Stupid Interview Questions: why did you leave this or that job?

[Berryracer]

I know this is lengthy, but for the love of god, please read it to help someone who is lost for words.....

I live in Dubai since 23 years and out of all the interviews I have attended in the past. Depending on the nationality of the interviewer, you get different questions...

Example:

If the interviewer was from an Arab nationality (I am an Arab as well but hate the way they look at things), all they ask me is what is my current salary, why am I leaving my current job, then why did I leave the job before that, then why did I leave the job before that, then why did I leave the first job, basically, it is like an interrogation of why I left every job. They don't focus on my current skills, languages, etc that I know. After I have answered the above questions, if I am ok with the salary they are offering, they will offer me the job. This is the worst kind of interview I would have in my life. And if I don't answer the questions of why I left my previous employers according to their liking, I lost the battle (the job opportunity)



On the other hand, whenever I get interviewed by a western (British, Canadian, Australian, or American) interviewer/manager, they never EVER ask me about my previous salaries or why did I leave this or that job. Instead, they ask me to talk about myself, tell them what I excel at, tell them my weak points, then they tell me about the job role, and see how I react to it and whether I see myself doing that job or not. I have always failed interviews with Arab people because I have changed quite a few jobs in the past and industries, which makes the interviewer think that I will leave my job with his / her company soon after joining. I have always impressed the western interviewers though who assess my current skills rather than fish in my past.

What I want from you is to please have a look at my employment history, and tell me what would you say to give the best answer.....

Feb 2004 - Aug 2005
Emirates Airline
Customer Service Agent
Reason for leaving: none, promoted

Aug 2005 - Nov 2006
Emirates Airline
Quality Assurance Officer
Reason for leaving: terminated due to being late three times in one month
what I say: I got a good opportunity to enter into the banking industry, although this is fishy because the interviewer thinks,,wait a minute, you left the best airline in the middle east as a senior position to start out fresh as a banker? So what would you say?

Nov 2006 - Aug 2008
Invest Bank
Teller
Reason for leaving: low a$$ salary + no career growth opportunities
What I say: I got a new challenge to join as a credit analyst in another bank

Sep 2008 - Aug 2011
Al Hilal Bank
Credit Analyst
Reason for leaving: I had a bitchy manager who was racist and hated Syrians and made my life miserable so I resigned
What I say: due to the economic crisis, the applications for credit cards/loans decreased drastically and my services were no longer required, again, kinda weak, what would you say?

Aug 2011 - Feb 2012
The First Group (Property Company)
Telesales Consultant
Reason for leaving: the target we had was crazy, the minimum investment that I should sell is worth $400,000 USD so it's not exactly easy and the people who can afford it are very rare, I selll off plan projects, hotel apartments basically that are fully managed and rented out on the behalf of the investor. This job was BS, I was good in my presentations and everything, but the reality of the situation is it is very rare to find someone who has such kind of money that will invest it in a dream, a project that is yet to be constructed. long working hours, mandatory overtime that is not paid, so I was constantly looking for a job, I did 3 interviews in one company that said they liked me a lot. So I assumed that I got the job, and I resigned! but unfortunately that company did not hire me and I got screwed, now I am looking for a job and don't know what to tell future companies about why I left my current job...

Please help me..

 

[dmcowen674]

First world problems

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Either bullshit or be honest

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Valid reasons for leaving a job are opportunities to grow (ie, more upward mobility), your position is being eliminated due to layoff/outsourcing, etc. You want to avoid saying things like "I left for more money" and you especially don't want to say things like "I didn't get along with my manager" or "My targets were unrealistic." Those will be huge red flags.

The problem you're going to have is that you didn't stay in any single position very long. At least in the US, that is a red flag to potential employers because they will think you get bored or jump to wherever you can make a little more money and they won't want to invest in you as a new employee.


Now, your specific cases:

Reason for leaving: the target we had was crazy, the minimum investment that I should sell is worth $400,000 USD so it's not exactly easy and the people who can afford it are very rare, I selll off plan projects, hotel apartments basically that are fully managed and rented out on the behalf of the investor. This job was BS, I was good in my presentations and everything, but the reality of the situation is it is very rare to find someone who has such kind of money that will invest it in a dream, a project that is yet to be constructed. long working hours, mandatory overtime that is not paid, so I was constantly looking for a job, I did 3 interviews in one company that said they liked me a lot. So I assumed that I got the job, and I resigned! but unfortunately that company did not hire me and I got screwed, now I am looking for a job and don't know what to tell future companies about why I left my current job...

