Working Your Exit Plan

Interview: How To Explain Why You’re Leaving A Job Without TMI or Burning Bridges

Transition Tips

In my first article we discuss how to make an Exit Plan. Step 4 is update your resume and interview.

Now, how do you explain why you’re leaving? If you’re like me, you believe that honesty is the best policy and it is. As a matter of fact, lying on your resume or interview can be cause for termination. However, you have to find the delicate balance between telling the truth and sharing too much. Too much information (TMI) is never a good professional practice.

Know your audience and put yourself in their shoes. Would you want a new employee who’s fleeing drama or willing to share all your company’s ugly secrets? Be careful! The world might be a big place, but networks make it really small and easy to verify information through “informal” channels. I’ll expand on this more at the end.

If you have your current employer listed and they ask why you’re leaving, start by saying, “I’m looking for opportunities in a new environment to expand my knowledge and skills…” Make sure you choose 2–3 skills from the new position’s job description that are related to your current position. For example, you’re a program coordinator at a school program and you’re interviewing for a similar position at local social service agency:

You could say, “I’ve been looking for a new position to expand my knowledge and skills in trauma informed care and therapeutic support. I’ve had some training and I love working with my students, but I’d like to shift my focus from academic support. Working with a therapeutic support team would be more aligned with my background and future career goals…”

This example positively mentions your current position. Yet, it focuses on your skills and goals.

Worst case scenario — filling the gap

If things are bad and you’re at the point of resigning or being forced out and you don’t have anyone to use as a reference; it might be wise not to list your current employer.

This will leave a gap especially if you’ve been there for more than a year. You can be honest and discuss your current position, but not mention the company. This can be very tricky — might need to explain the gap on your resume. Make sure everything is consistent — if they’re not on your resume, don’t list them as a reference.

Practice writing a statement about your current position. You can use phrases like:

The position is in transition or experiencing a reorganization…

This is a temporary or short term engagement or contract…

NEVER speak negatively about a company or previous employer. Always take the high road or don’t say anything — even if the interviewer says something negative about the company. Smile and bring the conversation back to the current position.

Other challenges

If they ask you about challenges, steer clear of mentioning real names and conflicts. Have a short answer ready that highlights how you resolved it.

This takes practice… Always try to do a mock interview with someone else especially on Zoom. Record it and then take notes focusing on your posture, facial expressions and body language. Check for ums. I’m an ummer — so I’ve learned to inhale and pause if I’m stuck. I’ll say something like, “Hmm, give me a minute to think about that,” pause and then proceed with my answer.

Last note on references

I’m seeing a growing trend of asking for references prior to the interview. This can be good or bad.

Good: If you have good references, it could paint you in a positive light prior to your interview

Bad: If you can’t or don’t feel comfortable using your current employer that can be a red flag for the prospective employer or if you list them and say “please don’t contact” — you run the risk of them being contacted

That’s why I urge you not to burn any bridges if you’re leaving a bad situation. You may need a reference from a colleague if your immediate supervisor isn’t an option. Most importantly, make sure this is someone you can trust, who likes and respects you personally and professionally and always ask and get a definitive “yes” before you list them as a reference. You’ll be surprised how people feel about you and your work.

Unfortunately, if you don’t follow this step you can get an bad reference or the person may decline or ignore the request and that may eliminate you as a candidate. When it’s close, a good reference can be the tie breaker.

Secondly, always send your references an updated copy of your resume and the job description so they’re prepared to answer questions. It’s a good way to connect and stay in touch. They may have forgotten your dates of employment and conflicting or erroneous information doesn’t look good.

Minda Harts from The Memo suggests to that you schedule time to check in with your network. She’s also a proponent of sending hard copy Thank You cards versus emails and I am, too. I keep them in my desk or a few in my work bag. Hard copy Thank You cards are also a nice touch that can give you bonus points as a candidate.

I hope this is helpful.

Next month, we’ll be hosting a share and support group. I’ll post a link soon.

Thank you for reading.