Tips on Answering Tough Interview Questions

Why did you leave your last job? Or why do you want to leave your current job? These questions can strike fear in even the most expert of interviewee’s. While you don’t want to give more information than is necessary, you also do not want deafening silence either.

Aside from wanting to know that you’re not a flake, your interviewer is asking this question to find out why you’re interested in the opening. So, there’s an art to formulating your response that’ll enable you to sail through smoothly and come out ahead. Accounting Career Consultants wants to help you craft an expert answer to this tricky question.

Be Honest.
This should go without saying, but you absolutely have to be up front about your reason for leaving, particularly if you were terminated. A prospective employer can, and usually will call your references or your last supervisor. If you’ve been let go, don’t panic: it doesn’t mean you’re out of the running. Your best bet is to chalk it up to a learning experience and showcase what you’ve gained from it. People are often able to overlook mistakes if you admit to them and prove that you’ve grown in the process.

Don’t Overstate Your Answer.
As we’ve said before, don’t give more information than is necessary but don’t say too little. There is a fine balance to answering this question.  Once you’ve answered the question, there’s no need to keep elaborating. The longer you continue talking, the more likely you are to start opening up about things that aren’t necessary. And if you’re leaving on good terms and are simply looking for a new challenge, that’s all you need to say on the matter. If the interviewer wants more information, they will ask you to expand.

Remember Why You’re There.
The best way to conclude your response is to spin it back to what’s most important—why you are interested in the job you’re interviewing for. Highlight job duties for the new position that spark your interest. And definitely beware of citing any dislikes from previous jobs that are clearly defined in the job description for this role. Hated cold calling prospects? Be sure that’s not listed as a requirement before speaking up. Know the job description like the back of your hand before you list all of the “dislikes” of your last job. Walking this tight rope means knowing what to say and what not to say. If you keep your eye on the ultimate goal- the job your interviewing for, than this question will be like any other.

Remember, you’ve already passed the initial screening, and the interview is your time to shine. So when asked about your previous job, just keep your answer short, honest, and positive and you’ll be on to the next question in no time. If you want more help preparing for your next interview, contact the experienced recruiters at Accounting Career Consultants.