.
Forward-looking reasons make an impression
In general, it can be said that a long rummage through the past does not make a good impression.
So look ahead when answering the reason for termination.
Best example: If your old employer no longer offered opportunities for advancement, say that you would like them for your professional future and are now looking for new challenges and career opportunities.
A professional reorientation is also a good, quickly accepted reason for termination.
According to the job portal
Salzburgerjobs,
this shows your potential employer that you are interested in change and willing to learn new things.
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What to do if your old employer quits
The situation is different if the applicant did not quit their job voluntarily, but was fired.
If there is a dismissal for operational reasons because the company is insolvent or had to cut jobs, this can still be well justified.
Ultimately, the fault does not lie with the person who was terminated.
However, if your old boss fired you because you did poor work, this is a little more difficult to convey in the interview.
In this case, admit the mistake, but don't elaborate on it in detail.
It's best to briefly analyze the situation back then and explain what you learned from it.
The motivation to do everything better in the new job should definitely resonate with the other person.