I'd answer with something to the effect that you're looking to get into [insert company's field you're interviewing with]. Also, if the position above is commission-based, I'd state that you're looking for more stability and growth opportunity.

what I say: I got a good opportunity to enter into the banking industry, although this is fishy because the interviewer thinks,,wait a minute, you left the best airline in the middle east as a senior position to start out fresh as a banker? So what would you say?

I'd say something to the effect that you wanted to switch careers and found banking more interesting and the opportunity you were given was a great opportunity for growth and met your needs in terms of compensation. If he keeps questioning you after that, do you really want to work for someone like that?

What I say: due to the economic crisis, the applications for credit cards/loans decreased drastically and my services were no longer required, again, kinda weak, what would you say?

That's acceptable. Say that due to the econominc crisis, credit applications decreased substantially and as a result, your company was forced to downsize and unfortunately, your position was eliminated.

First world problems

Those of us who can actually land other jobs don't think so. If you don't have anything constructive to offer, how about not posting? Of course, in your case, that means you'd never post which is fine by all of us.

 

[LiuKangBakinPie]

The last person that quit or was fired will be held responsible for everything that goes wrong.

 

[Berryracer]

Valid reasons for leaving a job are opportunities to grow (ie, more upward mobility), your position is being eliminated due to layoff/outsourcing, etc. You want to avoid saying things like "I left for more money" and you especially don't want to say things like "I didn't get along with my manager" or "My targets were unrealistic." Those will be huge red flags.

The problem you're going to have is that you didn't stay in any single position very long. At least in the US, that is a red flag to potential employers because they will think you get bored or jump to wherever you can make a little more money and they won't want to invest in you as a new employee.


Now, your specific cases:



I'd answer with something to the effect that you're looking to get into [insert company's field you're interviewing with]. Also, if the position above is commission-based, I'd state that you're looking for more stability and growth opportunity.




I'd say something to the effect that you wanted to switch careers and found banking more interesting and the opportunity you were given was a great opportunity for growth and met your needs in terms of compensation. If he keeps questioning you after that, do you really want to work for someone like that?



That's acceptable. Say that due to the econominc crisis, credit applications decreased substantially and as a result, your company was forced to downsize and unfortunately, your position was eliminated.





Those of us who can actually land other jobs don't think so. If you don't have anything constructive to offer, how about not posting? Of course, in your case, that means you'd never post which is fine by all of us.

Dear Sir, I am very grateful for the time you have taken to read my long post and answer me in detail regarding each circumstance.

One last note. Since you said that I haven't stayed long in any one company, I know this is not exactly ethical, but do you think it's better for me to hide one of those banking jobs (the credit analyst maybe) or hide the entire banking experience all together? Which one would you recommend?

Companies here don't usually go back verifying your employment at each and every job, they would only call your last employer.

Now one more think I am not clear about, you said about leaving my last job (which was stupid mistake by me to resign based on having 3 interviews and not actually having an offer letter in hand, but that's a mistake I've learned the hard way.) Now if I tell companies that I left my last job because I was looking for a more stable job, that is perfectly fine, but noone really resigns before he gets a job in hand right? I know I am making this difficult, but what would you say?

If you are in an interview now with Company X, and you tell them you left your job because you want a more stable job for example..... then they'd ask so why did you leave before you find a job? now you have no income and no job?? you see what Im tryin' to say?


PS: I am glad that someone like you actually cares to help. Some people think this is a joke and just want to throw in some lame comments like the guy above. Some people like me are sometimes lost and do not know what to say in certain situations, and this little help could warrant me a job and help me in my life.

 

[shortylickens]

The main reason they ask "why" questions is they wanna see HOW you answer. The details arent important. They like to know how you deal with pressure or difficult situations. If they ask routine questions and never see you get flustered they will keep pushing until you do get flustered. They need to know if you can handle the stress of every day work there. A big part of many jobs is being able to deliver bad news or talk about unpleasant things in a mature and frank manner.
Even better, if you messed up big time at your last job but can still make yourself sound professional and competent then you just scored major points.

 

[Berryracer]

The main reason they ask "why" questions is they wanna see HOW you answer. The details arent important. They like to know how you deal with pressure or difficult situations. If they ask routine questions and never see you get flustered they will keep pushing until you do get flustered. They need to know if you can handle the stress of every day work there. A big part of many jobs is being able to deliver bad news or talk about unpleasant things in a mature and frank manner.
Even better, if you messed up big time at your last job but can still make yourself sound professional and competent then you just scored major points.

Ahh!! Now I understand why they keep giving me this tough questions and keep cornering me....to test my patience and how I deal with pressure/difficult situations...

Thank you for that, I will try to prepare those answers in my head before going to the interview so that I don't feel lost at any question.....

 

[shortylickens]

Well like I said, some places KEEP asking you questions until you just plain fail. Which is annoying.

 

[jingramm]

Just answer in a simple way

you left Emirates Airline because you wanted to enter the financial services industry and say you were always interested in that industry

the transition from being a teller to a credit analyst is pretty self-explanatory, and you were there for 2-3 years each so there shouldn't be any questions

and as for your last position ending, be honest and say you thought you had another job lined up so you resigned but it ended up not working out

 

[Berryracer]

Just answer in a simple way

you left Emirates Airline because you wanted to enter the financial services industry and say you were always interested in that industry

the transition from being a teller to a credit analyst is pretty self-explanatory, and you were there for 2-3 years each so there shouldn't be any questions

and as for your last position ending, be honest and say you thought you had another job lined up so you resigned but it ended up not working out

Thank you very much sir! You saved me from a big headache!

Cheers

 

[SaDiZTiKStyLeZ]

Because my boss was gay & wanted me to be his lover, then adopt kids & have a family.

 

[AreaCode707]

There are some good answers here but I would also note that you do appear to be a job hopper and you should finish your response with a plausible reason why you will not do the same to your new employer.

"In my past roles I have worked to build up a wide variety of experience so that I could position myself well to be qualified for a company like <company name>. <Job title> has always been my goal for a long term career, and <company> seems like the type of place where I could continue to contribute for years to come."

You want to make them believe they are different, that you won't just be there for two years. And honestly, that needs to be the reality. You need to be at your next job for at least 4 years or you will have trouble finding new work after that.

 

[Berryracer]

There are some good answers here but I would also note that you do appear to be a job hopper and you should finish your response with a plausible reason why you will not do the same to your new employer.

"In my past roles I have worked to build up a wide variety of experience so that I could position myself well to be qualified for a company like <company name>. <Job title> has always been my goal for a long term career, and <company> seems like the type of place where I could continue to contribute for years to come."

You want to make them believe they are different, that you won't just be there for two years. And honestly, that needs to be the reality. You need to be at your next job for at least 4 years or you will have trouble finding new work after that.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! I love that statement you mentioned above and shall be using it! :thumbsup: And you're right, I need to find a decent job now and stick to it!

 

[Q]

In regards to your last position (resigning then finding out you didn't get the job), I might just be honest about that one, but put a positive spin on it and explain what you learned from that experience.

Now don't take my advice on this alone, since I am really young in the workforce, but what I'd personally do in that situation, is acknowledge the fact that I'm young and wasn't quite sure what I was looking for, but now that I've had time to mature over these past X years, I know I want stability and the [insert examples / facts about current job you are interviewing for] about this job are exactly where I'm looking to fulfill the rest of my career.

Companies want someone who will stick around and are excited to grow with the company.

 

[ShawnD1]

First world problems

Getting a job is a first world problem? People in China starve if they don't have a job.

Well like I said, some places KEEP asking you questions until you just plain fail. Which is annoying.

They're testing to see if you can keep your cool. If you panic, then you're probably lying. You need to work on the skill of thinking of lies as you go and keeping the story straight or being able to cover why the story is inconsistent. Politicians have this down to a science. They'll say they support something, then a couple minutes later they'll imply that they were against that same thing. They do that without breaking stride, without panic, without sweating.

 

[Berryracer]

Getting a job is a first world problem? People in China starve if they don't have a job.


They're testing to see if you can keep your cool. If you panic, then you're probably lying. You need to work on the skill of thinking of lies as you go and keeping the story straight or being able to cover why the story is inconsistent. Politicians have this down to a science. They'll say they support something, then a couple minutes later they'll imply that they were against that same thing. They do that without breaking stride, without panic, without sweating.

Yes very true. One needs to be able to react quickly and in a calm manner to any kind of these annoying questions!

I just hate it when they meet you and the first thing they say what's your current salary and what are you expecting! Well freakin' get to know me first if Im worth anything

 

[theeedude]

Ask them why the last person who had the position they are interviewing you for left. And why the one before him left, etc.

 

[Berryracer]

Ask them why the last person who had the position they are interviewing you for left. And why the one before him left, etc.

ROFLMAO That should keep them silent for a while

 

[ShawnD1]

Ask them why the last person who had the position they are interviewing you for left. And why the one before him left, etc.

I indirectly ask this every time. I ask the average employee retention time and the estimated average employee age.
-low retention (high turnover) means the job sucks
-young people means the job sucks.

The place I work now had an average age well over 50 when I started. The were mostly post-retirement guys (that is a good sign) and retention time was low because the branch in this city only started a few years ago.

 

[shortylickens]

ROFLMAO That should keep them silent for a while

No, never. Even if they dont know why they are always fed a standard bullshit answer to give to interviewees. More often than not they say its a "new" position or new work or they are expanding their operations. Thats rarely the case. If they were actually expanding such things would be found on internet. Maybe not the nightly news, but the industry in general would sure know about it cuz expansion involves a LOT more than just hiring more people.

If they say its cuz somebody retired thats just filled with all kinds of problems. It may have been forced retirement or layoffs. The guy may have cracked and broken down. It might be a straight up lie and the person just plain quit.

My last job at Tektronix was a combo of the above two issues. They were "restructuring" which turned out to be the old fashioned "fire a buttload of people and everyone thats left do all the work". I was one of the newbs brought in to replace 3 overpriced paychecks. I made one third of what any of them did. So I was basically 9 times the bargain. I also did 9 times the work. They got rid of most of the people by forced early retirement with pensions at a small fraction. They did expand in the sense they made new divisions, but that was to cover the multitude of areas they had shut down.

But no, such a question NEVER makes the interviewer squirm. They always know either the truth, or a well fabricated lie and they always tell a good lie. And theres no way to know for sure until you actually start working.

 

[Berryracer]

No, never. Even if they dont know why they are always fed a standard bullshit answer to give to interviewees. More often than not they say its a "new" position or new work or they are expanding their operations. Thats rarely the case. If they were actually expanding such things would be found on internet. Maybe not the nightly news, but the industry in general would sure know about it cuz expansion involves a LOT more than just hiring more people.

If they say its cuz somebody retired thats just filled with all kinds of problems. It may have been forced retirement or layoffs. The guy may have cracked and broken down. It might be a straight up lie and the person just plain quit.

My last job at Tektronix was a combo of the above two issues. They were "restructuring" which turned out to be the old fashioned "fire a buttload of people and everyone thats left do all the work". I was one of the newbs brought in to replace 3 overpriced paychecks. I made one third of what any of them did. So I was basically 9 times the bargain. I also did 9 times the work. They got rid of most of the people by forced early retirement with pensions at a small fraction. They did expand in the sense they made new divisions, but that was to cover the multitude of areas they had shut down.

But no, such a question NEVER makes the interviewer squirm. They always know either the truth, or a well fabricated lie and they always tell a good lie. And theres no way to know for sure until you actually start working.

Wow, I never looked at it this way.

Thank you very much. I learned something new today.

 

[shortylickens]

Wow, I never looked at it this way.

Thank you very much. I learned something new today.

Are you some kind of bot?

 

[Berryracer]

Are you some kind of bot?

ROFLMAO!!!!

Seriously...when I read your statement I was like....

But then I cracked up laughing! Thanks for giving me the laugh of the year! :whiste:

 

[shortylickens]

:hmm: